Catriona Foley
About Catriona Foley
Catriona Foley serves as the Head of Strategic Operations at the Overseas Development Institute, where she has worked since 2020. She has a background in project management and operations, with previous roles at ALNAP and various positions at ODI.
Work at ODI
Catriona Foley has held multiple roles at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) since 2012. She currently serves as the Head of Strategic Operations, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she focuses on enhancing ODI’s project management tools, systems, and processes. Prior to this, she worked as a Programme Manager and Programme Officer, where she contributed to various projects. Foley also served as an Administrative Assistant early in her career at ODI, gaining foundational experience in the organization.
Previous Experience at ALNAP
Before joining ODI in her current role, Catriona Foley worked at the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP) as Operations and Partnerships Manager from 2017 to 2020. In this position, she managed operations and developed partnerships, contributing to the organization's mission of improving humanitarian action through learning and accountability.
Education and Expertise
Catriona Foley holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, which she completed from 2013 to 2015. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Development from the University of St. Andrews, where she studied from 2006 to 2010. Her educational background supports her expertise in project management and strategic operations within the development sector.
Leadership in Project Management
In her role at ODI, Catriona Foley plays a leadership role in ensuring that sector-wide project management standards are applied within the project management team. She advises on business development decision-making by analyzing prospective project opportunities, thereby influencing the strategic direction of projects at ODI.