Barbara Russo
About Barbara Russo
Barbara Russo is a Senior Programme Manager at Save the Children UK, where she has worked since 2015. She has extensive experience in international development, having held various roles in organizations such as Save the Children International, COOPI, and Associazione Mani Tese ONG ONLUS.
Current Role at Save the Children UK
Barbara Russo has served as Senior Programme Manager at Save the Children UK since 2015. In this role, she manages a team of four direct reports, which includes Programme Managers and Programme Officers. Her responsibilities include direct representation with counterparts in donor organizations, partner networks, and NGOs regarding existing grants and contracts. She also provides capacity building for country office staff on donor compliance, particularly focusing on the UNICEF compliance/HACT framework.
Previous Experience in Humanitarian Organizations
Barbara Russo has extensive experience in various humanitarian organizations. She worked at Save the Children International as Regional Head of Awards Management for East and Southern Africa during a two-month secondment in 2018. Prior to that, she held multiple roles at Associazione Mani Tese ONG ONLUS, including Asia Desk Manager from 2005 to 2008 and Africa Desk Support from 2002 to 2003. Additionally, she served as Project Manager at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale in 2008 and as Project Manager and Country Representative at Cesvi Fondazione Onlus from 2009 to 2012.
Education and Academic Background
Barbara Russo holds a Master's degree in Peacekeeping and Security from Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, which she completed from 2000 to 2001. She also earned a Laurea in Political Science with a focus on International Studies from Università degli Studi di Bari, where she studied from 1994 to 1999. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her work in international development and humanitarian assistance.
Compliance and Capacity Building Expertise
In her current role, Barbara Russo serves as the UNICEF compliance/HACT framework focal point for the Africa Regional Portfolio Team. She supports the UNICEF Compliance Manager in delivering training for Country Offices. Her expertise in donor compliance and capacity building is integral to her work, ensuring that country office staff are well-equipped to meet compliance standards.
International Experience and Contributions
Barbara Russo has gained significant international experience throughout her career. She worked as a World Congress Coordinator for Global March in New Delhi, India, from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, she served as Programmes Manager at Acid Survivors Trust International in London from 2013 to 2015. Her roles have often involved project management and support in various regions, including Africa and Asia.