About Us
We are an international development consulting firm focused on key areas such as Health and Social Development, Human Rights, Social Justice, and Public Policy, providing specialised consulting services that drive impactful change. Industry trends such as the increasing emphasis on sustainability, digital inclusion, and the integration of human rights into development practices shape our strategic direction. We serve a diverse client base including CSOs/NGOs, government agencies, multilateral development banks, public foreign development cooperation, and inter-governmental organisations, addressing global challenges through localised solutions.
Meet the Team
Thomas Hirl
Thomas Hirl is an enthusiastic versatile professional with over 20 years of work experience in the technical-vocational & entrepreneurial (TVET) / organisational development and NGO sector with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) and postgraduate Law Degree (L.L.B) from the University of Cape Town in South Africa and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from City University in the State of Washington (USA). He possesses proven and sound knowledge about organisational development, capacity development, sustainable fundraising, contemporary development issues, in-depth development sector knowledge including agile and post-modern digital management practices. He displays manifold inter-cultural leadership skills and experiences resulting in resilient behaviour with proven problem-solving propensity especially during difficult times in fragile environments. Thomas Hirl has inter alia worked as a project manager for BMZ funded projects in Sri Lanka, South Africa and Zambia implementing Chamber and Business Association Development and TVET partnership projects. He has furthermore worked as a technical adviser in a GIZ Good Governance Programme in Zambia.
Christiane Roth
Christiane Roth is a Program Manager, Research Associate and PhD student at the University of Calgary – School of Public Policy. With an MSc in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and Political Science she has a particular interest in the domestic application of international disability-focused human rights frameworks. Christiane has work experience in policy development and advice that aims at improving participation in society and access to services for underserved population groups. As a certified Project Manager (PMP) and Change Manager (Prosci), Christiane has led development programs for German political foundations and the German Development Cooperation in West Africa and Zambia, focussed on strengthening legal empowerment and enhanced justice delivery. At the School of Public Policy in Calgary, Christiane is involved in research, community collaboration and communication around child and disability policy. Christiane’s methodological expertise spans across quantitative, qualitative and policy analysis methods with in-depth experience in developing monitoring and evaluation systems. Christiane is passionate about improving participation in society for underserved population groups around the world.
Niklas Schiffers
Niklas Schiffers is a forward-thinking young leader in international trade relations, with a specialized focus on facilitating trade between developing economies and the European market. With an academic foundation shaped by global perspectives, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development Cooperation.
Niklas launched his career at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Ghana. He continued his work at the Chamber’s branch in Sri Lanka, gaining further expertise in cross-border trade and economic development. His transition into freelance consulting has allowed him to collaborate with a variety of development organizations, driving initiatives that bridge markets and promote sustainable growth.
With a track record in managing complex projects, coordinating high-level delegation visits, organizing trade fair participation, and preparing businesses for successful European market entry, Niklas brings invaluable expertise to his clients. His international experience, hands-on approach, and deep understanding of global trade dynamics make him a trusted partner for companies and organizations seeking to expand their global footprint.
Darren Watson
Darren Watson is a seasoned development professional with a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives across international organizations. His extensive experience in project management, strategic leadership, and capacity development has positioned him as a valuable asset in the field. Throughout his career, Darren has held key roles at prestigious institutions such as Development Pathways, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Accounting for Sustainability (A4S), and St John Ambulance. His notable achievements include spearheading sustainable finance projects, managing multi-million-dollar social protection initiatives, and building capacity for communities worldwide. Darren’s expertise extends beyond project management. His strong background in qualitative and quantitative analysis, coupled with a PhD in Politics from Manchester Metropolitan University, allows him to deliver innovative solutions with a deep understanding of complex development challenges. His ability to apply causal inference techniques and design and implement large-scale surveys has been instrumental in his work.
