Who We Are at Intersec Development

Thomas Hirl is an enthusiastic and versatile professional with over 20 years' experience in technical-vocational & entrepreneurial training (TVET), organisational development, and the NGO sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and postgraduate Law degree (L.L.B.) from the University of Cape Town, plus a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from City University, Washington (USA). Possessing proven expertise in organisational/capacity development, sustainable fundraising, contemporary development issues, and agile/digital management practices, he demonstrates strong intercultural leadership and resilient problem-solving in fragile environments. His career includes managing BMZ-funded Chamber/Business Association Development and TVET projects in Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Zambia, alongside serving as a technical adviser for a GIZ Good Governance programme in Zambia.

Christiane Roth is a Programme Manager, Research Associate, and PhD student at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. Holding an MSc in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and Political Science, she specialises in the domestic application of international disability rights frameworks. A certified Project Manager (PMP) and Change Manager (Prosci), Christiane has led development programmes for German political foundations and German Development Cooperation in West Africa and Zambia, focusing on legal empowerment and justice delivery. At Calgary, her research involves child and disability policy collaboration, while her PhD examines links between early neurodevelopmental disability supports and later socioeconomic outcomes. Proficient in quantitative, qualitative, and policy analysis methods—with deep monitoring and evaluation experience—she is dedicated to improving societal participation for underserved groups globally.

Niklas Schiffers is an emerging leader in international trade relations, holding a Bachelor's in Economics and a Master's in Sustainable Development Cooperation with multinational studies. His career began at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Ghana and Sri Lanka, later transitioning to freelance collaboration with development organisations. Specialising in facilitating trade between developing countries and the European market, his expertise includes project management, coordinating delegations, trade fair participation, and preparing companies for EU market entry. Schiffers' international background and hands-on experience make him a valuable asset in advancing sustainable global trade.

Darren Watson is an accomplished development professional with extensive experience in project management and strategic leadership across international organisations. Holding a PhD in Politics from Manchester Metropolitan University, he combines academic rigour with practical expertise in capacity building, grant management, and community engagement. His career includes roles as Programme Manager at Development Pathways and Advisor at GIZ, where he spearheaded sustainable finance initiatives at Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) and managed multi-million-pound social protection projects in Malawi and Asia-Pacific. Proficient in qualitative/quantitative analysis and causal inference techniques, Darren has led large-scale surveys in Eastern Africa. Notably, in 2023 he conducted a sustainability-focused quantitative impact analysis of major global companies on behalf of HM King Charles III to drive resilient business models. His work consistently delivers innovative solutions across humanitarian and development contexts.