David Levy
New York,United States
Summary
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert with extensive experience at United Nations Development Programme. Demonstrated expertise in drafting Environmental and Social Management Plans and engaging diverse stakeholders. Proficient in risk assessment and ensuring project compliance, with a focus on social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Fluent in English and proficient in French.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Dili
08.2023 - Current
- Drafting the SESP and ESMF for a Global Environment Facility Project (GEF 8). Drafting the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Indigenous Peoples Plan and as well training the National SES Advisor and leading the SES field mission.
Musician
Out to Lunch
09.2004 - Current
- Managed and performed on five international tours with jazz band Out to Lunch. Composed and produced six albums. Signed a record deal in 2008 with Accurate Records (Boston), in 2012 with MesaBluemoon Recordings (California) and in 2018 with PeaceTones (human rights non-profit). Performed and recorded as a saxophonist, bass clarinetist and bansuri flutist on numerous records.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Regional Manager and GEDSI Manager
WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature)
10.2021 - 06.2025
- Developing and implementing SES screening procedures for all Pacific projects. Developing ESMFs for all Pacific projects. Designed and implemented the Grievance Redress Mechanism. Managing the Gender, Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) project for the Pacific region.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Regional Manager and GEDSI Manager
WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature)
10.2021 - 06.2025
- Developing and implementing SES screening procedures for all Pacific projects. Developing ESMFs for all Pacific projects. Designed and implemented the Grievance Redress Mechanism. Managing the Gender, Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) project for the Pacific region.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Port Moresby
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Drafted the SESP, ESIA, ESMP, and IPP for a Global Environment Facility Project (GEF 7). Lead the Stakeholder Engagement and SES field mission in New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
03.2023 - 06.2023
- Drafted the Social Inclusion Planning Framework for a Global Environment Facility Project (GEF 7). Assisted with implementing the Stakeholder Engagement and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) field mission in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Drafted the SESP and ESMF for a Global Environment Facility Project (GEF 7). Provided advisory services related to implementing Stakeholder Engagement and FPIC.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Kuala Lumpur
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Drafted the SESP and ESMF for two Malaysia Country Office projects. Drafted the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Risk Register for the projects. Advising on the next steps such as drafting an ESIA, ESMP, and IPP.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Yangon
12.2019 - 12.2022
- Ensured UNDP complied with its policy standards as per the POPP. Implemented Social and Environmental Screening Procedures, Environmental and Social Management Plans that achieved the following goals: (i) identify expected environmental and social risks and impacts (both positive and negative); (ii) suggest measures to anticipate, avoid, prevent, minimize, mitigate, manage, offset or compensate for these risks; (iii) ensure monitor and reporting requirements; and (iv) develop a multi-stakeholder engagement plan.
Legal Advisor
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Tarawa
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Provided legal advisory services to the Government of Kiribati with regard to policy and regulatory reform. Implemented capacity building and training for the Government. Managed an international technical consultant.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Conakry
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Drafted the SESP and ESMF for two Guinea Country Office projects. Drafted the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Risk Register for the projects. Advised on the next steps such as drafting an ESIA, ESMP, and IPP.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Addis Ababa
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Implemented a Social and Environmental Safeguards assessment and Action Plan for the Sida Programme. Wrote the SES Assessment Report and drafted the Action Plan.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Port Moresby
04.2020 - 12.2021
- Drafted the SESP, ESIA, ESMP, and IPP for a Global Environment Facility Project (GEF 6). Lead the Stakeholder Engagement and SES field missions. Implemented SES training for the national staff.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist
United States Agency for International Development
Tarawa
08.2020 - 09.2020
- Provided technical advice and support for an Environment and Social Risk Assessment Report, ensured that Kiribati’s Strategic Framework and Country Plan is compliant with ESS instruments of the GCF and other donors and partners, and provided guidance tools on the use of safeguards categorization to ensure that project activities and proposals avoid social and environmental risks.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
Green Climate Fund
10.2019 - 02.2020
- Implemented the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project: Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro and meteorological hazards in Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea. Ensured the project was compliant with SPREP and ESS policy standards. Developed an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) including how to: (i) identify and report on expected environmental and social risks and impacts (both positive and negative); (ii) present measures to anticipate, avoid, prevent, minimize, mitigate, manage, offset or compensate for these risks; (iii) monitoring and reporting requirements; (iv) implement mitigation measures; (v) development of a multi-stakeholder engagement approach. Provided technical advice and support to the SPREP team regarding how to implement the ESMP.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Environment Programme
Dili
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Implemented the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project: Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro and meteorological hazards in Timor-Leste. Ensured the project was compliant with UNEP and GCF ESS policy standards. Developed an Environmental and Social Management Plan including how to: (i) identify and report on expected environmental and social risks and impacts (both positive and negative); (ii) present measures to anticipate, avoid, prevent, minimize, mitigate, manage, offset or compensate for these risks; (iii) monitoring and reporting requirements; (iv) implement mitigation measures; (v) development of a multi-stakeholder engagement approach. Provided technical advice and support to the GCF, UNEP, and FAO planning team on how to implement the ESMP.
Anti-Corruption Specialist
United Nations Development Programme
Dili
07.2019 - 09.2019
- Developing the preliminary diagnostic for the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for Timor-Leste. Analyzing Qualitative and Quantitative data through conducting interviews with Timor-Leste’s Government and desk-based research. Providing recommendations regarding how Timor-Leste could pursue creating its National Anti-Corruption Strategy. Working directly with the staff in CAC.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
05.2019 - 07.2019
- Created the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project: Post-disaster Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Loan. Ensuring it meets UNDP and policy standards. Developed an Environmental and Social Management (ESM) Plan that will achieve the following goals: (i) identify expected environmental and social risks and impacts (both positive and negative); (ii) present measures to anticipate, avoid, prevent, minimize, mitigate, manage, offset or compensate for these risks; (iii) monitor and reporting requirements; (iv) demonstrate expected timelines for implementation of mitigation measures; (v) develop a multi-stakeholder engagement plan. Provided technical advice and support to UNDP and the Government of BVI. Built capacity through an ESS workshop.
International Consultant
UNICEF
New York, NY
02.2019 - 06.2019
- Lead Writer for the Annual Results Report (ARR): Writing the drafts and final ARR for the UNICEF Early Childhood Development Section. Working in close consultation with the Programme Division. Providing inputs on cross-cutting narratives from other teams and goal areas. Coordinating and summarizing inputs on statistical analyses, as well as writing human-interest narratives.
Project Manager
PeaceTones (Human Rights NGO)
New York, NY
07.2017 - 03.2019
- Managing The World United in Song, an advocacy project that supports musicians and artists from around the world who promote human rights and social justice. This project promotes compelling stories that raise awareness about human rights issues and organizes calls to action in such countries as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Tibet, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Thailand, Senegal, Syria, and Iraq.
Evaluation Consultant
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Geneva
02.2018 - 07.2018
- Evaluated OHCHR’s human rights database (HRDB). Conducted an assessment of the users’ experience of the HRDB. Designed questionnaires, conducted interviews, and analyzed the findings using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Co-authored the evaluation report.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Geneva
03.2018 - 06.2018
- Designed the social and environmental screening mechanism for Category C projects. Carried out the social and environmental screening for the project: Enhancing Early Warning Systems for Pacific Small Island Developing States (Fiji, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea). Build expertise related to the SIDS project (which I subsequently worked on in Timor-Leste).
Eligibility Officer
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
Bangkok
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Assessed asylum seekers’ applications to determine whether they met the requirements for refugee status as per international law and UNHCR protocol. Interviewed applicants and their families regarding their asylum applications and offered advice and support with regard to their legal rights.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Bonn
03.2016 - 06.2017
- Co-managed, researched and co-authored a white paper for Mirova, an impact investment firm, on behalf of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The white paper created the framework for Environmental and Social Safeguards for UNCCD’s Land Degradation Neutrality Fund. The safeguards will help to ensure that the Fund complies with international social and environmental norms. The safeguards will also ensure that all projects positively affect both the communities and the environment through such practices as gender mainstreaming and carbon neutrality.
Team Leader
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Dili
05.2015 - 09.2016
- Managed a team funded and coordinated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that provided technical assistance to Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with its application to accede to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Performed legal analysis of Timor-Leste’s laws to determine whether they are compliant with ASEAN regulations. Drafted high-level correspondences between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ADB to engage government actors in ASEAN protocol.
Human Rights Monitoring Officer
Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice
Dili
10.2014 - 01.2015
- Managed, researched and drafted Timor-Leste’s submission to the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT) Committee on behalf of its National Human Rights Institution. Conducted on-site interviews and monitoring of public institutions such as prisons and schools, and as well interviewed citizens with grievances related to CAT. Advocated for the Government of Timor-Leste to accede to the Optional Protocol of CAT. Worked with the national staff in order to assist with capacity building in such areas as research, writing, and preparing presentations.
Manager of Elementary School Education Program
New York City Board of Education
New York, NY
02.2007 - 06.2014
- Managed and taught elementary school music classes. Developed innovative curriculum for music programs for special needs students. Founded and directed an elementary school enrichment band program. Provided music classes for children with developmental disabilities. From 2012 – 2014 created and managed my own education consultancy business that provided music instruction to elementary schools mainly in low-income neighbourhoods in New York. Taught for this program as well as managed all administrative aspects.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
New York, NY
09.2012 - 02.2014
- Co-designed the Procedures for SECU, UNDP’s mechanism that investigates development projects to ensure compliance with international social and environmental safeguards. Conducted research articulating UNDP’s obligations with respect to environmental and social safeguards. Engaged with the working group to create such documents as the Social and Environmental Screening Procedure, the Social and Environmental Management Plan, the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and the Social and Environmental Standards. Piloted the ESS mechanism in two countries.
Leitner International Human Rights Legal Fellow
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
The Hague
05.2011 - 08.2011
- Researched and drafted memoranda interpreting international criminal law for the Judges’ Chamber, Trial Court III, The Prosecutor v. Radovan Karadzic. Briefed the judges on research pertaining to evidentiary issues arising during the proceedings. Assisted the legal officers with drafting responses to motions.
Leitner International Human Rights Legal Fellow
Advocacy Forum
Kathmandu
05.2010 - 08.2010
- Authored a preliminary draft of a human rights statute for the Government of Nepal on behalf of Advocacy Forum, a Nepali-based human rights NGO. This statute articulates best practices for Nepal’s police with respect to responding to crimes of sexual violence.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
- Drafted the SESP and ESMF for two Guinea Country Office projects. Drafted the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Risk Register for the projects. Advised on the next steps such as drafting an ESIA, ESMP, and IPP.
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
- Drafted the SESP and ESMF for two Guinea Country Office projects. Drafted the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Risk Register for the projects. Advised on the next steps such as drafting an ESIA, ESMP, and IPP.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Fordham University School of Law
New York, NY05.2012
Bachelor of Music - Classical and Jazz Performance, Minor in Philosophy
McGill University
Montréal, Québec05.2004
Skills
- English – Native speaker
- French – Intermediate
- Tetun (Official language of Timor-Leste) – Intermediate
- Indonesian – Basic
Publications
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Environmental and Social Standards of the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund: Link to Environmental and Social Standards, Co-Author
- TEDx – What Jazz Teaches Us About Human Rights (2015): Link to Video
- Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (Timor-Leste), Submission to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment: Link to Submission
- United Nations Development Programme, Social and Environmental Compliance Unit, Standard Operating Procedures 001 – Investigation Guidelines (2014): Link to Investigation Guidelines
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Government of Timor-Leste, Submission for Accession to the Association for Southeast Asian Nations, Lead Editor and Co-Author
- Asian Development Bank, Final Report, Technical Assistance Project 8256: Preparing for Regional Economic Integration, Financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japanese Fund for Poverty Reduction (2016): (publication pending)
Training
- Harvard Center for International Development, Certificate, Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation: Building Capability by Delivering Results, November 2015 – March 2016
- United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Refugee Status Determination exclusion training, May 2017
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, USAID, Building a Better Response (humanitarian response training), February – March 2018
- United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR’s tutorial on the Human Rights Database, March 2018
Citizenship and Visa Status
- Canadian Citizenship
- United States (Green Card)
Timeline
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
08.2023 - Current
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
03.2023 - 06.2023
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
11.2022 - 05.2023
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
08.2022 - 08.2023
Legal Advisor
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
08.2022 - 11.2022
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
05.2022 - 09.2022
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
04.2022 - 12.2022
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
01.2022 - 05.2022
Social and Environmental Safeguards Regional Manager and GEDSI Manager
WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature)
10.2021 - 06.2025
Social and Environmental Safeguards Regional Manager and GEDSI Manager
WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature)
10.2021 - 06.2025
Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist
United States Agency for International Development
08.2020 - 09.2020
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
04.2020 - 12.2021
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
12.2019 - 12.2022
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
Green Climate Fund
10.2019 - 02.2020
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Environment Programme
09.2019 - 02.2020
Anti-Corruption Specialist
United Nations Development Programme
07.2019 - 09.2019
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
05.2019 - 07.2019
International Consultant
UNICEF
02.2019 - 06.2019
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
03.2018 - 06.2018
Evaluation Consultant
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
02.2018 - 07.2018
Project Manager
PeaceTones (Human Rights NGO)
07.2017 - 03.2019
Eligibility Officer
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
01.2017 - 06.2017
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
03.2016 - 06.2017
Team Leader
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
05.2015 - 09.2016
Human Rights Monitoring Officer
Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice
10.2014 - 01.2015
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
09.2012 - 02.2014
Leitner International Human Rights Legal Fellow
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
05.2011 - 08.2011
Leitner International Human Rights Legal Fellow
Advocacy Forum
05.2010 - 08.2010
Manager of Elementary School Education Program
New York City Board of Education
02.2007 - 06.2014
Musician
Out to Lunch
09.2004 - Current
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
United Nations Development Programme
Juris Doctor -
Fordham University School of Law
Bachelor of Music - Classical and Jazz Performance, Minor in Philosophy
McGill University
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