Jose Abad Puelles
Toronto
Summary
Professional with robust background in international trade and stakeholder relationships, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Adept at implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Known for fostering teamwork and adapting to evolving business needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Office of Ontario in Mexico
Government of Ontario – Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade
01.2023 - Current
- Actively promote Ontario, in Mexico and Latin America, as a prime destination for foreign direct investment and as a trusted partner for international trade and business internationalization.
- Manage strategic relationships with Mexican policymakers, business leaders, trade associations, academia, and Ontario stakeholders to promote trade, attract investment, and advance Ontario’s visibility and interests in the region.
- Develop political and economic analysis regarding issues that may affect international trade with Ontario companies, including local policies, security and risk analysis, business environment, and the analysis of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.
- Represent Ontario in key public forums, including conferences, panels, trade shows, and government roundtables, in Mexico and Latin America, using high impact speaking materials and presentations.
- Prepare and brief senior executives (ministers and Ontario’s premier teams) for meetings with key stakeholders, ensuring high quality content and clear messaging.
- Help Ontario companies to look for new business opportunities and partnerships in Mexico and Latin America with focus in the following sectors: Automotive, Advance Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Energy, ICT, Agriculture, Clean Technology, Forestry, Mining, among other sectors.
- Actively support the planning and implementation of Ministerial and Premier-led investment and trade missions in Mexico and Latin America.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Ontario office in Mexico, ensuring proper coordination with our Ontario HQ and counterparts globally.
Policy & Advocacy Director
Engineers Without Borders Canada
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Advocated to the federal government for an increase in foreign aid to the Global South, managing a global campaign to politicians and other stakeholders in Ottawa.
- Managed the funding provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, focusing on results, transparency, accountability, and the proper use of the resources allocated in projects related to trade and development.
- Liaised with key members of parliament to advocate and promote my organization's goals in the federal government.
Policy Director
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights - Secretariat
09.2019 - 03.2022
- Established policies to ensure the alignment with the SDGs of the social impact assessment framework of the Voluntary Principles standards by corporations, governments, and NGOs, in the extractive, oil and gas, and manufacture sectors, globally.
- Liaised with local and international corporations, governments, NGOs, Academia, and members of the civil society, to discuss and advocate for best practices related to sustainable supply chains, ethical sourcing, and social and environmental standards for businesses.
- Advised Canadian and international companies on business opportunities in the extractive, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors in different global markets.
- Developed guidelines and impact assessment tools (including KPIs) for corporations to audit the correct implementation of the Voluntary Principles with special attention to protection of human rights of women and vulnerable groups.
- Managed and implemented development projects and programs funded by the governments of Canada, UK, US, Switzerland, and Australia, in developing countries such as Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, the DRC, and Myanmar.
Partnerships and Account Manager
Fairtrade Canada
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Provided effective customer service to more than 150 companies in Canada and the US, registered with the Fairtrade certification, fulfilling all their needs related to ethical sourcing, market intelligence, and consumer awareness.
- Liaised with the Canadian government, foreign governments, local and international trade associations, civil society groups, and other strategic stakeholders to leverage international trade and business development opportunities.
- Successfully planned, organized, and supported the participation of Canadian companies in 5 trade shows per year in the US, Latin America, and Europe; ensuring effective brand awareness, business partnerships, identification of leads, competitor’s analysis, and industry education.
- Provided strategic and expert advice to senior management, companies, and other stakeholders, related to business development, access to new markets, and marketing campaigns.
- Developed annual global market and product reports for Canadian and US companies registered with the Fairtrade certification.
- Educated consumers, businesses, governments, and civil society groups concerning the work of the Fairtrade certification, through participation as an expert panelist in different trade shows, conferences, and other industry events, in North America and Europe.
- Co-managed projects and programs in areas related to trade and development, ethical sourcing, CSR, gender issues, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development; funded by different partner organizations.
Business Development and Partnerships Consultant
Fairtrade Mexico
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Developed the business and strategic plan to expand the Fairtrade business for Canadian companies in Mexico.
- Promoted socioeconomic and environmental standards for businesses in the Latin American market.
- Strategically identified and networked with potential partners from the government, private sector, academia, and local NGO’s working in the promotion of sustainable development through international trade.
Head of Innovation
Fairtrade International
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Spearheaded the elaboration of the Innovation Strategy for the Fairtrade system to achieve greater impact on the ground and better use of the organization’s resources.
- Co-designed and implemented a global outreach strategy targeting governments, businesses, and civil society groups, to include ethical sourcing and human rights protection as pillars for accountable business practices in international trade.
Product Specialist
Fairtrade Canada
06.2012 - 12.2014
- Provided customer service to more than 150 Canadian and US companies regarding commercial and ethical supply chain information.
- Liaised with the Canadian and foreign governments, local and international trade associations, international organizations, and civil society groups to leverage ethical standards in international trade.
- Provided support to the elaboration of market reports, country analysis, and economic trend reports, to advise senior management on business and investment decisions.
- Negotiated partnerships with governments, NGOs and international organizations in topics related to trade and development, sustainable development, food security, climate change, and gender equality.
Audit and Compliance Manager
Office of the Auditor General
01.2004 - 07.2009
- Managed and supervised international development projects funded by international organizations, securing the correct use of funds in accordance with national laws.
- Audited public organizations ensuring the accomplishment of austerity, transparency, and anti-corruption national policies and regulations.
- Co-developed policy proposals on financial control mechanisms to be presented to the government for approval.
International Trade and Development Consultant
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
06.2003 - 12.2003
- Developed the “Peruvian Strategy on Trade and Development” and presented it at the Free Trade Agreement Area summit in Washington DC - Dec2003.
- Co-assisted in the elaboration and evaluation of 46 projects related to trade and sustainable development in Latin America.
Junior Policy Officer
General Secretariat of the Andean Community
01.2000 - 08.2001
- Participated as a member of the working group in charge of the international negotiations of trade agreements with the WTO and the EU.
- Supported the governments of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru in their elaboration and implementation of international trade policies.
- Co-participated in the resolution of commercial litigations among corporations with operations in the Andean region.
Education
PhD - International Affairs
Carleton University
MA - Latin American and Caribbean Studies, International Development Studies
University of Guelph
12.2011
MA - International Relations
Andean University “Simon Bolivar”
03.2003
BA - Business Administration
University of the Pacific
12.1999
Skills
- Policy and practice in international trade
- Strategic relationship building
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Government Relations
- Corporate Social Responsibility - ESG
LANGUAGES
English: Full professional proficiency
Spanish: Mother tongue
French: Intermediate professional proficiency
Portuguese: Intermediate professional proficiency
Timeline
Director, Office of Ontario in Mexico
Government of Ontario – Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade
01.2023 - Current
Policy & Advocacy Director
Engineers Without Borders Canada
04.2022 - 12.2022
Policy Director
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights - Secretariat
09.2019 - 03.2022
Partnerships and Account Manager
Fairtrade Canada
07.2016 - 08.2019
Business Development and Partnerships Consultant
Fairtrade Mexico
01.2016 - 06.2016
Head of Innovation
Fairtrade International
01.2015 - 12.2015
Product Specialist
Fairtrade Canada
06.2012 - 12.2014
Audit and Compliance Manager
Office of the Auditor General
01.2004 - 07.2009
International Trade and Development Consultant
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
06.2003 - 12.2003
Junior Policy Officer
General Secretariat of the Andean Community
01.2000 - 08.2001
MA - Latin American and Caribbean Studies, International Development Studies
University of Guelph
MA - International Relations
Andean University “Simon Bolivar”
BA - Business Administration
University of the Pacific
PhD - International Affairs
Carleton University
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