Gemma is based between Kenya and South Africa. She has worked with Agulhas since 2011 and currently leads a portfolio of evaluations and research studies, primarily under the Agulhas Climate Hub. Gemma has led reviews for the UK’s Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI), the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
Gemma has worked in the international development field for over 15 years, with a particular focus on East and Southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia. Gemma has led evaluation teams supporting the UK’s Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) to review the effectiveness and value for money of the UK’s aid spending. Most recently she has led ICAI reviews on the UK’s aid response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gemma has also provided technical expertise across a number of ICAI reviews, including DFID’s approach to governance in Uganda and Nepal, DFID’s approach to building resilience to natural disasters, and an evaluation of how DFID works with multilateral agencies.
Gemma is an experienced researcher, providing evidence and analysis to support policy planning and decision-making, including Political Economy Analysis (PEA). Her current research is focused on the relationship between climate change and migration and on generating the learning and evidence required to inform policies and approaches for a Just Transition. Gemma has also supported clients to think through the changing nature of development programming, with a focus on adaptive and flexible programming.
Gemma is a researcher and evaluator focused on climate change, sustainable development and governance. Her work focuses on harnessing knowledge and learning to drive positive change.
Gemma loves being active and outdoors. At the weekends she coaches surf lifesaving and tries hard to convince her children to join her on the mountain bike trails.
Sign up to our bulletin
Sign up to our free weekly bulletin for the latest international development news and analysis