Simone Filippini

Simone Filippini is CEO Cordaid (www.Cordaid.org) – October 2013 – October 2016. Cordaid is one of the largest Dutch based international development organizations (budget 2016: 145 million Euro, 450 staff). Focus is on fragile and conflict affected countries and regions. Cordaid works community based and managed, special focus on women and girls. Contributing to systemic change is the aim. Fields of focus: service delivery, esp. health, education and security and justice (esp. via results based financing) and economic opportunities (a.o. through Cordaid’s own Investment Funds). The organization also works on poverty alleviation and social innovation in The Netherlands.
• Led second round of reorganization and personnel cuts needed in view of changed funding models Cordaid
• Enhanced visibility and positioning of Cordaid in The Netherlands, both with professional stakeholders and broader Dutch public, in particular the Cordaid private donors
• Strengthened focus on fragile and (post)conflict countries, successfully lobbied in Dutch Parliament and beyond for heightened focus ODA for FCAS, including increased funding for humanitarian assistance (DRA)
• Broadened focus of Cordaid Investment Management BV (80 million Euro invested), added a.o. Fragility Impact Fund aiming at social impact through reinforcement SME in conflict and fragile environments. Generated concrete interest with anchor investors. European Investment Bank and CRS (Catholic Relief Services) now doing due diligence
Consul General based in Miami, USA – August 2011- Mid September 2013 (Area of jurisdiction 10 Southeastern States of the USA, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands, also Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten). Results:
• Refocused trade & investment promotion efforts in jurisdiction and developed impact
oriented approach; developed constructive working relationship with Prime minister Aruba, introduced several business opportunities;
• Tangibly reinvigorated and improved effectiveness of network consisting of Consulate
General, Honorary Consuls and Dutch business promotion organizations in the Southeastern USA; encouraged establishment Chambers of Commerce Texas, Miami & South Carolina;
• Realized high visibility of The Netherlands and clear and a positive ‘corporate profile’
• Successfully phased out of development cooperation and reorganized embassy (cut down budgets and personnel; rearranged tasks); Changed policy approaches from development to EU pre-accession orientation;
• Supported by UK and European Commission took initiative to increase cooperation in &
effectiveness of MK Parliament leading to joint agenda
• Was appointed NATO contact point MK for 2 consecutive terms through active support by
locally represented NATO member states;
• Established strategic approach as to business development; efforts by the embassy led to tenfold growth of tourists from the Netherlands to Macedonia and contributed to the
development of a modern tourism sector; Increased Dutch-Macedonian business interests, presence of Dutch companies; set-up of NL Chamber of Commerce; introduction of direct