Sylvie Boldrini
Kinshasa
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented ESG Manager with over12 years of experience in leading sustainability initiatives, forest management programs, and socio-economic development projects across Central Africa. Proven expertise in driving strategic partnerships, securing certifications, and optimizing agroforestry operations to support sustainable economic growth while mitigating environmental and social risks. Adept at managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering impactful solutions that align business goals with sustainability objectives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
ESG General Manager
Arise IIP
09.2019 - Current
- Company Overview: www.ariseiip.com
- Spearheaded the establishment of a robust forest management and certification program in Gabon, achieving FSC FM and PAFC certifications for over 1 million hectares
- Directed cross-functional teams to implement sustainable forestry practices, ensuring compliance with international standards and local regulations and reinforcing stakeholder engagement
- Negotiated strategic agreements with government entities, civil society, NGO and local communities to enhance environmental stewardship and socio-economic development
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards ESG organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring ESG personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
Agriculture Advisor
Adam Smith International, Elan RDC Program
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Facilitated the adoption of the Market Development System in the Grain & Horticulture Value Chains, positively impacting over300,000 smallholder farmers
- Designed and implemented value chain interventions that increased net income by £16 million, driving sustainable agricultural practices
- Led B2B meetings for agriculture businesses in Lubumbashi, Likasi and in Kalemie. Supported the development of school fields in order to spread good practices and help improving yields.
Technical Assistant in Agroforestry
Nature+, AFODEK Project
04.2015 - 09.2017
- Oversaw the establishment of a2,000-hectare agroforestry perimeter in DRC, incorporating Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium species
- Strengthened 150 smallholder farmer households and 10 smallholders' associations by providing technical guidance and governance support
- Developed (writing and illustrating) and co-authored an agroforestry planting guide adopted across Haut-Katanga province
Technical Assistant
Nature+, DACEFI-2 Project
12.2011 - 04.2015
- Played a pivotal role in creating Gabon’s first community forests, offering legal alternatives to illegal logging activities
- Facilitated the drafting of forest management plans in collaboration with local communities and national authorities
- Produced educational materials and technical documentation to support sustainable forestry initiatives
Project Manager
Belgian Timber Confederation, Regiowood Project
11.2008 - 12.2011
- Directed a comprehensive study analyzing market trends within the Belgian sawmill industry, synthesizing data from 69 reports to inform strategic decision-making and foster partnerships
- Collaborated with industry stakeholders to address challenges related to raw material supply and production efficiency
- Published a36-page sectoral report that served as a reference document for industry players and policymakers
Education
Master's Degree - Forest & Natural Resources Management
Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege
01.2008
Skills
- Team Leadership & Development
- Strategic Partnership Management
- ESG Compliance & Reporting
- Budget & Grant Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Sustainable Forestry Management
- Project management
- Excellent communication
Languages
French (Native)
English (Professional Proficiency)
Accomplishments
- Instrumental in achieving forest certification for over 1million ha in Gabon (180,000 hectares FSC(tm) FM with Gabon Advance Wood, 134,290 ha PAFC, 740,512 ha FSC(TM) CW and 112,200 ha under SF-EUDR)
- Successfully contributed to the Elan RDC program, increasing smallholder farmer incomes by £16 million through targeted interventions.
- Led the creation of four sustainable community forests in Gabon (over 15,000ha), ensuring legal compliance and local economic development.
- Led a Female Heavy Machinery Operation Training Program for +50 trainees in Gabon with a cofunding of BII
- Developed a feasibility study for supporting the implementation of the 2025-2035 ESG Forestry vision of Arise IIP
- Supported the creation of a forest management team and certification team (+100 people with a focus on gender diversity and local employment)
- Developed a partnership between ARise IIP & Missouri Botanical Garden for the creation of a +50ha conservational and educational arboretum in Nkok SEZ (Libreville, Gabon)
- Supported the creation of the first Atlas of Birds of Gabon by Patrice Christy (to be issued soon)
Training
- Emerging Leaders Program - Indian School of Business Executive Education (December2022 – March2023)
Timeline
ESG General Manager
Arise IIP
09.2019 - Current
Agriculture Advisor
Adam Smith International, Elan RDC Program
09.2017 - 09.2019
Technical Assistant in Agroforestry
Nature+, AFODEK Project
04.2015 - 09.2017
Technical Assistant
Nature+, DACEFI-2 Project
12.2011 - 04.2015
Project Manager
Belgian Timber Confederation, Regiowood Project
11.2008 - 12.2011
Master's Degree - Forest & Natural Resources Management
Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege
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