Philip Reed
International Development Research And Advocacy Specialist
Wells
Summary
Experienced policy advisor with 12+ years in the UN system and international organisations, specialising in sustainable finance and inclusive development. Skilled in technical editing, policy engagement, and stakeholder communication, with a proven ability to produce clear, accessible publications aligned with UN standards. Brings a strong track record of shaping global strategies and partnerships.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategy & Policy Lead: Mission Hubs
United Nations Operations and Project Services (UNOPS)
04.2024 - 05.2025
- Produced seven knowledge products and managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio.
- Coordinated interregional policy engagement and strategic alignment.
- Strengthened research, editing, and foresight systems.
SDG Finance Lead
World Food Programme
06.2021 - 01.2024
- Developed WFP’s strategy for engaging in innovative and sustainable financing.
- Supported 15+ country offices with programme design and impact measurement.
- Organised global events and built capacity of regional and country teams.
Research and Partnerships Specialist
UNDP
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed key relationships for UNDP with donor governments, and expanded UNDP's funding base.
- Authored policy briefs and reports on a range of topics, including climate finance and social protection.
- Built partnerships with governments, think tanks, and the private sector.
Technical Specialist: COVID Financing Response
World Health Organisation
04.2020 - 10.2020
- Produced knowledge products on health financing and COVID response.
- Supported advocacy, workshops, and capacity-building on sustainable financing.
- Developed technical materials on gender, financing, and digital transformation.
SDG Finance Policy Engagement Specialist
United Nations Capital Development Fund
06.2019 - 04.2020
- Wrote SHIFT 2.0 strategy on new financing models and partnerships.
- Produced research and reports on sustainable finance and financial inclusion.
- Mapped the donor landscape and disseminated findings via workshops.
Research Specialist
UNDP
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Researched social protection and job creation, producing two knowledge products.
- Drafted speeches, talking points, and event materials for senior officials.
- Supported resource mobilisation and funding proposals.
UK Development Policy & Advocacy Specialist
Bond
11.2017 - 07.2018
- Led UK civil society research and partnerships on SDGs, Brexit, and financing.
- Drafted publications, briefings, and position papers for government engagement.
- Convened policy dialogues with the government, donors, and think tanks.
Research, Partnerships & Advocacy Volunteer
UNDP BERA/ IRH
01.2016 - 07.2018
- Monitored UK and EU political developments to help shape UNDP's response to those donors.
- Developed research on donor trends and key issues.
- Produced knowledge products on development financing and inclusive development.
Economic Justice Policy and Advocacy Advisor: Digital Transformation
Christian Aid
02.2017 - 11.2017
- Led policy analysis on development financing and economic justice.
- Built regional communities of practice to strengthen country office knowledge.
- Produced research outputs for influencing and advocacy.
Research Associate
Global Development Institute-University of Manchester
10.2016 - 02.2017
- Secured £9m project on development financing with major academic partners.
- Developed knowledge products and managed institutional partnerships.
- Organised an international workshop with donors and stakeholders.
Research Officer
Institute of Development Studies- University of Sussex
08.2015 - 10.2016
- Co-managed three research projects on development financing.
- Produced 8 publications, blogs, and concept notes.
- Organised 4 dissemination workshops in the UK, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Assistant Manager
International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation
02.2015 - 07.2015
- Developed research and knowledge systems on microinsurance.
- Drafted policy briefs and technical inputs for member organisations.
- Published three country case studies on insurance access in Kenya, India, and the Philippines.
Economic Researcher
Tech4i2
08.2014 - 02.2015
- Researched ICT4D and women’s empowerment in EU policy.
- Produced 6 knowledge products for EC-funded programmes.
- Organised external events with European Commission and partners.
Research & Advocacy Assistant
ONE Campaign
01.2014 - 07.2014
- Conducted research on aid, development finance, and women’s empowerment.
- Drafted technical inputs for policy briefs and SDG advocacy materials.
- Published reports on aid trends in G7 and emerging donor countries.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Economics
University of Nottingham
01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Economics & Politics
Oxford Brookes University
01.2011
Skills
Policy & Strategy: Sustainable finance, impact investing, disability inclusion, global development
Technical Editing & Writing: UN Editorial Manual, proofreading, accessible publications, knowledge products
Research & Analysis: Quantitative/qualitative methods, donor mapping, foresight analysis
Stakeholder Engagement: Government, multilateral, private sector, NGOs, academia
Communications & Advocacy: Speechwriting, policy briefs, event materials, social media content
Programme & Project Management: Multi-country initiatives, M&E, capacity-building workshops
References
Available upon request
Personal Information
Awards
Selected as a youth leader by the UN in 2015. Attended the SDG summit., Trustee of the charity T1International, Publication list viewable here
Timeline
Strategy & Policy Lead: Mission Hubs
United Nations Operations and Project Services (UNOPS)
04.2024 - 05.2025
SDG Finance Lead
World Food Programme
06.2021 - 01.2024
Research and Partnerships Specialist
UNDP
10.2020 - 06.2021
Technical Specialist: COVID Financing Response
World Health Organisation
04.2020 - 10.2020
SDG Finance Policy Engagement Specialist
United Nations Capital Development Fund
06.2019 - 04.2020
Research Specialist
UNDP
07.2018 - 06.2019
UK Development Policy & Advocacy Specialist
Bond
11.2017 - 07.2018
Economic Justice Policy and Advocacy Advisor: Digital Transformation
Christian Aid
02.2017 - 11.2017
Research Associate
Global Development Institute-University of Manchester
10.2016 - 02.2017
Research, Partnerships & Advocacy Volunteer
UNDP BERA/ IRH
01.2016 - 07.2018
Research Officer
Institute of Development Studies- University of Sussex
08.2015 - 10.2016
Assistant Manager
International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation
02.2015 - 07.2015
Economic Researcher
Tech4i2
08.2014 - 02.2015
Research & Advocacy Assistant
ONE Campaign
01.2014 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Science - Economics & Politics
Oxford Brookes University
Master of Science - Applied Economics
University of Nottingham
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