Ben Ramalingam

Ben Ramalingam is a prominent figure in the fields of international development, humanitarian aid, and innovation. Here are key details about his current roles and background:

Current Position

Ben Ramalingam currently serves as the Chief Strategic Development Officer at UNICEF UK.23 In this role, he oversees strategy, people, innovation, and change management to deliver optimal results for children and young people worldwide.2

Professional Experience

Ramalingam has an extensive career spanning over two decades in global development and humanitarian sectors. Some of his notable positions include:

• Director of Strategy and Innovation at the British Red Cross (May 2023 - Present)3
• Executive Director of the United Kingdom Humanitarian Innovation Hub (September 2020 - March 2023)3
• Strategic Advisory Board Member at UK Research and Innovation (March 2020 - March 2023)3
• Lead Consultant for Innovation for Development at the OECD (January 2019 - February 2023)3
• Senior Research Associate at the Overseas Development Institute (December 2010 - February 2023)3

Expertise and Contributions

Ramalingam specializes in:

• Formulating and delivering creative solutions to complex problems
• Bridging strategy, policy, operational delivery, and organizational transformation
• Leading innovation initiatives in humanitarian and development sectors

He has made significant contributions to various fields, including:

• Authoring influential reports, such as the UK government report on Frontier Technologies for International Development1
• Co-designing innovative programs like the Frontier Technologies Livestreaming programme, which won the 2017 UK Civil Service award1
• Leading reform processes across donors and implementing agencies, emphasizing adaptive management1

Advisory Roles

Ramalingam has held several advisory positions, including:

• Board member of the UK Global Grand Challenges Research Fund1
• Advisor to the OECD Development Assistance Committee on innovation investments1
• Member of the international strategic advisory board of UK Research and Innovation2

His expertise in strategy, innovation, and international development makes him a valuable asset to these organizations, guiding scientific collaborations and investments to address global challenges.