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Natasha Somji
Policy Manager, Education at The ONE Campaign
Professional Background
Natasha Somji is an esteemed professional with over a decade of rich experience in education policy and programming at a global level. Her career reflects a strong dedication to leveraging education as a catalyst for wider societal change. Throughout her distinguished career, Natasha has successfully managed all stages of the project cycle, demonstrating her expertise in research, global advocacy, and teaching. Her profound understanding of the interplay between economics and education positions her uniquely within her field.
Natasha's global perspective is informed by her extensive work with a diverse array of stakeholders, including donors, developing country governments, and the non-profit sector. In her roles, she has been particularly passionate about utilizing data to inform decision-making processes, thereby maximizing the impact and effectiveness of educational programming and policy interventions. She is committed to making tangible differences through collaborative efforts and informed strategies.
Education and Achievements
Natasha's educational background is rooted in her studies in economics and public administration. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the prestigious Brown University, where she honed her analytical and critical thinking skills. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued further academic excellence at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she completed her Master of Public Administration in Public Administration. This training provided Natasha with a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of economics and policy-making.
Additionally, she furthered her studies at the Department of Sociology, LSE, where she earned a Master's degree in Public Administration, reinforcing her expertise in the intersection of social issues and economic policy.
Notable Career Roles
Throughout her career, Natasha has held several influential roles that underscore her commitment to education and policy development. Currently, she serves as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Advisor for the Education Unit at Care USA, where she plays a critical role in advancing educational initiatives through systematic evaluation and reform.
Prior to this, she was a Senior Policy Manager for Education at The One Campaign, an organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty and preventable disease. In this role, Natasha was instrumental in designing and executing policy strategies that contributed to significant advancements in global education.
Earlier in her career, Natasha was employed as an Economist within the Education Global Practice at the World Bank Group, where she utilized her economic insights to drive policy improvements in education systems worldwide. She also served as an International Drafting Consultant for the Department for International Development, assisting with key governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.
Her experience as an Education Consultant at Oxford Policy Management and as an Economist and Overseas Development Institute Fellow at the Planning Budget Monitoring and Evaluation Division in the Ministry of Education further emphasizes her ability to adapt and lead in various educational contexts. Notably, Natasha's early career included positions as a Research Assistant at reputable institutions like the London School of Economics and Political Science, George Washington University, and ICF International, allowing her to gain valuable insights and experiences that have shaped her approach to education policy.
Achievements
Natasha Somji's extensive portfolio of achievements reflects her dynamic capabilities in the realm of education policy. With her strong advocacy for data-driven decision-making, she has contributed to numerous successful educational projects and policies that have positively impacted communities around the globe. Her work has not only influenced policy implementation but has also encouraged a culture of evaluation and learning within the educational sector.
Through her years of dedication, Natasha has developed a robust network that includes influential stakeholders in education, policy-making, and non-profit sectors. This unique position enables her to advocate effectively for policies that benefit vulnerable populations, ultimately driving the agenda for accessible and quality education.
As an acclaimed thought leader in her field, Natasha continues to inspire others through her commitment to education and her vision to cultivate a better future for learners worldwide. Her career is characterized by a profound sense of purpose, and her contributions to educational equity and excellence serve as a testament to her unwavering passion and expertise.