Sergio Rivas

Chief of Party, Iniciativa Zona Norte program

Sergio Rivas has over 16 years of experience in international development with a focus on alternative development and livelihoods. Mr. Rivas is an expert in management and evaluation of complex, multifaceted and politically sensitive projects. He has substantial experience in designing integrated development and counter-narcotics strategies for drug-producing countries in Latin America and South Asia. Mr. Rivas currently oversees the USAID-funded Iniciativa Zona Norte program, which is working to enhance local governance and increse economic security in conflict affected areas of eastern Paraguay. He previously served at ACDI/VOCA headquarters as Senior Manager supervising community development projects in Colombia, Afghanistan and Bolivia. Before joining ACDI/VOCA, Mr. Rivas served for over eight years as USAID’s cognizant technical officer in Bolivia, managing a $60 million portfolio of several contracts and cooperative agreements in democracy and governance, economic growth, community development and infrastructure sectors. Mr. Rivas has extensive experience building sustainable alliances and working with multiple stakeholders in the public and private sectors, including local municipalities, government agencies, local organizations, farmers and microentrepreneurs and international firms. His experience includes short-term assignments in Costa Rica, Peru, El Salvador and Sudan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the Military University and a master’s degree in economic development from the San Andres University in La Paz, Bolivia. He is fluent in English and Spanish.