International Operations Manager

João’s role has specific emphasis on fundraising, strategic planning and resources, monitoring, evaluation and learning within the National Organizations and at the international level. His past experience includes the management of large grant budgets and portfolios of partnerships with church-based organizations and networks throughout Latin America, including Brazil, his home country. João holds a Master’s degree in Development Management from the Open University as well as qualifications in NGO management, tourism studies, coaching, language teaching and translation. 

When asked what he enjoys most about working at A Rocha, he says, “Attitudes: no-one pretends we have all the answers. The team is very aware of its reliance on God. Also, it’s very relational and there’s a commitment to learning and improving our performance which is important to me. A Rocha is working with struggling communities who want better opportunities. I understand that. I was raised in an urban, violent community in Brazil with frequent gang killings. I know the realities of poverty, lack of choices, inequality. Fortunately, an international company moved into the area, providing good jobs for my father and my older brothers, who worked hard. My brothers and I went to university, we got an education. Working in relief and development for many years, I was interested in the connection between the environment and poverty. A Rocha is enabling me to gain a better understanding.”

João lives in West London with his wife Rachel. They have two children and two grandchildren.