Maurice Schill is Programme Coordinator for LIFT, he joined us last year and we have interviewed him as the April Feature of the month.
LIFT: Tell us about how you first got involved with development?
I have been involved with development from the beginning of my career, starting in 1989 in the South Pacific in the Kingdom of Tonga, focusing on the use of appropriate technology in an agriculture research farm. I studied tropical agriculture at various schools, in France and Germany, and I will say that I was engaged and committed to this topic even before going in the field. I never worked in France of in Europe, only in Africa, Asia and South Pacific.
LIFT: What is your role within LIFT? Why is it important?
I have the role of Programme Coordinator, aiming to ensuring a stronger coherence between programmes, enhancing communication between these programmes, linking our activities and results to our LIFT units of Policy, M&E and Communication and working closely with our Support team (procurement, HR, budget review, etc.). In supporting the Fund Director, I also ensure an effective relationship with our Fund Board members, international and national partners, and other stakeholders. The overall result should contribute to a more efficient LIFT that makes a difference in livelihoods in rural areas.
LIFT: What was your first impression of LIFT?
I had heard of LIFT before applying for the Coordinator position as being an efficient tool for development in Myanmar, where 14 donors are speaking with one voice, make common decisions and address challenges at once. The leverage and recognition of LIFT are more important than I have expected and this is a very useful reference for contributing to Myanmar’s development in rural areas.
LIFT: What has surprised you the most about working with LIFT?
The diversity of the portfolio. We address many thematic areas such as agriculture, nutrition, migration, financial inclusion, gender and others. All of these themes are intertwined and are relevant to the livelihoods of the rural population.
LIFT: Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working at LIFT?
Well, all our LIFT colleagues have different experiences, different background and different nationalities and cultures. Our Fund Board members represent different institutions with different agendas. Of course, I had the chance to make some field visits and meet our IPs and last but not least the farmers, private sector and government officials. I could add that all these actors create good dynamics, stimulate exchange and are important contributors to a vibrant development of the country.
LIFT: Does LIFT provide enough engagement/interactive events?
Of course, LIFT provides a very interesting knowledge component, creating many exchanges, organising communities of practice, studies, research, as well as having a strong focus on documenting our learning aspects of where we are, what we do, and how we could do better.
LIFT: What will the next couple of years bring to LIFT?
We just had our Interim Review, and I think the next couple of years will be dedicated to consolidating our programme implementation, getting tangible results and reflecting on and designing how LIFT could look after 2018.
LIFT: What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I am a judo teacher and a “good” cook.
LIFT: What do you do when you aren’t working?
Kite surfing and enjoying my family as much as I can.
