Larissa Setaro

Larissa is a climate and international development professional with over ten years of experience leading and delivering programmes focused on climate resilience, sustainable development and equitable transitions across sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. 

She has worked across research, programme delivery and operational management, with a strong track record of managing complex, donor-funded initiatives, building strategic partnerships and supporting teams to deliver impactful programmes in challenging contexts.

Larissa brings expertise in translating strategies into effective programmes, strengthening delivery systems and embedding equity and inclusion throughout the programme cycle.

Larissa worked for Positive Planet International as project manager in Lesotho aiming at giving rural populations access to clean energy household devices. She also coordinated a study aiming at mapping the financial mechanisms available for emerging farmers in South Africa.

Before that, she worked in Lebanon and Jordan with ICU supporting local companies in developing sustainable business models for solar drip irrigation systems and Groasis Waterboxx that would help mitigate risks associated with water scarcity.

At IIED, before her current role, she managed the operational delivery of the locally led action and climate finance portfolio, focusing on programme and financial management, team resourcing, fundraising and partnerships management.

Education

MSc, agriculture and development, University of Reading

As head of programme delivery for the climate, monitoring, evaluation and learning portfolio at IIED, she is responsible for overseeing programme delivery, making sure the work is well designed, properly resourced and delivered effectively, with strong financial and operational oversight. She works closely with leadership and project management function to ensure alignment to standards and internal processes.

Larissa directly manages the delivery of the 'generating ambition for locally led adaptation' programme.