Bo Altena

Project Manager - Business Unit East & Southern Africa

Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Groningen and Master's degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from the University of Utrecht. Background in humanitarian affairs and emergency relief (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and development programming and project management (War Child Holland) as well as in research, working with adolescent refugees and migrants on the Thai-Burmese border. Currently involved with VNG International's programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa.


Working in and with fragile states gives us the perfect opportunity to build back better. Crisis recovery goes beyond the provision of immediate relief: it includes the rebuilding of infrastructure, the provision of basic services and the strengthening of people’s resilience to deal with future crises. In this, local government is essential.