MARIANA MORAIS SARMENTO

JUNIOR INNOVATION ANALYST

Mariana’s role as a Junior Innovation Analyst at BCtA includes structuring and monitoring the implementation of the government-centred inclusive innovation programme to replicate proven business solutions for local development challenges, as well as scaling and adapting the programme in partnership with UNDP Country Offices and local partners.

Mariana’s interdisciplinary background in international management, social innovation, and international development led her to diverse professional experiences in the academic and private sectors across Argentina, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Wearing the academic hat, Mariana collaborated in EU research projects and supported the delivery of business model and social innovation programs at the undergraduate, MBA, and executive levels. Wearing the entrepreneur hat, Mariana supported the development of an award-winning ICT tool for innovation education, coordinated organization-wide activities, and managed key stakeholder relationships with industry-leading companies, public institutions, and multilateral organizations.

Mariana holds a Bachelor in International Management from Catolica Lisbon School of Business and Economics (Portugal) and a Research Masters in International Development Studies from the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands). Passionate about Impact, Mariana has been actively involved in youth leadership, social entrepreneurship, and inclusiveness projects both as a project manager and as a mentor. Moreover, she also has a certification in Impact Measurement and Management for the SDGs from Duke University. She speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.