Hi, I'm Calum
Programme Officer working on environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods in Madagascar. MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge (top quarter of cohort). First-class Geography degree from Durham University. Skilled in research, AI, and automation (n8n) for sustainability-focused innovation. Passionate about sustainable development and ocean protection.
About Me
I’m a University of Cambridge graduate with an MPhil in Development Economics and experience in sustainable development and emergency response across Tanzania, Jordan, and Madagascar. I’m passionate about advancing sustainable growth by combining operational efficiency, project management, and research to help innovative organisations—particularly in ocean protection—maximise their impact.
With an MPhil from Cambridge, where I graduated in the top quarter of my cohort, and a First-Class Geography degree from Durham University, I bring academic rigour to practical, high-pressure contexts. My experience includes supporting UNRWA’s Gaza emergency response and gender-based violence prevention, casework with asylum-seekers in the UK, and co-designing a three-year conservation and livelihoods project at SEED Madagascar that secured donor funding.
I believe today’s global challenges—from corporate accountability to environmental management—are deeply interconnected and demand cross-sector collaboration. Looking ahead, I aim to become an expert in cutting-edge sustainable business, using my understanding of political economy to engage with decision-makers and private sector leaders, driving large-scale change that aligns economic growth with environmental and social integrity.
Experience & Projects
Programme Officer - Rural Livelihoods
SEED Madagascar · Sep 2024 - Sep 2025
At SEED Madagascar, I supported fishing communities in southeast Madagascar through the Oratsimba project, helping to establish Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) that promote sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation. I conducted ecological and social research, led the transfer of data analysis to R (programming language), and co-designed a three-year project proposal that secured donor funding and launched new community-led conservation initiatives.
Intern - Emergency Response Support and Gender Division
UNRWA · May 2024 - Sep 2024
I conducted research for a major report on gender-based violence in refugee camps across UNRWA's five fields of operation, contributing to evidence-based policy and programme recommendations. I also streamlined the rapid staff recruitment process for the Gaza emergency response and analysed internal legal documents on organisational neutrality.
Geography Teacher
Abingdon School · Oct 2023 - May 2024
As a Geography Teacher at Abingdon School, I taught six classes of students aged 11–15. I received one-to-one training in contemporary pedagogy, led student research on the impact of Westgate Oxford, guided the Geography Club's climate investigations, and contributed to school life as a Year 9 tutor and sports coach.
Asylum-Seeker Caseworker
Action Foundation UK · Oct 2021 - Jun 2022
I worked at the drop-in for migrants called InterAction that provides an accessible, supportive, and friendly environment for migrants in the hope of connecting them to the local community and minimizing feelings of isolation or disorientation. I was trained as a caseworker, which involves helping asylum-seekers access legal, health and education services.
Volunteer and Media Coordinator
Tearfund · Jan 2019 - Apr 2019
Worked in Tanzania as Media Coordinator with Tearfund, teaching Geography in local schools and co-leading agroforestry and environmental awareness initiatives. Reported on community development projects for Tearfund's blog and magazine, and documented HIV support groups and community mobilisation meetings highlighting sustainable local partnerships.
Education
MPhil Development Studies
University of Cambridge · 2022-2023
Grade: 72
BA Geography
Durham University · 2019-2022
First-class Honours (75)