Jeyathevan Kaarththigeyan (Kaarthi) is an accomplished international development professional with over 19 years of experience in technical and leadership roles for institutional donor funded projects. He is specialized in the design and implementation of conflict mitigation, governance, civil society strengthening and reconciliation programs using a localized approach. Additionally, Jeyathevan has extensive experience in livelihood development and humanitarian assistance. 

In 2018, Jeyathevan joined the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) SCORE activity implemented by Global Communities as a Deputy Chief of Party. He steadily progressed to take on the role of Chief of Party in October 2022 and is the first national Chief of Party for this activity. Jeyathevan has worked on numerous USAID funded projects but also has experience working for the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) in Sri Lanka where he served as a Senior Project Development Officer. Jeyathevan’s experience working in a complicated and volatile country context such as Sri Lanka amidst the aftermaths of varied conflicts including a 30 yearlong armed conflict has positioned him well to anticipate and manage risks, to think and work politically and to be skilled in adaptive management.  

To support his work in conflict mitigation, reintegration, stabilization and peace building, Kaarthi has completed coursework for a master’s degree in Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and has also recently commenced a master’s degree in International Relations at Liverpool University.