Philip Van der Celen

Sustainable Development | Food Systems | Resilience | Strategy | Program Management | Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

Sustainable development professional with 20 years of international experience in strategy development, program & project management, and research at the intersection of public policy, business, and sustainability. Worked with international financial institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions. Extensive experience addressing environmental management, sustainable livelihoods, and food and nutrition security issues in a diverse set of country contexts in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Applied expertise in different sectors, including agriculture, food, and forestry. Demonstrated track-record providing technical leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategies, public policy reforms and investments, blended finance instruments, and advisory services aimed at promoting sustainable value chains and food system transformation. Led partnership development, resource mobilization, and high-level stakeholder engagement activities of a $2 billion multilateral fund. Published research on a broad range of sustainable development topics.

Experience

  • The World Bank (10 yrs 2 mos)
    • Senior Advisor, Global Agriculture and Food Security Program
      Sep 2025 - Jul 2026 · 11 mos

    • Deputy Program Manager, Global Agriculture and Food Security Program
      Apr 2023 - Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    • Consultant, Agriculture and Food Global Practice
      Jun 2016 - Mar 2023 · 6 yrs 10 mos

  • Strategic Planning Manager, Global Programs at Rainforest Alliance
    Jul 2012 - May 2016 · 3 yrs 11 mos

  • Operations Consultant, FAO Investment Center at FAO
    Mar 2009 - May 2012 · 3 yrs 3 mos

  • Junior Professional Associate, Agriculture and Rural Development Unit at The World Bank
    Oct 2006 - Feb 2009 · 2 yrs 5 mos

  • Research Associate, Globalization Studies Program at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
    Sep 2005 - Jun 2006 · 10 mos