Jeff Ploetz
Senior Associate
Areas of Expertise: Environmental regulations and compliance, climate risk mitigation and management, knowledge management systems, circular economy, energy efficiency, sustainable development/ESG, strategic planning training and technical support
Education/Certifications: Master of Science degree in Forestry and Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University; Certificates in Geographic Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability (ESG) Reporting, Circular Economy, Corporate Sustainability, and Contracting Officer’s Representatives Level II (FAC-COR)
Jeff is an interdisciplinary environmental specialist with over 25 years of experience in environmental, social, and climate risk management. He works to develop and deliver sustainable technological innovations, bridging the gap from concept to impactful implementation, to empower and create lasting positive change.
Jeff has a proven track record of strengthening international development programs, environmental regulations, environmental impact assessment procedures, and knowledge management systems. He further has expertise in circular economy; climate mitigation/resiliency; energy efficiency; sustainable development; environmental, social, governance (ESG); strategic planning; and training and technical support.
Jeff has extensive experience working for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), serving in several key environmental roles including Deputy Agency Environmental Coordinator, Deputy Office Director, and Middle East (ME) Bureau Environmental Officer & Climate Integration Lead. As a contractor, prior to joining USAID, he managed a portfolio of environmental and land tenure contracts and led business development efforts. Highlights of his career include the following:
- Provided oversight and leadership on all aspects of environmental and social safeguarding, including serving as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on the Agency’s Environmental and Social Safeguarding Services (E3) contract.
- Guided Agency leadership in decision-making related to environmental compliance, programming, policy development, and risk management.
- Developed and facilitated environmental, social, and climate risk training programs.
- Implemented process improvements, including enhanced IT/knowledge management systems.
- Served as the ME and North Africa Bureau authority on environmental policy, procedures, and impact assessment and oversaw adoption of environmental and social safeguards in programming.
- Managed the ME Regional Bureau portfolio of environmental grants focused on technical innovations to address water scarcity and food insecurity.
- Oversaw the development of Country Environmental Frameworks covering environmental, climate change, health and safety, and gender equality laws, strategic plans, and international commitments.
- Contributed to USAID Climate Strategy and updating environmental and climate-related policies.
- Served on the Steering Committee for Agency-wide review of environmental procedures.
- Led consulting work for USAID in the areas of environmental compliance, land tenure, natural resource management, climate change management, communications, knowledge management, and evaluation.
- Directed best practices, mitigation, monitoring, compliance, biodiversity analyses, and training.
Jeff has in-country experience in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Mexico, Morocco, Nort Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, United States, and West Bank. He has his M.S. in Forestry and his B.S. in Biological Sciences for Michigan Technological University. Jeff also holds the following certifications:
- Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – George Mason University.
- Online Diploma in Supply Chain Management – Sustainability Academy.
- Certificate in Sustainability (ESG) Reporting – Sustainability Academy.
- Certified Circular Economy Professional – Sustainability Academy.
- Online Diploma in Corporate Sustainability – Sustainability Academy.
- Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives Level II (FAC-COR) – Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI).