Libby Paholski is currently the Functional General Manager for SMEC International’s Environment and Social Development Group in the South East Asia & Pacific Division. She brings over 25 years of professional expertise in community development projects from planning, policy development, and social research (design, assessment, and planning). In the last 10 years, Libby has been involved in some key international projects/programs that have been involved in significant focus on stakeholder management and engagement to ensure effective and efficient project and program delivery.
Libby has worked for a range of public and private sector clients in the infrastructure, resource, and international development sectors, including mining operations, and government and donor agencies in Australia, the Pacific, and South East Asia. She brings a thorough understanding of the challenges, risks, and opportunities associated with project implementation and delivery gleaned from experience across a wide cross-section of projects and programs.
Throughout her career, Libby has had extensive experience in developing participatory approaches. She brings extensive experience and understanding of the key role that both primary and secondary research plays in designing robust social impact assessment and planning. Libby is able to easily identify context-appropriate research methods and collaborative approaches to suit project-specific needs and draws on her strong understanding of infrastructure planning across a range of sectors. She has well-developed communication skills and relates easily to project stakeholders at all levels.