MARA NAKAGAWA HARWOOD
Geneva
Summary
Dynamic and strategic leader in global health, patient advocacy, and government affairs, with 20+ years of experience across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Skilled in policy influence, rare diseases, pediatric indications, partnerships, and resource mobilization. Proven ability to shape healthcare legislation, engage stakeholders, and deliver programs through collaboration with governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector. Recognized spokesperson and advocate for health equity, women's rights, and youth empowerment.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Officer
UNICEF
Geneva
03.2025 - Current
- Company Overview: Europe & Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO), Geneva, CH.
- Lead resource mobilization strategies aligned with UNICEF’s Health and Nutrition Strategy to expand access and outcomes for children and adolescents.
- Build partnerships with private sector actors, adapting existing financing models for catalytic investments.
- Map and pursue funding opportunities, monitor ODA trends, and support the development of proposals and investment cases.
- Assist UNICEF Europe & Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) in selected advocacy platforms to advance health and nutrition priorities, and policy influence.
- Leverage donor relations through strategic advocacy, consultations, and reporting.
Executive Board Member
Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Switzerland
Geneva
04.2024 - Current
- Co-lead discussions on key economic policies affecting Brazil-Switzerland relations.
- Develop strategic initiatives to promote bilateral trade opportunities.
- Oversee the committee focused on life science innovations.
- Stay abreast of trends and issues affecting organizational decisions.
- Oversee strategic planning and implementation to ensure organizational goals are met.
- Navigate organizational change and transformation, ensuring adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment.
Head of Partnerships and Implementation
International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (IFPMA)
Geneva
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Co-led development and implementation of US$85M global primary health care initiative across 40 countries.
- Built partnerships with national governments, advocacy groups, and multilateral agencies to enhance disease strategies.
- Served as spokesperson at advocacy events to influence health policy effectively.
- Coordinated consensus-building among pharmaceutical leaders, government officials, and civil society on policy alignment.
Fast Track Cities Initiative Liaison
International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC)
Geneva
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Partnered with multiple city governments to advance HIV policies and regulations in Geneva, Paris, Rio, Nairobi, Bangkok, and Miami.
- Collaborated with local authorities to develop effective strategies for HIV intervention.
Multi-country Grant Coordinator
UNAIDS
Geneva
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: Geneva, CH
- Coordinated multi-stakeholder consultations across six African countries on HIV & AIDS.
- Guided governments and UN agencies on program execution, monitoring, and course correction.
- Geneva, CH
Global Health Strategic Partnership Consultant
Ministry of Health of Brazil
Geneva
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Conducted policy research to support establishment of non-profit entity in Switzerland.
- Guided institutionalization process through comprehensive analysis and strategic recommendations.
Policy & Advocacy Manager; Regional Partnerships Coordinator; Officer
International AIDS Society (IAS)
Geneva
01.2005 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: Geneva, CH
- Finalized HIV prevention strategy for key populations, in collaboration with civil society, governments, and UNAIDS.
- Acted as liaison to the Global Commission on Drug Policy at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
- Strengthened regional partnerships in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe; managed Gates Foundation grants.
- Represented IAS at global and regional advocacy platforms.
- Geneva, CH
Education
Professional Certificate - Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
MIT
US11-2024
Professional Certificate - Leading Sustainable Corporations (ESG)
University of Oxford
UK12.2022
Postgraduate - Global Health (master's in public health/MPH)
University of Liverpool
UK12.2018
BA - Arts & Humanities, Interpretation (EN/ES)
University Ibero-Americana
São Paulo, BRSão Paulo, BR
Skills
- Patient advocacy and government affairs
- Infectious, NCDs and rare diseases programmes
- Paediatrics health initiatives
- Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Resource mobilization and donor relations
- Policy influence and public affairs
- Project and program management
- Monitoring and evaluation strategies
- Accountability frameworks
- Cross-cultural leadership and negotiation
Permit
Swiss C-permit
Personal Information
Nationality: Brazilian British
Languages
- Portuguese, Native
- English, C2
- French, C1
- Spanish, B2
- Italian, B2
- Japanese, B1
Education And Professional Training
- Professional Certificate (ongoing), Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, MIT, US
- Professional Certificate, Leading Sustainable Corporations (ESG), University of Oxford, UK, 2022
- Postgraduate, Global Public Health (MPH track), University of Liverpool, UK, 09/01/14, 06/30/18
- BA, Arts & Humanities, Interpretation (EN/ES), University Ibero-Americana, São Paulo, BR
Earlier Career
Includes interpreter, translator, and editorial roles in Switzerland, UK, Brazil, and Japan.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Officer
UNICEF
03.2025 - Current
Executive Board Member
Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Switzerland
04.2024 - Current
Head of Partnerships and Implementation
International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (IFPMA)
01.2017 - 01.2024
Fast Track Cities Initiative Liaison
International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC)
01.2016 - 12.2016
Multi-country Grant Coordinator
UNAIDS
01.2014 - 01.2016
Global Health Strategic Partnership Consultant
Ministry of Health of Brazil
01.2014 - 12.2014
Policy & Advocacy Manager; Regional Partnerships Coordinator; Officer
International AIDS Society (IAS)
01.2005 - 01.2014
Professional Certificate - Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
MIT
Professional Certificate - Leading Sustainable Corporations (ESG)
University of Oxford
Postgraduate - Global Health (master's in public health/MPH)
University of Liverpool
BA - Arts & Humanities, Interpretation (EN/ES)
University Ibero-Americana
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