Cecil is directing SDSN's work in support of accelerated global and national policy action on food systems and sustainable land use – a key transformation for the achievement of SDG, climate and biodiversity targets. Through the FELD Action Tracker, a strategic initiative under the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), he leads the systematic assessment of national policy efforts and progress against national commitments and global targets; Under the FELD Catalyst, the team works with local partners to strengthen dialogue on local priorities and solutions for improved climate adaptation, food security and community development. Together with national SDSN member institutions and FOLU partners FELD further plans to generate practical resources and local capacity for intersectoral planning and program implementation.
Prior to joining SDSN, Cecil held senior positions in the UN system in the Middle East, Southern Africa and Southeast Asia as team leader, acting UN representative, and country director for large system-level projects. Cecil started his career in 2001 at UN headquarters dealing with strategic partnerships in the Executive Office of the Secretary General, before moving to country level with a focus on public sector management and system-wide development, health and humanitarian programming. From 2009 to 2011 Cecil held a ‘sabbatical’ with teaching and research responsibilities related to humanitarian policy, law and global health at Harvard University. Cecil completed his academic training in public policy and management at university programs in Germany, France and the US, with experience in social science research.