CAROLE BJERREGAARD

zCompany Overview: Sweco is Europe’s leading engineering and architecture consultancy providing international services within sustainable infrastructure, environment, and digitalisation.

• Project Leadership & Execution:streamlined Led and oversaw a large portfolio of high-value international projects (>$1M), ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget. Developed comprehensive project plans, identifying and mitigating risks— project management processes by implementing agile methodologies, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
• Strategic Initiatives: Designed and implemented Sweco's energy strategy for international engagement, with a focus on renewable and wind energy. Led, prepared, and coordinated winning tenders in the energy, transport, and wastewater sectors, leveraging post-project evaluations to inform future strategic endeavours.
• Stakeholder & Client Management: Established and maintained strong relationships with clients, partners, and key stakeholders. Provided outstanding client service through effective communication and prompt issue resolution to facilitate new business opportunities. Expertly negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favourable terms.
• Team Leadership: Mentored junior project managers and team members to enhance their skills and foster a culture of accountability. Led and developed multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams, fostering collaborative problem-solving to redefine and reach solutions.

Company Overview: DEM (Danish Energy Management) is a leading consultancy in building design and renovation, energy (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) and sustainability. In Denmark and abroad, DEM delivers professional engineering and evaluation services to public and private clients.

• Strategic Leadership & Growth: Appointed as DEM's youngest Head of Business Development, successfully transforming the team and its strategic focus. Assisted in shaping the company's long-term objectives within the energy, climate, and sustainability sectors, by developing and implementing new business development strategies, resulting in increased revenue and market share.
• Team & Resource Management: Led a team of six colleagues, managing recruitment, on-boarding, training, and capacity building to optimize internal processes and foster professional growth. Managed and supported the capacity building of the Business Development Team to ensure successful project delivery.
• Business Development & Partnership Management: Directed the full lifecycle of business opportunities, from identification and market analysis to bid and contract negotiation. Cultivated strategic relationships with key clients and industry partners, strengthening the company's profile and securing high-level collaborations for mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Project & Contract Management: I managed a portfolio of over 8 service contracts and international projects with clients including Danida, the European Commission (EC), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). I oversaw all stages of project and contract management, from acquisition and bid development to budget control (for contracts ranging from 3 to 14 million DKK).
• Business Development & Client Relations: I identified and cultivated new business opportunities through market research and strategic partnership development. I strengthened client and donor relationships through regular communication and managed the needs of over six major clients simultaneously.
• Sector Expertise: I specialized in key technical areas, including Energy Efficiency (EE) in Buildings, Sustainable Energy Retrofit, Renewable Energy (RE), District Heating, and Monitoring & Evaluation across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
• Team & Resource Management: Mentored and trained junior team members and student workers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team. Optimized resource allocation by closely monitoring project progress and adjusting team assignments as needed.

Company Overview: NCG is a well-renowned consultancy company specialized in international development and offering services across the project cycle and within NCGs six core areas of operations covering governance, human rights, gender equality, and environmental and social assessments.

• Project & Tender Management: Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals. Managed a portfolio of international development projects, overseeing the entire project cycle from acquisition and tender development to implementation and monitoring. Managed all aspects of project administration and budget control, including reporting.
• Client & Partnership Management: Cultivated and maintained relationships with key clients, including the European Commission, Danida, Nefco, and SIDA.
• Global Scope: Managed projects with a global geographical scope, including in over 35 EC delegations across the globe, as well as in Asia and Africa.
• Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
• Specialized Expertise: Offered services within NCG's core areas of operation, including governance, human rights, gender equality, and environmental and social assessments.
• Budget Range: 500,000 DKK – 10 Mio. DKK per contract.

Company Overview: The Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) is a national human rights institution established by the Danish Parliament. It is an independent state institution that works to promote and protect human rights and equal treatment in Denmark and internationally. The institute provides legal and policy advice, conducts research, and implements development projects in partnership with human rights institutions around the world.

• Project & Stakeholder Management: Provided comprehensive administrative and technical support for collaborative projects with national and regional human rights institutions across Africa. I assisted project managers in achieving timely project completion by developing and monitoring project timelines and milestones, and also organized meetings and workshops with stakeholders to ensure effective coordination.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight: Enhanced project efficiency by assisting with budget tracking to manage costs effectively and prevent overruns. I also maintained a high level of accuracy in all project documentation and financial reports, ensuring consistency and clarity from start to finish.
• Organizational Support & Process Improvement: Supported fundraising and the acquisition of new opportunities, and aided in continuous improvement efforts by participating in lessons-learned sessions. I also streamlined team communication by maintaining organized documentation of all project notes and follow-ups.

Company Overview: The Youth Forum Zimbabwe is an organization dedicated to empowering young people in Zimbabwe through initiatives focused on democratization and organizational development.

• Organizational Development & Democratization: Supported the organizational development and democratization of the NGO's working structures. I provided advice on establishing gender-equal structures and developed communication and fundraising strategies to enhance the organization's reach and impact.
• Beneficiary & Stakeholder Relations: Analyzed the needs of beneficiaries and stakeholders, developing tailored strategies to meet their goals. I helped them make informed decisions and maintained strong relationships to ensure their satisfaction and a positive impact.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined internal processes by improving documentation and organization, which increased overall efficiency and improved the effectiveness of the NGO's operations.