Jennifer Burdett
Midlothian
Summary
Senior director in international development with extensive experience leading governance and human rights initiatives. Demonstrated success in managing complex portfolios, driving program effectiveness, and fostering collaboration among global teams to enhance institutional accountability and impact.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
01.2026 - Current
- Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for complex international development and governance portfolios.
- Guide organizational decision-making on program quality, risk management, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
- Support global teams in delivering impactful, accountable programming in complex operating environments.
Managing Director
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
04.2024 - 12.2025
- Directed strategic oversight of the U.S. Government's flagship agriculture development initiative in Ukraine.
- Supported executive leadership during the responsible closure and transition of 22 programs across Europe and Eurasia.
- Led cross-functional teams through periods of significant organizational and geopolitical change.
- Strengthened operational resilience while maintaining accountability to stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Senior Program Director
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
08.2017 - 03.2024
- Provided strategic leadership and oversight of large-scale international development programs in Ukraine, Moldova, and Kosovo.
- Led acquisition, design, and management of complex governance and development initiatives.
- Supervised multidisciplinary teams working across sectors and geographic regions.
- Guided implementation of programs advancing justice sector reform, institutional accountability, and democratic governance.
- Strengthened collaboration among field offices, technical experts, donors, and local partners.
Director, Europe & Eurasia
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
08.2010 - 08.2017
- Directed operational oversight for a portfolio of 19 international programs valued at more than $250 million.
- Managed a 45-person business unit supporting democracy, governance, education, and rule of law initiatives.
- Provided technical leadership, quality assurance, and performance oversight for field-based teams.
- Built and maintained partnerships with government institutions, civil society organizations, donors, and international stakeholders.
- Mentored staff and managers across multiple countries and operating environments.
- Contributed to regional and corporate strategy development and implementation.
- Oversaw recruitment, professional development, and retention of diverse international teams.
Project Manager
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
07.2006 - 08.2010
- Managed democracy, governance, judicial reform, and rule of law programs in Central Asia and the Balkans.
- Directed project implementation, reporting, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
- Produced and reviewed technical reports and ensured high standards of program quality and accountability.
- Supported development of innovative approaches to judicial reform and legal sector strengthening.
Recruitment Manager & Compliance
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
06.2003 - 06.2006
- Supported organizational growth by implementing strategic recruitment practices and developing talent pipelines.
- Advised project teams on compliance and recruitment strategies to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Delivered training and mentoring programs to staff, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Education
J.D. - Human Rights and International Law
American University Washington College of Law
Washington01-2002
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI01-1998
Skills
- International Program Management
- Strategic Oversight
- Program Development
- Risk and Compliance Management
- Budget Management
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Staff Leadership & Coaching
Additional Information
More than 20 years of leadership experience in democracy, governance, human rights, and rule of law programming., Extensive experience working throughout Europe and Eurasia., Expertise in judicial reform, anticorruption, civil society strengthening, institutional accountability, and democratic governance., Experienced leading multicultural and geographically dispersed teams., Fluent English; Korean (Native/Bilingual); French (Limited Working).
Languages
- Korean, Native/Bilingual
- French, Limited Working
Certification
- Attorney Member, Maryland Bar Association
Timeline
Senior Director
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
01.2026 - Current
Managing Director
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
04.2024 - 12.2025
Senior Program Director
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
08.2017 - 03.2024
Director, Europe & Eurasia
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
08.2010 - 08.2017
Project Manager
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
07.2006 - 08.2010
Recruitment Manager & Compliance
CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL
06.2003 - 06.2006
J.D. - Human Rights and International Law
American University Washington College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Michigan State University