Maira de Roussan

Climate finance and sustainable urban development professional with experience working with Brazilian subnational governments, international organizations, and climate-focused partnerships to advance urban climate action. Experienced in programme and project management, climate finance and fundraising, international cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and multilevel governance, including work with C40, GCoM, GIZ, and UN agencies.

Research Director on Climate Change and Gender at EmpoderaClima (2024-06 – Present)

• Led a team of 10 researchers, overseeing workplans, deliverables, research strategy, publications, and knowledge products across multiple concurrent projects.
• Managed internationally funded climate projects, coordinating timelines, stakeholder engagement, grant reporting, and project outputs.
• Conducted policy research on climate governance, gender equality, and international climate negotiations, translating findings into policy briefs, educational materials, and public resources.
• Represented EmpoderaClima at COP30, researching negotiations on the Belém Gender Action Plan (B-GAP) and the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), translating key outcomes into accessible policy analysis and communications.

Climate Fundraiser and Grant Specialist at SOLOS (2024-11 – 2025-05)

• Conducted policy and funding research to identify public incentives, grant opportunities, and financing mechanisms for circular economy and urban waste projects, monitoring relevant regulatory and legislative developments in Brazil.
• Mapped funding opportunities and calls for proposals from national and international institutions, assessing their alignment with project needs, eligibility requirements, and environmental priorities.
• Developed competitive grant proposals, supporting the implementation of recycling infrastructure and collection systems in partnership with wastepicker cooperatives, private sector and municipal government.
• Supported stakeholder engagement for the Urban Ocean initiative in partnership with the City of Salvador and Resilient Cities Network, implementing an innovative door-to-door recycling program using electric tuk-tuks.
• Conducted stakeholder engagement and represented SOLOS at events, including COP29 in Baku.

International Analyst for Sustainability and Diversity at City Hall of Salvador (2022-12 – 2024-08)

• Coordinated international cooperation and multi-stakeholder initiatives supporting municipal climate resilience, sustainable urban development, and implementation of the SDGs and New Urban Agenda.
• Supported the Vila Mar urban resilience initiative in cooperation with C40 Cities and GIZ, coordinating stakeholders and contributing to the alignment of municipal priorities and international technical cooperation.
• Worked with international and technical partners including C40, GIZ, ICLEI, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and UNFPA to advance city-level sustainability and climate initiatives.
• Coordinated engagement across municipal departments and external stakeholders, supporting project development and implementation aligned with the local Climate Action Plan and Resilience Strategy
• Led the negotiation and design of a cooperation agreement between UNFPA Brazil and the City of Salvador and organized high-level meetings, workshops, and international missions.
• Prepared policy briefs, briefing notes, technical reports, speeches, and presentations for senior leadership for decision-making.

Master in Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy – Columbia University (2025-05 – 2026-05)

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History – McGill University (2018-09 – 2021-12)

Certificate in Sustainability and Environment – Fundação Getúlio Vargas (2023-01 – 2023-12)