Paul Barry

Biography

After completing my undergraduate degree in English at the University of York and a PGCE at the University of London, I taught English as a foreign language at the University of the Quindio in Colombia. I moved on to MEd studies at the University of Manchester and, after completion of the programme, worked as a lecturer in the School of Education for seven years.I took an opportunity to participate in a DfiD funded project which was focused on curriculum development in Oman.This project led me to spend the next seven years in Oman providing technical leadership of an initiative to establish and develop new educational systems within the Ministry of Education.

Following completion of the project in Oman, I moved to Ecuador to lead another curriculum renewal project for the Ministry of Education.This involved establishing public-private partnerships in the area of education. The project, funded by DfiD, the Ministry of Education in Ecuador, and various private sector partners, lasted for seven years. My work was officially recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in the award of an MBE for services to education in Ecuador.

My next career move took me to Panama for five years to support professional development initiatives, such as teacher training, in the field of education. During this time, I completed an MSc degree in International Development Management with the Open University. When coupled with my extensive work experience in developing country contexts, this degree was to prove invaluable to me on my return to England. I took up my academic position at IDPM in 2004 after a post as a Professional Development Manager with the Learning and Skills Council.

My main duties for IDPM relate to the MSc programme in Management and Implementation of Development Projects. I direct this programme, lead the annual fieldwork to Cyprus, and teach modules in Organisational Behaviour, and Research Methods.

I speak Spanish fluently and, outside of work, enjoy gardening and outdoor activities.

Research Networks and Beacons

• Global inequalities