José Lucas Peña Suárez is a senior research and program management professional with over two decades of experience driving sustainable transformation in Latin America. His career is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific research, strategic project management, and on-the-ground humanitarian impact, particularly within complex and challenging environments. Trained as a chemist and holding a Master's in Environmental Management, José's work is rooted in a profound understanding of technical systems. This foundation propelled him into leadership roles at Venezuela's National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), where he directed national research strategy and managed critical field studies on soil health and environmental contamination. His ability to translate data into actionable insights for policymakers and communities became a hallmark of his approach. Seeking broader systemic impact, José transitioned to the international arena, collaborating with major development actors like the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). In these roles, he excelled at designing and coordinating large-scale initiatives, such as strengthening agro-industrial value chains and deploying innovative mobile laboratory units to bring diagnostic services to remote areas. He has proven expertise in the full project cycle—from conceptualizing proposals for global funds (e.g., GBFF) to managing multi-stakeholder teams and ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation. Today, José operates as a strategic consultant, focusing on the intersection of circular economy principles, sustainable agriculture, and humanitarian response. He leverages his deep, contextual knowledge of Venezuela and the region to develop resilience-focused programs that address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. José is recognized by his colleagues for his calm leadership under pressure, his structured and analytical mindset, and his unwavering commitment to ethical, evidence-based action. He is fluent in Spanish and proficient in English, and holds a Doctorate in Managerial Sciences (in progress).