Renata Nowak-Garmer

Social protection policy, gender, social and economic inclusion, inclusive growth, older persons’ well-being, socio-economic rights of persons living with disabilities, systems design and integrated approaches, qualitative and mixed research methods.

Renata Nowak-Garmer leads the Social Protection Programme, providing thought leadership and shaping programmatic strategies and partnerships to strengthen social protection systems and expand access to services for workers in informal employment. Renata brings two decades of experience with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), serving both at the global level and in Africa, where she was the regional lead for social protection. In this role, she worked across more than 20 countries, advising country offices and governments on strengthening social protection systems and promoting the social and economic inclusion of vulnerable populations. She also led and co-authored numerous reports and publications, and developed policy guidance and tools to inform practice.

Renata holds an MA in German Philology from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, and a Master’s Degree (MIA) in Economic and Political Development from Columbia University, New York, where she was a Harriman Fellow. Additionally, she earned the Harriman Certificate in Post-Soviet Studies from Columbia University. Currently, Renata is pursuing a Doctorate in Social Policy and Research at Bath University, UK. Her doctoral work explores the role of state and traditional arrangements in the care and well-being of older persons in African countries. Currently, Renata is on special leave from UNDP.

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