Fernando Calado
Manager, Venezuela Response and Integration Program (VRI), USAID
Fernando Calado is the Manager of USAID’s Venezuela Response and Integration Program (VRI), implemented by Chemonics. VRI is one of the most prominent international cooperation programs supporting the Government of Colombia in the management of the migrant and returnee populations. It is implemented through two focused projects: INTEGRA works to improve the Government of Colombia’s border and migration management, strengthen local government capacities for providing social services, and reduce xenophobia; Economic Integration in Migrant Communities seeks to increase migrant participation in the licit economy, foment private investment in this population, and promote a regulatory framework that supports the economic integration of migrants.
Before taking on this role, Fernando was Chief of Party of USAID’s Human Rights Activity in Colombia. In his more than 20 years of experience, he has held leadership roles in the international development and humanitarian aid sectors, working in critical areas including international migration, peacebuilding, human rights, and conflict mitigation in Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, and Timor-Leste.
Fernando is a distinguished expert in the fields of migration, peacebuilding, capacity building with local and national governments to reduce human rights violations, government reform, and improving service provision for the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. He has held high-level positions in the International Organization for Migration (IOM), including nine years as the Bogotá Program Director, and as Head of the Transition and Recovery Division in Geneva, Switzerland. He is a strategic team leader with ample experience in the rapid development and implementation of comprehensive response systems for vulnerable populations in conflict contexts.
Fernando has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and a master’s degree in international development and politics from Georgetown University. He lives in Bogotá, Colombia with his wife and three daughters. In his free time, he runs marathons and previously played soccer.
Before taking on this role, Fernando was Chief of Party of USAID’s Human Rights Activity in Colombia. In his more than 20 years of experience, he has held leadership roles in the international development and humanitarian aid sectors, working in critical areas including international migration, peacebuilding, human rights, and conflict mitigation in Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, and Timor-Leste.
Fernando is a distinguished expert in the fields of migration, peacebuilding, capacity building with local and national governments to reduce human rights violations, government reform, and improving service provision for the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. He has held high-level positions in the International Organization for Migration (IOM), including nine years as the Bogotá Program Director, and as Head of the Transition and Recovery Division in Geneva, Switzerland. He is a strategic team leader with ample experience in the rapid development and implementation of comprehensive response systems for vulnerable populations in conflict contexts.
Fernando has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and a master’s degree in international development and politics from Georgetown University. He lives in Bogotá, Colombia with his wife and three daughters. In his free time, he runs marathons and previously played soccer.