OUR ADVISORY NETWORK
ILLA is building a network of advisors to inform its work on localisation and locally led action. The network brings regional perspectives into our learning, reflection and practical support to organisations.
As a practice-oriented institute based in Norway, we focus on local leadership, equitable partnerships, funding barriers, risk-sharing, accountability and local knowledge.
Leadership
Shlomo Peretz
Country of origin: Colombia
CEO
Shlomo Peretz is the CEO of ILLA. He has more than 14 years of experience in humanitarian action and development, supporting programmes, teams and communities in complex settings. He holds an MSc in International and Local Development Cooperation and a postgraduate diploma in responses to sexual violence in armed conflicts. His background as a lawyer and nurse brings together legal, health and field perspectives. His work focuses on localisation, locally led action, equitable partnerships, quality and accountability.
Latin America
Robson Dias
Country of origin: Brazil
Programme Advisor — Latin America
Robson Dias has international experience in programme implementation, operations and human resources. His profile lists a regional leadership role with RET Germany covering West and Central Africa. His work includes coordinating multicultural teams, logistics and humanitarian projects across North Africa, the Middle East, South America and Mexico.
Jesús Arellano
Country of origin: Venezuela
Finance Advisor — Latin America
Jesús Arellano has more than 14 years of experience in financial, administrative and human resources management in complex settings. His expertise includes cash flow, budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, compliance and financial risk management for international cooperation organisations and NGOs. His background also includes academic research and university teaching.
East Africa
Jaedy Mbolonzi
Country of origin: Kenya
Finance Advisor — East Africa
Jaedy Mbolonzi has extensive experience in finance and support services for humanitarian organisations. His career includes finance leadership roles with DanChurchAid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, as well as work with the Danish Refugee Council and the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action. His profile also lists financial management work with Norwegian People’s Aid.
Middle East
Husam Abubaker
Country of origin: Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt)
Finance Advisor — Middle East
Husam Abubaker has more than 17 years of experience in finance and administration, including senior management roles in international and regional organisations. His background includes Secours Islamique France and Belgian Technical Cooperation, alongside procurement, human resources and donor compliance. He holds a master’s degree in Strategic Planning and Fundraising and a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking. His profile lists a Deputy Director of Finance role with Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Asia
Erum Baloch
Country of origin: Pakistan
Programme Advisor — Asia
Erum Baloch has experience in humanitarian programme management and country-level leadership in Pakistan and Iraq. Her career includes Head of Mission and programme coordination roles with Secours Islamique France, programme management and acting country leadership with Johanniter International Assistance, and nutrition coordination with Save the Children US. She holds an MSc in Crisis, Emergency and Disaster Management from Preston University.