The RDI Network is pleased to welcome Dr. Nanditha Hettitantri as its newest NGO representative on the RDI Committee. Nanditha works as the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Adara Development.
Prior to joining Adara, Nanditha has held leadership positions in international development, private sector and global collaborative organisations. She has taught and researched at Australian and overseas universities, and has consulted for global research groups and networks.
In her various roles at community development organisations, Nanditha has worked with children, families, community members and service providers in conflict and disaster-affected and poverty stricken contexts in Asian countries (including her birth Country, Sri Lanka) and with Aboriginal and linguistically and culturally diverse communities in Australia. She has expertise in using rights-based and strengths-based approaches in research and programming in disadvantaged community settings and in influencing changes through evidence-based policy advocacy.
The RDI Network is pleased to welcome Nanditha onto its strategic leadership group, and look forward to the expertise she brings from her experience across multiple sectors. In welcoming Nanditha, we conducted a quick Q&A:
How did you come to know about the Network?
…bridging the gap between academia and practitioners in the conduct and use of research is the key for promoting evidence-based policy and programming.
Nanditha Hettitantri, Adara Development
I came to know about the RDI Network through resources from the Research in Development Series and developed an interest in Network’s vision and mission. My understanding about the Network grew through my professional involvement with ACFID. As I actively engage with ACFID’s Community of Practice I have learnt more about the RDI Network (as a strong partner of ACFID) and the Network’s effective research collaborations in Australia.
What do you think the RDI Network has to offer the international development sector in Australia and the region?
Based on a decade of experience in conducting and managing over 50 research and evaluation projects in the development sector and in academia, I have built a strong belief that bridging the gap between academia and practitioners in the conduct and use of research is the key for promoting evidence-based policy and programming. I think the RDI Network has the strategic direction, expertise and commitment to encourage such collaboration in Australia and beyond.
What do you hope to contribute to the committee?
I am well connected with the research community in Asia, Australia and globally. Through the World Forum Foundation (Board Mentee and International Advisory Group Member), Care and Protection of Children Learning Network and the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood, I am well connected with child protection, community development and peace building researchers and practitioners in a large number of countries. I hope to leverage my professional network to broaden the Network and further strengthen the Network’s collaborations in Australia, Asia and globally.
