Jana manages knowledge and research in the 'Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island Developing States' (ISLANDS) Programme funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). With 10+ years experience in environmental science, knowledge management, and international development, she is familiar with writing strategies and implementing projects for regional conservation programs.  She has worked with at least 14 countries across Asia Pacific and is expanding her reach in Europe and Africa. 

Before working on GEF ISLANDS, Jana was the Regional Knowledge Management Officer at IUCN’s Mangroves for the Future initiative and later on became part of IUCN Asia Regional Director’s Office in Bangkok, Thailand. She also managed regional partnerships for RECOFTC and developed the organization’s private sector engagement. She began as a program officer at the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and then as a national coordinator for civic welfare at De La Salle University Philippines. She co-managed environmental assessments for Chevron Philippines and Pilipinas Shell as part of an international development consulting firm. At the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources, she was a coastal resource management officer with the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. 

Jana holds a master's degree in social sciences (Cultural Geography) from the University of Waikato New Zealand and a BS Environmental Science degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. Her studies focused on the roles of mangroves, local communities, and international development organizations. She likes reading and walking, during which she finds fresh revelation about the world she lives in.