Arjun Tasker co-founded Local Works Global and leads external engagement and partnership development. He helps build the donor relationships, institutional alliances, and strategic connections that expand our reach and impact.

Arjun believes the future of international development lies in locally led solutions and authentic partnerships, having spent 15+ years proving that the two go together. Arjun is known for turning ambitious ideas into operational reality at scale and building the teams and relationships that make that possible. At USAID, he led the New Partnerships Initiative from a $20 million portfolio to over $1 billion across 80 countries, revolutionizing collaboration with non-traditional partners while transforming organizational culture around partnership. He has facilitated workshops with 130 or more stakeholders, taught graduate students at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, and has a particular gift for presentations that move people to action. He invests considerable time in pro-bono professional coaching because helping others unlock their potential deeply energizes him. Regardless of context, Arjun approaches his work through authentic connection and empathetic leadership to create space for everyone to contribute their best work.

Arjun holds a Double MSc in Public Policy and Human Development through a joint program between the United Nations University (UNU-MERIT) and Maastricht University (UM), as well as a B.A. from Haverford College. Outside work, Arjun experiments with whatever kitchen gadget has captured his attention this quarter (currently obsessing over his air fryer), gets lost in science fiction novels, and is thoroughly entertained by his two children (ages six and one) who keep him grounded and laughing.