Patrick TEIXEIRA has been acting director of the Regional Centre of Excellence against Hunger and Malnutrition (CERFAM) since February 2021. He joined CERFAM in 2019 as head of strategic planning, program design and partnerships. Patrick has over 25 years of experience as a humanitarian and development actor, including 24 years with the World Food Programme. He has held various leadership and management positions, including in Cape Verde, Liberia, Eritrea, Côte d´Ivoire, Gambia and Italy. Most recently, as Deputy Country Director and Program Director at WFP-Timor-Leste. Patrick has expertise and experience in the areas of food security, nutrition and food systems. Patrick obtained a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Economics and a Diploma in International Development and Cooperation from the University of Social Sciences of Toulouse, France. Patrick is also an ILO certified gender expert.