Technical Director for Economic Growth, Partnerships and Programs Department
Global Communities
Nikki Duncan is an international business executive with over 14 years of experience managing complex programs designed to strengthen economies, empower communities and improve lives. Through her work, Nikki has traveled to over 26 countries, 16 of which are on the African continent.
Nikki joined Global Communities in 2016 as Director for Strategic Partnerships in Africa. In this role, she was responsible for cultivating and managing partnerships with companies that have both philanthropic and business interests that align with Global Communities’ mission. Currently, she serves as a one of the Technical Directors for Economic Growth within the newly-established Partnerships and Programs (P2) Department at Global Communities. In this role, Nikki is responsible for overseeing the implementation of economic growth programs that take a market systems approach to achieving program goals. In addition, she currently serves as the Chief of Party on the USAID-funded Commercially Viable, Conflict-Free Gold Project implemented by Global Communities in DRC.
Since 2002, Nikki has worked for a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations in the DC metropolitan area, leading and supporting international development programs funded by USAID and the World Bank. Prior to joining Global Communities, Nikki served as the Director for International Corporate Responsibility for Walmart Stores, Inc. where she was responsible for developing strategies to support charitable giving, community and employee engagement in the 27 countries where the company has retail operations.
Prior to working for Walmart, Nikki served as the Director for International Programs at the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), a trade association that represents companies within the perishable foods supply chain and logistics industry. In this capacity, she managed a multi-country project portfolio designed to improve food handling, distribution and retail infrastructure in developing countries.
Nikki holds a master’s degree in International Economics and Development from Johns Hopkins University, School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS), specializing in International Development and International Economics, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service with certificate in African Studies.