Short Bio:
María José Ayala Energy and sustainability expert As an energy policy expert with over 15 years of experience, I have led high-impact initiatives at the intersection of sustainable energy, public policy, and stakeholder engagement. I currently manage USAID/Ecuador’s $10M renewable energy portfolio, where I coordinate national-level technical assistance, regulatory reform, and public-private dialogue to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. My track record includes directing market assessments, designing energy efficiency strategies, and facilitating multi-sectoral consultation processes with institutions such as the Ministry of Energy, ARCONEL, and CENACE. I am adept at liaising across both technical and political leadership levels, ensuring efficient translation of project goals, needs, and deliverables across strategic and operational domains. I have developed actionable communication inputs for behavioral change and demand-side management, and authored technical reports and monitoring frameworks aligned with international standards. My experience in coordinating inter-agency efforts, preparing evidence-based recommendations, and leading inclusive stakeholder engagement positions me to contribute effectively to the success of this consultancy.