As a member of the senior team within the company, Paola plays a direct role in implementing Simetrica-Jacobs' Business Plan and long-term Strategy. She develops and directs research projects and performs quantitative and qualitative analyses for social value measurement, wellbeing assessment, and impact evaluation.
Paola has a particular expertise and a proven track record in developing and managing effective impact analyses and social and equity impact appraisals of infrastructure interventions.
Paola has influenced social value strategy and policy development by reviewing the UK TAG guidance to measure the social impacts in transport interventions. She also has experience in leading and producing business cases for infrastructure investment schemes and funding applications to support Local Authorities’ transport strategies.
Paola has not only led but also managed research projects aimed at understanding the socioeconomic benefits of various transport schemes in both Europe and Latin America. She has served as a peer reviewer in prestigious transport scientific journals. Paola has successfully collaborated with diverse clients across various countries, including the UK, Spain, Colombia, Luxembourg, Romania, New Zealand and the US, encompassing multilateral development banks, national governments, and multinational companies.
Paola holds a Ph.D. in transport economics (summa cum laude distinction) and a Master's Degree in Transport Planning from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain. She also holds a B.A. in Civil Engineering from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia.