About ICF

Susan Pietrzyk

Team Leader and Senior Researcher, International Development
Susan is an international development expert with 30 years of experience working in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Susan leads research and strategic communications projects related to vulnerable populations as part of efforts to address health disparities, reduce food insecurity, strengthen systems, and promote behavior change. Under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Accelerator project, Susan manages a three-country study called “Improving the Linkages between Social Accountability and Social and Behavior Change.” The study focuses on what might be achieved by more overtly applying behavior change methods to social accountability approaches and helping country-level stakeholders in this journey.

In addition, Susan leads several activities under the USAID-funded Environmental Compliance Support (ECOS) Contract. These activities focus on integrating the consideration and assessment of social impacts on USAID’s environmental compliance mandate. In this capacity, Susan conducts technical research, assesses gaps in evidence and information, and writes strategic communications materials. Recently, she designed and led a qualitative study in Kenya under The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Program focused on child delivery and women’s experiences with national-level programs intended to provide free maternity care. From 2013-2017, Susan was part of one of our team’s conducting baseline studies for USAID Food for Peace (FFP) programs.

Previously, Susan led a USAID-sponsored gender and HIV committee as part of a larger HIV/AIDS multi-sectoral approaches working group. She also managed large economic development projects, including task order based contracts and in-country management of population-based surveys. As a Fulbright Scholar in Zimbabwe, Susan worked with community-based organizations to examine the ways advocacy around gender equality and sexual rights are vital elements in addressing HIV/AIDS.

Education
  • Ph.D., Anthropology, Binghamton University
  • M.A., Anthropology, Binghamton University
  • B.A., Sociology and Anthropology, Knox College