Dave Abeleven is an accomplished professional with over 20 years in education and more than 8 years in government and public policy. He was previously the inaugural Managing Director at Energie Autoriteit Suriname and Permanent Secretary of Natural Resources.

Employment History

Lead Consultant at Abeleven Consulting / ProCise Consultancy

January 2024 — Present

Inaugural Managing Director at Energie Autoriteit Suriname (EAS), Paramaribo

August 2020 — December 2023

As the Inaugural Managing Director of the Energy Authority of Suriname, I oversaw the strategic planning and management of the organization and its role in the development and regulation of the energy sector in Suriname.

Permanent Secretary (Director) at Ministry of Natural Resources, Paramaribo

September 2015 — July 2020

Chairman of the Multi Stakeholders Group (MSG) at EITI Suriname, Paramaribo

August 2016 — November 2020

As chairman leading the EITI MSG in Suriname, consisting of representatives of Government, Companies and Civil Society.

National Coordinator for EITI Suriname at EITI Suriname, Paramaribo

February 2018 – July 2020

In charge of coordination of all EITI policy and administrative related tasks in Suriname.

Managed and executed projects

Consolidating a Sustainable Energy Sector IDB SU-L1055 component 1.1

February 2020 — December 2023

Development and implementation of the Suriname Electricity Sector Plan

November 2021 — December 2023

Establishing the Suriname National Training Authority, Paramaribo

November 2014 — February 2023

Suriname Extractive Industries Technical Assistance RE

December 2017 — September 2020

Improving Environmental Management in the Mining Sector of Suriname, with Emphasis on Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (EMSAGS)

February 2019 — July 2020

Suriname – Competitiveness and Sector Diversification Project (IBRD LOAN)

January 2019 — July 2020

Suriname accession to the Minamata Convention

January 2017 — November 2019

Extra-curricular activities

Program Manager Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) at IEARN Suriname Foundation sponsored by US State Department

November 2008 — Present