EDS First:

  • Has extensive experience in the sectors of development economics, private sector development (PSD) and SME capacity building, trade policy and aid for trade, governance, regional cooperation, gender and social inclusion.
  • Specialises in Monitoring, Evaluations and Learning (MEL), as well as, the design of international programs, mid and end of term evaluations, training and workshops, and technical advice.
  • Draws on a wide network of associates. We are able to mobilise a range of expertise. All associates have previously worked with international donors and EDS First and together we have experience working in most countries across the Indo-Pacific region and sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Peter van Diermen founded EDS First in February 2007. Peter was soon joined by Jim Redden and Rony Soerakoesoemah. Peter is a former senior lecturer at The Australian National University (ANU) and senior economist with Australia’s’ Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he advised on the Australian development cooperation program.

Jim Redden continues as a part time Senior Lecturer & Visiting Fellow at the University of Adelaide where he designs, coordinates and lectures into post-graduate courses in international business, trade policy, aid and sustainable development. Jim has served on the Australian Trade Minister’s Advisory Committee and has advised Australian Government ministers, including former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and former Foreign Minister, Hon Julie Bishop MP, on a range of international trade, aid and inclusive economic issues.

Rony Soerakoesoem is a former Assistant Director in the ASEAN Secretariat and continues to consult across the Asia Pacific region.   He has worked with several clients to identify activities that build the capacity of government officials, particularly in the areas of trade policy analysis, trade information flows, SME development, and regulatory reforms.

Dr Maryke van Diermen has worked as a researcher and social service designer in Indonesia and Australia over the last 8 years. Maryke’s main expertise spans the areas of social inclusion, governance, social protection, homelessness and poverty reduction. Maryke has experience in program design, development, implementation, quantitative research and qualitative research.

Since the establishment in early 2007, EDS First directors have built a wide network of associates. Together, EDS First has worked on a range of socio-economic issues across South East Asia, South Asia and the Pacific, as well as, in a number of Central Asia and Africa countries.

Empowerment and global justice approach

Our approach to development is to empower people by strengthening the capacity of the  relevant community, institution, company or government in question, to undertake sustainable economic, commercial or social activities that contribute to the long-term development process. EDS First focusses on delivering results. This includes clearly identifying the results the client seeks and full consultation with a range of actors to determine how results can best be delivered.

To deliver results for a wide range of clients and within a range socio-economic sectors, EDS First has a flexible, participatory approach that takes full account of both donor requirements and the development needs of the recipients. Our social inclusion work extends to analysis of how those in the lowest income sectors of a community can most benefit from development programs, including women, people with disabilities, indigenous groups and other marginalised minorities.