Francesco is ADB’s focal point for gender equality and social inclusion in South Asia. He promotes the visibility of gender equality, women's empowerment and social inclusion in the design, implementation and monitoring of ADB operations in South Asia. Prior to ADB, Francesco worked as Social Development Specialist in the Africa Region of the World Bank, where he was involved in the implementation of a broad range of social development, gender and development (GAD) and social protection related initiatives. He has also worked as advisor to several West African countries on gender and law-related issues, incl. gender-responsive law reform, legal literacy, and legal aid targeting women and disadvantaged groups.