About
Déborah Philipp — Founder, Voltonia Ltd
Grounded in a strong academic foundation with Master’s degrees in Hydrogeology and Industrial Chemistry, and an MSc in Development Studies from London South Bank University, I bring over two decades of practical experience to environmental engineering and sustainable development.
I specialize in navigating the complex landscape of environmental and social risk. Having lived and worked extensively across France, China, and multiple African nations, I offer solutions that are not only technically rigorous but deeply tailored to local cultural and geographical realities.
Whether directing a division of 40 engineers for global railway projects or establishing ESG strategies for international donors, my core strength lies in bridging the gap between highly technical environmental science and practical, on-the-ground project delivery.
Education
- MSc, Development StudiesLondon South Bank University (UK) · 2012
- MSc, Hydrogeology (groundwater)Grenoble (France) · 1999
- Master’s, Industrial ChemistryMetz (France) · 1998
Training
- Climate change mitigation in developing countriesUniversity of Cape Town · 2022
- Ecosystem-based adaptation: working with nature to adapt to a changing climateGIZ, IUCN, IISD · 2023
- Monitoring and evaluating a development projectAFD · 2024
- Appraising a development project: feasibility study and E&S assessmentAFD · 2024
Languages
- French (native)
- English (fluent)
- Mandarin (basic)
Countries of Operation
China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Senegal, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, Mali, Djibouti, DRC, Congo, Burkina Faso, UK, Sweden, France, South Africa, Colombia, Madagascar, Algeria, Palestine (Gaza).
Career
- 2023–nowVoltonia LtdFounder and Director, Senior E&S Consultant (Hong Kong / China)
- 2018–2023Antea GroupHead of the Environment and Waste Unit, International Division; Antea Benin representative (2019–2021)
- 2013–2018SYSTRADirector, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Department (40 engineers)
- 2012EDFEnvironment and Sustainable Development Officer
- 2011–2012WaterAid (UK)Consultant, Planning Effectiveness Unit
- 2008–2010Veolia Water Solutions & TechnologiesHead of Methods and Organisation, Engineering Department (China)
- 2008European Commission, China and Mongolia DelegationInterim Project Officer, EU–China River Basin Management Programme
- 1999–2007EgisEnvironmental Project Manager
Initiate a Project
Discuss your E&S assessment, due diligence or team coordination needs.