Ricardo is a PhD researcher in the Conflict, Violence and Development cluster at IDS. He is also a visiting researcher at the National Centre of Scientific Research (CNIC) of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) and the Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia of Timor-Leste.

He holds a Master degree in Economics from the Nova University in Lisbon and an MA in Development Studies from IDS. His previous work in the Development field includes voluntary work for one year in Timor-Leste as a member of a Portuguese NGO and, Programme Manager for Timor-Leste and Angola and Deputy Executive Officer of the same NGO.

Prior to his work in the NGO, he worked in the Strategy Department on a major Portuguese company and, during that period, was an advisor to the company’s Board of Directors. His doctoral research examined the post-conflict labour market and education sector in Timor-Leste, looking at the medium-run impact of exposure to violence and conflict produce on the households ’choices regarding education, namely enquiring on impacts over the economic incentives for education.

Ricardo is currently convenor of the Rising Powers Young Researchers Network.