As the Conservation Health Brigade Program Manager, Rija leads the implementation of integrated Population-Health-Environment approaches at Conservation Allies, working closely with health authorities, conservation partners, and local communities in Madagascar. He also serves as a board member of the PHE Network in Madagascar.

He is a specialist in local development and community health, with more than 20 years of experience in project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation within international organizations such as CARE, UNDP, and MSI.

He holds a diverse academic background, including a degree in agricultural engineering and a master’s in local development and project management from the University of Antananarivo, complemented by a Master of Business Administration from the University of the People (United States).