Communications for Development
Helping multilateral programs translate complex development challenges into strategies and stories that move people, shape policy, and unlock financing.
Core Services
Strategy, Project, & Program Design
I have worked on project preparation teams to design infrastructure investments and policy-driven programs to ensure they deliver outcomes for all stakeholders — from concept notes and results frameworks to full project design across city, national, and regional scales.
Communications Planning & Editorial Direction
I help organizations translate technical work into stories that move people — across reports, digital content, and advocacy materials. From message frameworks to editorial direction, I make sure the right knowledge reaches the right audience.
Research & Impact Documentation
I conduct field and desk research — including photo and video documentation — and turn findings into case studies and narratives that make the case for continued investment. The evidence I produce is built to inform decisions and be shared.
Knowledge Management & Capacity Building
Knowledge isn’t power until it flows. I help organizations capture what they know and make it usable — through learning systems, documentation, and tools that outlast any single project.
Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
I design and facilitate processes that bring the right people into the room and build their capacity to lead. From stakeholder mapping to workshops and training, I create the conditions for genuine participation and shared ownership.
Creative Engagement & Cultural Strategy
I integrate arts and cultural strategy into development work — supporting community-led initiatives that strengthen local ecosystems and broaden who gets to participate.
How I Work with Clients
I personally lead and manage all client engagements, bringing more than 20 years of experience in climate change, water and environment, agriculture, urban development, and strategic communications.
When projects require added technical or regional expertise, I draw on a trusted network of trusted collaborators—senior consultants, researchers, and creatives. This approach offers my clients the best of both worlds: direct, personal engagement backed by the flexibility and depth of a project team as needed.
Clients value this model because it allows for tailored, right-sized support that adapts to each project’s needs while ensuring they work directly with me from start to finish.
Projects & Publications
Water Supply
Food Security
Environment & Climate Change
Urban
Other
Sugar Mountain Group is the strategic communications consultancy of Melissa Alipalo — an award-winning writer, former journalist, and development specialist with over 25 years of experience in Asia. Founded as a boutique media and advocacy firm.
About
Contact
Interested in connecting over a potential project? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly.