CEO and Founder of Solvoz

Claire Barnhoorn

CEO and Founder of Solvoz

“when I am old and want to see where I have had influence, look at where the money is spent, to see if I can work on efficiency and effectiveness” 

Meet Claire

• Claire’s passion for humanitarian work began in childhood, inspired by a charity run for Ethiopia, leading her to dedicate her career humanitarianism but through systemic change in aid delivery and global supply chains.
  With nearly two decades of experience at MSF, NGOs, and UN agencies, she specializes in leveraging data and technology to enhance efficiency, localize aid, and promote sustainable procurement.
• As the founder and CEO of Solvoz, she leads procurement innovation for impact-driven organisations, earning global recognition, while also co-founding initiatives advancing gender-responsive and equitable supply chains.

Sector

Humanitarian Work and Social Entrepreneurship

• Why this Path? Claire’s path started in 1986 when she was very young and had her first experience with charity work. She always knew she wanted to work through humanitarian principles, feeling “there is a humanitarian in everyone.” As procurement and supply chains areis the backbone of where the budget for humanitarian aid goes, Claire has focused on this area in her career.
• What’s in the Sector’ s Future? Claire spoke about the sector’s future, seeing budget cuts not just as a setback but as a chance to rethink how money flows. She admitted “this path is horrendous,” however she also pointed out that tough times push necessary changes. She pointed out that cutting out middlemen, strengthening supply chains, and making humanitarian systems more effective to “create the world we want to be in” is still possible and should be worked toward. There’s still plenty of money in the system, but it needs to be used better, and this is the moment to make that happen. Changing the dynamics and enabling real system reform is key

Skills

Want to find out how Claire landed the job she’s currently in?

• Listening is a top skill emphasized by Claire. “If you really want to drive system change first understand and listen.” Her perspective is that you will contribute with more value if you first take a step back and apply yourself to learning and watching.
• She also emphasized embracing and strengthening your people skills and the importance of valuing your colleagues. As head of Solvoz, she has continued to view it essential to bring a level of equalitarianism into the way she operates, having check-in with colleagues at all levels and ensuring there is a strong group dynamic.

Advice and Tips

• Claire’s Advice for young talent is to “get your feet dirty,” to look at where the funding is spent. Impact can be in different forms and it is important to figure out what is the best route for you.
• “Do what makes your heart sing.” You have more impact if you do what you like most.
• Claire emphasized the value of reaching out to those you look up to or whose work interests you. Being proactive in sending direct LinkedIn invites with messages may lead to a coffee which may lead to a mentor and the start of a career. At the very least, it is a way to connect further and widen your network.

• Curriculum Vitae

  Mawared Mena, Strategic Advisor and Advocacy lead, 2025-present

  Solvoz, Founder, President of the Board and CEO, 2017-present

  Gender Responsive Procurement Alliance, Global Advocacy Lead & Founder, 2023-present

  NCDconnect, Associate Director, 2023-present

  Médecins Sans Frontières, Be Data Driven, UNICEF, European Commision, Cordaid, Greenpeace amongst others, Consultancy, advisory and project lead positions for logistical, supply chain and management focuses, 2008-2016

  Comité 4 en 5 mei Wageningen, Festival operational coordinator with staff, project and financial management roles, 2002-2006

  Internship, Teacher Maatschappijleer (‘Current Affairs), 2005-2005