Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 43 years of experience in security, public policy, and conflict management, the expert possesses key qualifications in strategic planning, program implementation, and mediation. Career highlights include leading international projects with the UN and ECOWAS, focusing on peacekeeping, security reform, and crisis response. Notable accomplishments involve coordinating the closure of the UN Mission in Liberia and drafting Liberia's National Security and Counter-Terrorism Policies. Responsibilities have included advising mission heads, managing military operations, and conducting strategic reviews, demonstrating a capacity to manage complex security environments and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the expert has contributed to projects like Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in Nigeria and Gender in Peace Support Operations. This involvement encompassed project coordination, implementation, and capacity building, with a thematic focus on governance, security, and peace support operations. These projects were primarily national in scope, taking place in Nigeria and Liberia, showcasing the expert's ability to work within donor frameworks effectively.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse sectors including administration, security, training, conflict management, and human resources, the expert has held senior roles such as UN Force Commander and Sector Commander, concentrating on peace operations and security reform. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge in logistics management and program support has contributed to security and defense administration in regions like West Africa and the Balkans. Their work has involved both regional and country-specific initiatives, emphasizing strategic mission planning and operational logistics in complex international environments. Geographic experience includes significant roles in Liberia, Nigeria, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia, with deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in Liberia.

Languages and education

With fluency in English and Hausa and some understanding of Arabic and French, the expert has utilized these language skills in diverse international settings, including work in multilingual teams and peacekeeping missions in countries such as Liberia and the former Yugoslavia. The languages have been instrumental in facilitating communication and coordination in complex, multicultural environments. The expert holds a Master of Science in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University, Nigeria, and a Master in Business Administration from Imo State University, Nigeria. Additionally, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy was obtained from Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The expert is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a focus on terrorism, mediation, and peace at Walden University, USA.