As an analyst and researcher of mediation, conflict and disputes for many years, I am a committed advocate for the power of genuine dialogue to unlock even the most intractable of disputes. Increasing and broadening capacity is key, which is why I am also a passionate educator and trainer. I have worked within conflict transformation and training/learning environments for much of my professional life, across law, politics, development, humanitarian and peacebuilding sectors, and with lawmakers, policymakers, community members and leaders, business, activists, academics and government officials.
As a research consultant for UN agencies, international organisations and NGOs, I have led on complex, multi-stakeholder projects including UN Peacekeeping corruption risks; Integrating Housing, Land and Property issues in Humanitarian, Transition and Development responses; Water and Violent Conflict in Somalia; Land and Agenda 2030 – Sustainable Development Goals; Locally-led development and peacebuilding. I have taught and led seminars for several years at the University of Bristol in both the Law School and the School for Sociology, Politics and International Studies. As with mediation, my approach to conflict transformation and education, is that the parties are best placed to develop their own solutions, to lead on their learning, and it is my role to support and enable that process.
My PhD (Law, 2016) research on mediation processes in situations of violent conflict in Africa (DR Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Liberia, Somalia), highlighted the need for understanding complex multi-interest situations and the possibility for innovative solutions in the most intractable of situations. This informs my mediation practice and my belief in this process.
My professional experience includes consultancies and employment with:
Global Protection Cluster and Solutions Alliance:
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees),
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme),
IOM (International Organisation for Migration),
UN-Habitat,
ICRC (Red Cross)
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
Peace Direct
Transparency International
Wasafiri Consulting
UN-Habitat
World Habitat
The University of Bristol