As Director, Ambrose James is responsible for overseeing overall implementation of GOSL-EU cooperation projects, ensuring policy and development coordination with the EU, Ministries, Department and Agencies and the effective operations of the NAO Units. He has more than 19 years of experience developing project management strategies in conflict-sensitive and conflict transformation programming with international non-profit organisations in Sierra Leone, West and East Africa. He has also worked in developing and strengthening programming strategies in Asia. His particular area of expertise centres on building leadership capacity, management of multiyear programme operations, programme development and multi-stakeholder engagement in consolidating peace, development and reforming institutions.
His past work experience includes eight years as Country Director, for Search for Common Ground www.sfcg.org in Sierra Leone, and two years as Country Director for Health Poverty Action www.healthpovertyaction.org. He has extensive experience working with civil society, government, policy makers, community based organizations, youth, children, international development partners and independent media providing inclusive platforms for engagement, policy analysis and programme implementation.
He is a community mobiliser, trainer and facilitator with effective team building and organisational skills, and has extensive experience working with large and diverse groups of, individuals with varying interests and positions, and in managing a number of multiyear community and government projects with funding from various donors including UN, Irish Aid, EU, DFID, and USAID. He has a proven track record of successfully nurturing diverse coalitions, alliances and networks in Sierra Leone including the Women Solidarity Support Group, Independent Radio Network, National Elections Watch.
He has a B.Sc (Hons) in Sociology and Economics from Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone and a Master of Public Administration and Management (MPAM) from John F Kennedy School of Government , Harvard University.
Departmental Heads
As Head of Finance and Administration, Esther Williams supports the Director and Deputy with the responsibility of ensuring that funds are available when needed for GOSL-EU cooperation projects monitoring under the European Development Fund and for the general operations of the NAO office. She has more than 15 years of experience working in the fields of accountancy, finance, audit and administration in the public and private sectors, local and international Non-Governmental organisations. Her particular areas of expertise include financial programming, financial management, budgeting, accounting and analytical report writing.
She has worked in the capacities of Finance Manager, Finance and Administration Manager, Accountant, Project Accountant, Senior Accountant, Audit Senior and as National Treasurer.
She has a B.Sc in Accounting and Finance, Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, a certificate from the London School of Business and Finance and is an ACCA finalist.
As Head of Rural Development, Governance and Accountability, Andrew Tucker has responsibility for the quality of projects in Agriculture, Environment, Socio-economics and Public Sector Governance for EU funded projects. He participates in the planning, appraisal and implementation of projects; guides and participates in the procurement processes of Project Coordination/Management Units (PCUs/PMUs) of EU funded projects in the MDAs working on Rural Development and Governance projects; and guides the PCUs/PMUs in the application of correct EU procedures and regulations in the preparation of project documents, evaluations, contracting, payment and reporting. In close coordination with the line ministries, Andrew Tucker develops terms of references for consultants financed under indirect management and participate in the contracting arrangements. He works with the relevant implementation partners to ensure that planning and growth policies are consistent with the national development agendas as may be defined in the New Direction priorities, and in the interest of partner organisations, and also to prevent duplication of efforts/plans.
He has more than 18 years of working experience in project planning, programming, monitoring & evaluation and reporting with World Bank, EU and Ecumenical Development Partners in Sierra Leone. He has participated many times in the appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of donor funded projects; and country assessments, PRSP and EU responses to NIPs. He has expertise in result-based M&E, and a deep knowledge and understanding of post-war development challenges and strategies in Sierra Leone. He has expertise in rural development strategies, policies and management of change. He has substantial experience on 9th & 10th EU procedures, rules and regulations. He is acquainted with environmental governance and mainstreaming project implementation in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
He has a B.Sc in Economics and Social Studies or BSc (Econs) from Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, and a Master of Science in Development Studies, ST Clements University Group, Australia