South Sudan

Mori Moses Sworo is a lawyer with a focus on humanitarian service, specializing in Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights. With over four years of experience, Mori has worked on issues such as customary land rights, land registration and titling, land administration and management, women’s HLP rights, conflict resolution, and project management. He holds a Master’s of Law and a Bachelor’s of Law degree from the University of Juba. Mori has conducted interventions to promote proper land use and natural resource management through information sharing, capacity building, and the development of training materials on HLP rights and Collaborative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. Currently, Mori serves as the Field Office Coordinator for the Norwegian Refugee Council in South Sudan, where he continues to advocate for justice and equal treatment while empowering communities with legal expertise and advocacy skills.

Kiden Gladys Robert Isaiah is a young female South Sudanese, currently volunteering with Community Empowerment For Rural Development (CEFORD), a local organization providing assistance to the refugees in West Nile region of Uganda. Kiden holds Master of Arts in Sustainable Development Practice from TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, India. Prior to joining her post-graduation studies, she has five years of work experience in the nonprofit sector and earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Adult and Community Education from Makerere University in Uganda. Kiden worked with Humanitarian Organizations in South Sudan to coordinate, liaise and promote beneficiaries’ participation in the projects. Her work as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Peace Building Project Officer, Community Empowerment and Accountability Officer and Community Development Facilitator exposed her to most of the peace, ethics and governance challenges that have ravaged South Sudan as a country. She possesses leadership qualities as witnessed from her community voluntary service, living a sacrificial life to benefit and change the lives of many citizens of South Sudan. Kiden enjoys focusing on the topics of Community Development, Governance, Civic Education, Youth Participation and Community-Led Leadership. She also desires to examine the development, challenges, and success of all aspects towards the creation of a better South Sudan and passionate about being part of the global community of practitioners.

Host Org: Street Sense Media

Role at Street Sense Media: As a Vendor Manager, Gladys oversees the sales department – a Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm operation where vendors purchase newspapers from Street Sense as independent contractors and then sell those newspapers to the public. The Vendor Manager also works closely with the SW to identify and support the delivery of case management.

Gladys is the Madeline Turin Memorial Fellow. The Atlas Corps: Madeline Turin Memorial, established in loving memory of Madeline Turin (1987-2017), supports this promising young leader from South Sudan as an Atlas Corps Fellow in the United States. Madeline truly wanted to affect change and to help people. Madeline’s passion for South Sudan was forged when she was assigned to a project in Juba, South Sudan, where she worked work side-by-side with the people of South Sudan, helping them build their capacity to govern and grow their economy. While South Sudan could never be considered an “easy assignment,” Madeline embraced the opportunity to help build the world’s newest country, and have an impact in a place that truly needed assistance. She was tireless in her commitment to developing the capabilities of her South Sudanese colleagues—one of whom became the very first Atlas Corps Fellow from South Sudan to the United States.

Taha Sharif has more than eight years’ experience working in the nonprofit sector. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Sciences and Technology in 2006 in Sudan. He also a Microsoft,Cisco,VMware professional certified. In 2007, Taha volunteered in various youth initiatives where he developed sound skills and training in leadership and program management in relation to youth rights and education, community development, and corporate social responsibility. Taha co-founded I-Care nonprofit organization in 2008. Through I-Care, he actively participated in projects focused on advocating for human rights and equal opportunities for children with disabilities, and youth development. Taha now works with a consulting firm in DC as a cyber-security specialist.

Host Organization : Mobilize.org

Machien has six years of experience in nonprofit sector. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. As a Senior Program Officer with AECOM International in South Sudan under the USAID–funded South Sudan Transition and Conflict Mitigation (SSTCM) program, he assisted state and county governments in reduction of conflicts emanating from rebel militia groups, cattle rustling, border trade, and nomadic migration activities in South Sudan. Prior to that assignment, he was a Democracy and Governance Project Specialist with Winrock International under a USAID – funded BRIDGE Sudan Program to build capacity of state and county government officers in four key areas – human resource management, planning and budgeting, financial management, and taxation administration in Unity State. Previously, Machien was a volunteer for PACODES – a civil society organization he helped found in the United States to construct a library, transport books from United States to Ganyliel, South Sudan. He has developed strong capacity building, project management, grant proposal writing, and monitoring and evaluation skills. Machien is interested in civil society capacity building, education, health, social business and microfinance programs to help alleviate poverty and develop communities in South Sudan.

Host Organization: BRAC USA

Role at Host Organization: Machien will support the implementation and execution of their strategic and program services, public education efforts, and grantmaking strategies. He will be expected to assist with a diverse portfolio of program work that includes microfinance, livelihood development, social enterprises, health, education, human rights and legal services.

Lukudu has five years of experience in the nonprofit sector in governance, democracy, and development issues in South Sudan. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Democracy and Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University, in Kampala, Uganda. Lukudu worked for various USAID-funded projects including a project on good governance, Localizing Institutional Capacities in South Sudan (LINCSS), and the New Sudan Students Association (NESSA). His experiences include civil society development, advancing women’s political participation, civic and voter education, and election monitoring. With this extensive experience, Lukudu developed passion in nonprofit program implementation, coordination, community mobilization and organizing, budgeting, and small grants management. At the National Endowment for Democracy, Lukudu will divide his time between NED’s World Movement for Democracy and Africa Programs. He will serve as the principal researcher for the Defending Civil Society project’s new initiative, illustrating the impact of restrictive legal environments on civil society groups carrying out democracy and human rights work.

Host Organization: National Endowment for Democracy

Role at Host Organization: Lukudu will also provide programmatic support to NED’s small grants activities in South Sudan, tracking political developments in the region and organizing events to highlight specific democracy-related issues.

Hakim has ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and earned a Bachelor’s of Art in Public Administration from Kampala International University in Uganda. While working as an Executive Director in the Office of the Minister of Health (2011 – 2013), South Sudan, he improved health service delivery in the country through coordinating health policy formulation. Formerly, Hakim worked with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, South Sudan, in various positions such as Executive Secretary (2006 – 2011), Education Coordinator (2004 – 2006), and Curriculum Developer (2003 – 2004). He has greatly contributed in the improvement of South Sudan’s educational reform and service delivery through his roles in coordinating education policy planning and implementation; as well as curriculum development as a Subject Specialist. Hakim and his colleagues have established a local organization known as Community Initiative for Peace and Development (CIPAD) in 2012, with the vision of creating a society that upholds peace and social justice, and works towards human dignity, good governance, and sustainable development. Through these experiences, he developed strong project coordination, planning, management, administrative, and implementation skills. Hakim likes putting his interests on education planning, social cohesion, and empowerment of women.

Host Organization: Lost Boys Center for Leadership Development

Role at Host Organization: Hakim will include coordinating events such as education training for fellows, school system in South Sudan, consultation with government of South Sudan and other NGOs in the field, research new companies interesting in South Sudan and alliance them with our new mission, and program management.

Momo has 5 years experience in the non-profit sector, having studied Education in Kyambogo University in Kampala, Uganda. While working as Assistant Project Manager for Save the Children International (SCI), under the DFID (UK Aid) funded “Education for All” Project, he helped increase school enrolment in Lakes State, as well as helped in the identification of schools for rehabilitation and construction of Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) and improving the professional skills of teachers through training. The project focused on people who missed the opportunity of getting formal schooling due to the long period of conflict in South Sudan. In 2014, Momo helped in the founding of; The Rescue Initiative (TRI-SS), a South Sudanese National organization, where he currently holds the portfolio of Board Chairman. Momo’s latest assignment has been in Malakal – Upper Nile State, the area worst hit by the crisis in South Sudan, where he worked for War Child and later MEDAIR. The tasks in Upper Nile involved the

implementation of Education in Emergencies Projects and the distribution of Non Food Items (NFIs) and Shelter materials to the most vulnerable. With this experience, Momo has been able develop skills in coordination, training, strategy planning and development as well as the ability of understanding and gaining skills in overall Project cycle management. Momo is currently focusing on gaining skills in Multi Sector Programming to boost more school enrolment in a country that has the highest illiteracy rates in the world.

Host Organization: World Vision

Role at Host Organization: Momo will support the development of an Education in Emergencies strategy and capacity building materials for the World Vision National Offices. Momo will focus time on South Sudan and the Middle East by providing project management support to the strategy development.

Paul has five years of experience in the charitable organization and nonprofit sector, and has earned a Bachelor’s of Education, Diploma in Education, and Certificate in Teacher Education from both the University of Nkumba as well as the Kyambogo University in Uganda. Paul worked as a Project Manager with Good Neighbors International South Sudan, in implementing Community Development Program and in collaboration with the local authorities. As a Project Officer with War Child Holland, Paul also implemented a Connecting Teaching project under DUTCH & UNICEF. Paul trained government officials to build their capacity on education management and planning, particularly with computer usage to develop wide research skills in teaching profession. Paul has executed his expertise in teacher training, HIV/AIDs Awareness, entrepreneurship skills, life skills/lifesaving messages, and capacity building. Paul led the implementation of small business management and vocational skills training among youth through planning, coordination, and implementation. Through these experiences, Paul developed strong project coordination, implementation and monitoring skills. Paul enjoys focusing on the topics of Peace education, human rights, children’s rights, gender sensitivity, conflict resolution and management, and has a strong passion for youth and women empowerment, specifically children who are termed as wealth earners in society.

Host Organization : Meridian International Center

Role at Host Organization: Paul will be supporting The Pan African Youth Leadership Exchange Program (PAYLEP) and The Business and Entrepreneurship Exchange Program (BEEP). Paul will help develop concepts for emerging leader programs for professionals, entrepreneurs and, youth, research and develop innovative U.S.-based and in-country short term educational programs, write proposals and explore funding options and further develop programming opportunities for countries of interest such as Pakistan.

Nixon Andu is a South Sudan national with two years of experience working with Justice Africa Sudan in Uganda and Kenya. During the Comprehensive Peace Agreement negotiations in Kenya, Justice Africa Sudan partnered with civil society to promote their collective, principled and legitimate presence, voicing citizens’ concerns towards the signing of the peace agreement. Nixon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stockholm University and a Master’s degree in Political science from Uppsala University, majoring in military and non-military security threats. Nixon has also just completed a Master’s degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Uppsala University. Nixon is involved in research projects across Africa in areas such as hydro-politics and the conflict of the River Nile. His current project is titled “Emerging Military/Non-Military Security Threats in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Host Organization : US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Role at Host Organization: Nixon will be placed at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Center for the Prevention of Genocide. Nixon’s primary project will apply the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides to a contemporary at-risk situation, such as South Sudan, with the intention of producing a high quality research paper or policy brief providing this analysis. The particular project will be determined in consultation between the selected fellow and CPG staff.

Moses Wawich has six years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has earned his Bachelor’s degree in Literature and International Relations from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. He has also earned Master’s Degree in Conflict, Security and Development from the University of Bradford. While working as a Program Officer for Democratic Governance Project with SKILLS for South Sudan in Juba, Moses helped train and support the South Sudanese officials in human rights and development issues. Moses has also worked with the Center for Creative Leadership as a Project Manager and with Pact Ethiopia as a Community Development Officer, where he worked on a conflict prevention project to organize and facilitate community-led peace processes in pastoralist societies. Through all these experiences, he has acquired strong leadership skills, creativity and strong analytical skills, especially conflict sensitive development programs. He hopes to continue his work with peace and conflict resolution, human rights, and good governance.

Host Organization : Center for Creative Leadership

Role at Host Organization: Moses will contribute to the COE (College of Engineering) efforts. He will also create a reflective piece on the work, efforts, and impact of LBB in Africa.

Maiwen Dot Pheot has three years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Maiwen earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Juba in South Sudan, and is currently pursuing Postgraduate Studies in Public International Law at the University of London through distance education, focusing mainly on refugee and human rights law. While working as a Protection Associate for the UNHCR office in Abyei, South Sudan, Maiwen carried out assessments among returnees and displaced persons and initiated a case management strategy that helped hundreds of vulnerable women and elderly to access humanitarian assistance. As part of this case management strategy, he coordinated with many partners in different humanitarian sectors including health, non-food items, livelihood and protection clusters to advocate and follow up on the case of those vulnerable persons and to ensure that they have timely and unhindered access to their needs. Maiwen attended several professional trainings on protection, international humanitarian law, refugee law, human rights law, and community services. In addition, he completed a six-month UNHCR protection program called the Protection Learning Program (PLP), which aims at improving the capacity of UNHCR’s protection staff to understand the overall legal and humanitarian context of refugees and internally displaced persons. Before joining UNHCR, Maiwen worked for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) as a translator in Abyei, South Sudan. He helped his office by providing oral and written translation, including interpretation in official meetings with local authorities and community leaders. Through this experience, Maiwen initiated good relations with local community leaders and authorities in the area.

Host Organization : The Enough Project

Role at Host Organization: Maiwen will serve as a South Sudan Research Associate at the Enough Project, where he will contribute to the policy team’s research and writing on South Sudan. While at Enough, Maiwen will write short op-eds and add to components of longer reports, conduct ongoing research on situation in South Sudan, with a focus on Abyei and Jonglei, make introductions and facilitate meetings with contacts in the field, and make contributions to the analytic work of the Satellite Sentinel Project.

Gabriel has almost two years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from Kampala International University in Uganda. While working as an Assistant Finance Manager and a Zonal Grants Accountant for World Vision International (April 2012 – December 2013) in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan he helped transform and set up financial systems in the zone, introduced procedural accountability in the zone, as well as facilitiated zonal audit by various donors. Through his work experience, he has developed an incredible knowledge of financial and grants management for USAID, EU, UK and AUSAID, funded projects in Western Equatoria state, he also has helped build capacity for national staff in the zone through his fair and credible financial management skills. He has enhanced good relations with the state government on financial matters, advocated for the welfare of the children in the state, and conducted an advice project to officers/managers in proper budget prioritization. Previously, Gabriel worked for an International Commercial Bank in Juba as the head of Customer Care and Relationships Officer. Within three months of his duties, he helped promote the bank’s popularity and increased their customer base despite the growing competition in banking activities in the new country. Gabriel is a constant advocate of proper, fair and credible financial management in any profession.

Host Organization: Amir Project

Role at Host Organization: Yach will mainly work on budgeting, account management and reporting, and fiscal planning during his time at Amir Project. He will be responsible for ensuring monthly budget projects align with historical financial data and take into account organizational growth. He will also work to put together monthly expense reports, as well as work with CEO and Board of Directors to put together fiscal goals and upcoming milestones.