Prof. Thomas
Kaydor, Jr.; PhD
Cooper Farm, Rehab
Community, Paynesville City, Republic of Liberia
Emails: kaydorth@ul.edu.lr ; thkaydor@gmail.com; Mobile:
+231-777 027 180; +231555266613
I. EDUCATION:
2023
PhD: International Development and
Diplomatic Studies (with Security Aspects): Department of Government and
European Studies, New University, Republic of
Slovenia
Dissertation Focus: Reconceptualizing
Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.
17 Dec. 2014
Master of Public Policy (MPP) in
Development Policy with Distinction: Crawford School of Economics and
Government (Public Policy), The Australian National University,
Canberra, Australia
Key research focused on Poverty Reduction;
Development Policy and Practice; Government, Markets and Global Change; Climate
Change and Environmental Sustainability; Economics for Government; Political
Institutions and Policy Processes; Democratic Governance; International Policy
Making in the Shadow of the Future; Corruption and Anti-Corruption;
Quantitative and Qualitative Research, etc.
29 April 2009
Master of Arts (MA) in
International Relations (High Distinction): Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
Graduate School of International Affairs, University of Liberia, Capitol Hill,
Monrovia
28 May 2003
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Political
Science (Magna Cum Laude) with Minor in History and Elective in Mass Comm: Liberia
College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Liberia, Capitol Hill,
Monrovia, Liberia
Other Academic qualifications:
Leading Economic Growth; Post Graduate
Diploma (2020): Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University,
USA.
Post Graduate Diploma (2012): Contemporary Diplomacy and
Negotiation,
Foreign Service Academy (FSA), Islamabad, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Post Graduate Diploma (2010):
International Programme Management & Strategic Planning for NGOs, Galilee
International Management Institute (formerly Galilee College); Israel. A professional strategic planner trained in 2009 at the Galilee College (now the
Galilee International Management Institute). Has developed the strategic plans
for not less than 8 National NGOs in Liberia. Has done strategic planning for
the UN, particularly for IAPT and OMT in Liberia and Ethiopia.
Certificate (2009): Human Rights Based
Approach & Results Based Management, UN
System Staff College, Turin, Italy.
Diploma
(2013): International
Development and Cooperation, Academy for International Business Officials,
Beijing, PRC.
ABC Certificate (2009): Professional
Writing Skills for Business and Administration, Alan Borman Communications, UK.
High School Diploma and WAEC Certificate
(1993), St. Francis High School, City, Maryland County, Liberia
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Certificate (2019)-Ethics and
Integrity at UNICEF; Certificate (2019)-BSAFE, UNICEF; Certificate (2008)-Prince II Written Exam, Programme
Management, UNDP Liberia; Certificate (2005)-TOT Basic Psychosocial Skills & Training
for Transformation, Mother Pattern
College of Health Sciences; Certificate (2009)-Training in UN
Human Resource Management and General Service Staff Salary Survey, Congo Brazzaville; Certificate-Atlas (2008/9)-UNDP Financial
Management Studies, UNDP-Liberia. Certificate
(2008)-Prince II Online Examination, Programme Management, UNDP-Liberia; Certificate (2008)- Advanced Security
in the Field, UNDP-Liberia; Certificate (2008), Basic Security in the Field, UNDP-Liberia; Certificate (2008)-Gender Journey,
Thinking Outside the Box, UNDP-Liberia; Certificate (2008)-UN Prevention of Harassment &
Sexual Harassment & Abuse of Authority in workplace, UNDP Liberia; Certificate (2003)-Peace Building
& Programme Management (TOT), RECEIVE Inc. Liberia; Certificate
(2000):
CHEALE Vocational Institute, Computer Operation, and networking.
II. EXPERIENCE:
a. Academic
and Research
1.
Assistant
Professor,
IBB Graduate School of International Studies (January 2016-Present)
Fulltime Faculty
lecturing Approaches to the Study of Political Theory (POSC 505); Social
Science Research Methods (POSC 509); Quantitative Political Analysis, and
Public Policy Processes (POSC 508); Foreign Policy Formulation and
Implementation (POSC 602); and Approaches
to the Study of Comparative Government and Politics (POSC 507). Develop and conduct evidence-based
Research, prepare lecture materials,
and present lectures;
supervise graduate theses; supervise students to
develop thesis proposals and final thesis; grade students’ assignments and
exams and submit final grades;
and conduct community service initiatives including serving as a Reviewer for the International Journal of Research and
Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS); the International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy (IJDE); and the International Journal of Research and Innovation in
Applied Science (IJRIAS)
2.
Adjunct Professor,
AME
University Graduate School, Monrovia,
Liberia (2018-present):
Serve as Part-time Faculty
at AME University Graduate Program: Convene courses including Foundations of
Economic Development (MAID 602); Global
Institutions and Development (MAID 604); International
Development Planning (MAID 606); International Trade and Development (MAID 710)
Supervise graduate students’ research proposals and final theses; administer exams and submit final grades.
3.
Academic Coordinator,
University of Liberia Graduate Studies, and Research Programme (2020-October 2022):
Chaired Graduate
Thesis Review Committee; prepared
and submitted reports on Program Directors and Instudents’nal
Faculty; developed graduate programs academic policies and
thesis research guide; prepared academic policies required for the smooth operation
of all the Graduate Schools; attended meetings,
including but not limited to the Academic Coordination Committee, Faculty
Senate, Graduate Studies Directors, and Graduate Council; led academic policy-making
and reform processes; assigned thesis advisors; Served on University convocations Committee, Academic Coordination Committee, the Faculty Senate, faculty and
students orientations; introduced
Turnitin software for first ever thesis online review and plagiarism check at
the University of Liberia; reported to the Vice
President for Graduate Studies and Research, the Vice President for Academic
Affairs, and President of the University of Liberia. I developed the concept of
opening and running an interdisciplinary academic journal at the University of
Liberia graduate School.
4.
Associate Editor: Encyclopaedia of
the Sustainable Development Goals (2019-2021):
Transforming the “World
We Want"-Volume 16. Was responsible for proposing themes and edited all 21
essays (scholarly submissions) on volume 16 that is focused on SDG16. Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive
societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and
build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at
all levels. The "Encyclopaedia of the Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming
the World We Want" was produced by the
World Sustainable Development Research and Transfer Centre
and the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme, published
by Springer, as part of the award-winning “World Sustainability Series".
b. United
Nations (UN)
1. National Consultant for the Development of National
Roadmap for the Protection of Street Children in Liberia (May 2022 to February
2023), UNICEF Liberia:
Developed research method/design and collected data on a nationwide
level using a mixed methods study to have an informed and objective outlook of
children living in street situations in Liberia; developed and costed the first
ever right based and results focused national roadmap on protecting children living
in street situations in Liberia for UNICEF
and the Government of Liberia.
2.
Volunteer
Engagement Specialist (National Consultant), UNICEF Liberia
(March 2019-March 2020):
Developed the Volunteer Engagement Initiative (VEI)
project for UNICEF Liberia. Managed and coordinated 1,436 Volunteers under the project; led implementation of the VEI; mobilized volunteers, recruited, trained, orientated, supported, and retained them to deliver health, education, and protection services in communities across the country
in support of UNICEF KPIs; monitored, evaluated, and reported on all deliverables of the Project; documented best practices and lessons learned; and mobilized young people to build a strong online network that advocates for child(ren) rights to
education, health, and protection. Specifically, completed a mapping exercise for existing youth groups and volunteer
movements in Liberia; developed integrated strategies for youth and volunteer
engagement, development, and networking; organized the first ever VEI Working Group in UNICEF Liberia; developed an annual work
plan for the volunteer engagement strategy; and completed the rapid assessment
of capabilities and capacity gaps of existing volunteers and youth groups in the
Republic of Liberia.
3.
UN Common Services
and Coordination Advisor, UNDP Ethiopia (2010-
2011):
Effectively Coordinated the
United Nations System/UN Country Team (UNCT), Operations Management Team (OMT),
and donors’ activities with the Government of Ethiopia. Supported strategic
planning, led the rollout and implementation, monitoring, and review of the Dao and One
UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), and Common Services. Increased
trust and confidence in UN and Resident
Coordinator System; cut transaction costs and promoted UN reform through Joint
Programming and Delivering as One (DaO) initiative. Promoted assessment,
planning and implementation of Common Services and Harmonized Business Practices
in lieu of the UN reform for the UNCT and UNECA. Prepared talking points, briefing/background notes,
speeches, and UNCT/OMT work plans. Also prepared analytical UNCT reports to UNDG, DOCO and UN Secretary General. Conducted assessments, workshops, seminars,
supported the UNDAF/One Program Mid Term Review processes, etc. for the UNCT, Inter-agency Programming Team and the
Operations Management Team. Supported and enhanced donors, UN and host government partnership and cooperation. Developed and implemented resource
mobilization initiatives and strategies.
4.
UN Coordination
Analyst, UNDP Liberia (2007-2010):
Effectively
coordinated the UNCT in preparation and implementation of country programming
processes and products, including Common Country Assessments (CCA), UNDAF, and
CPDs; supervised two IUNVs and National
Staff in RCO; led and coordinated UNDAF
formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation and liaised with key
Government counterparts and coordinated government and stakeholders’ dialogue.
Ensured preparation, implementation, monitoring of, and reporting on the
Resident Coordinator and UNCT’s Work Plan; planned and led UNCT retreats, and
regular monthly and extraordinary UNCT meetings. Carried out effective advocacy
of UN activities in close consultation with the UN Communications Group (UNCG). Supported implementation of the resource
mobilization strategy for UNDAF implementation and Mid-Term Review and
facilitated knowledge building and management. Organized and Coordinated the
UNCT, OMT and IAPT; and led donors’ activities with host country government.
Promoted UN reform through Joint Programming and Delivering as One (DaO)
initiative. Drafted the first-ever UN Liberia’s DaO Concept Note for the
Government of Liberia. Promoted
assessment, planning and implementation of Common Services and Harmonized
Business Practices in pursuit
of the UN reform agenda. Prepared talking points, briefing/background notes and
annual reports, speeches, and UNCT/OMT work plans; prepared UNCT reports to
UNDG, DOCO, and UN Secretary-General in New York.
c. National
Government
1. Deputy Foreign Minister, International Cooperation &
Economic Integration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia (2014-2015):
2. Assistant Foreign Minister for Africa, Asia and the
Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia (2012-2014):
Effectively led and supervised
25 Senior Staff, including Desk Officers, Research Analysts, etc. strategically coordinated the foreign policy and diplomatic
activities of Liberia in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific. Provided strategic guidance as well as policy advice to
Liberia’s foreign missions; and coordinated, supervised, and directed the
Affairs of the Foreign Ministry in its interaction with Afro-Asian Embassies
near Monrovia. Prepared critical and strategic socio-political, economic, and
development analyses for fostering development and economic diplomacy, and
bilateral and multilateral cooperation with friendly states. Regularly prepared
concept papers and notes, briefing papers, aide memoires, diplomatic notes, MOUs, speeches and
responses, communiqués, talking
points, letters, note verbal, condolences/congratulatory
messages, and a host of other documents for the Minster of Foreign Affairs and
the Office of the President of the Republic of Liberia. Served as Government of Liberia Expert on the MRU, ECOWAS,
and African Union Peace and Security, and Mediation Committees at the
Ministerial Level. Developed the Concept of Ministerial Complex in Liberia in
line with the UN One House under the DaO.
3.
Chief of Staff, Office of the
Chairman on Executive, House of Representatives, Liberia National Legislature (2006-2007):
Served as Office Administrator and Chief
Liaison; coordinated activities between the National Legislature and Executive
Branch of Government; provided advisory, policy, and technical support to the
Legislative Committee on the Executive. Served as Secretary to
the Chair of the House of Representative Statutory Committee on Executive.
Reviewed and drafted legislations/bills/resolutions etc.
d. other experiences
ü Field Supervisor,
LCIP/USAID Social and & Economic
Reintegration, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia (2004-2005)
Led and supervised over 50 Social and Economic reintegration programs NGOs in the
Southeastern Region. Coordinated five
Implementing Partners (IPs). Conducted Community-based psychosocial support trainings/workshops.
Prepared, managed, and reported on a project budget of 4m USD; monitored
and evaluated the budgets for IPs. Compiled and submitted monthly, quarterly,
and annual timesheets/reports. Prepared concept notes, project proposals,
timesheets, etc. Supervised 30 field and Field assistants
directly.
ü
Psychosocial
Officer, World Vision Liberia (2000-2004)
Assessed basic psychosocial needs of
ex-child soldiers and referred them to
rehabilitation centres. Conducted community-based psychosocial training for
local community leaders, ex-combs, and War Affected Persons. Trained
psychosocial support workers through TOT workshops. Conducted
assessments and surveys, and made monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
Developed concept notes and wrote project proposals.
ü
Editor-in-Chief Observation newspaper, Monrovia,
Liberia (2002-2004):
Served as senior gatekeeper. Edited all
news stories, articles, features, and columns. Wrote commentaries, lead
stories, editorials, and articles and supervised editorial and administrative
staff. Served as Official spokesperson.
ü
Consultancies,
Research and Volunteerism
Country Researcher for HUMA-LASPAD PROJECT to author Liberia’s country
report on the state of African Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination. Rostered
Member (International UN Volunteer and UN Coordination Practice Network-UNCPN);
National
Consultant-Liberia Zero Hunger Strategic Review
(2016-2017). National Consultant-Developed training module on Democratic
Governance in Liberia, Liberia Institute for Public Administration (2007);
National Consultant-UNDP sponsored research on the Traditional Forms of Reconciliation
in Liberia (2005); National Consultant-UNMIL National Human Rights Review
Study (2006); Facilitator-UNDP Annual Retreat (2008); Facilitator- UN Liberia
OMT Common Services Retreat (2008); Facilitator-UNDP Annual Retreat (2009);
Facilitator-Operations Management Team Retreat, United Nations Ethiopia (2010). Volunteer (National Secretary General), Habitat for
Humanity International; Volunteer
Engagement Specialist- UNICEF Liberia (2019/2001); National Consultant for the
Development of the Roadmap for the Protection of Children Living in Street
Situations-UNICEF Liberia (2002/2003).
III. Awards, Fellowships and Memberships
Certificates, University of Liberia 104th
Commencement Convocation (2023/2024) Faculty Scholastic Recognition and
Honouring Program in appreciation of Peer-Reviewed Publications and Dedication
to Duty held in the Theatre, Administrative Complex, Fendall Campus; Certificates of Scholastic Excellence for publication of two books
and several peer-reviewed articles in academic
journals (2019/2020 & 2020/2021); Fellow,
Kistefos African Public Service Fellowship awarded to attend Havard University
Kennedy Graduate School to study and research Leading Economic Growth; Member
of the Asia Pacific Policy Society, Australian National University, Canberra,
ACT; Member Australian Post Graduate Scholarship Award; Pilgrim
Certificate-Jerusalem Pilgrim (fulfilled the Biblical calling and ascended to
Jerusalem, the Holy City); Member (Staff Representative) UNDP Liberia
Disciplinary Committee; Certificate-Yardenit Baptismal Site on the Jordan
River; Scholar, Joseph Jenkins Roberts Scholarship for Outstanding
Graduate students in Liberia; Certificate of Highest Honour-University of
Liberia; Certificate of Achievement-Mathematics, St. Francis High School;
Certificate of Social and Political Change in Liberia, the New DEAL Movement;
Member-United Nations Coordination Practice Network (CPN); Member-UN Peace
Building Cooperation Net; Member, Humanitarian Law Practice Network; Member
United Nations Volunteers; Board Member- “Journalists Initiative for Peaceful Elections in
Liberia (JIPEL)’ Board Chairperson, Lutheran Church in Liberia School System
(LCLSS).
IV. National Political, Extra-curricular religious activities
Vice Chairman for Administration,National Democratic Coalition (NDC); Acting Chairman,
New DEAL Movement (2022-2023); Vice Chairman for National Affairs, The New DEAL Movement (2016-2023);
District 9 Representative Candidate in 2011 Presidential and General elections
for National Democratic Coalition; Chairman for Montserrado Chapter, The New
DEAL Movement (2000-2004); Incorporator-Liberia Foundation for Education (LIFE,
Inc.); Founder and Sponsor, Thomas Kaydor
Scholarship Fund (2008-present); President-IBB Graduate School of International
Studies Students Union (2007-2009); Standard Bearer-Independent Camp,
University of Liberia Students Union elections (2001/02); Chairman, Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP), University
of Liberia (2001/2002/2003); Chairman-Membership, Recruitment and Mobilization
Committee (SUP, 2000/2001); Reporter-Varsity Pilot Newspaper (1998-2003);
University of Liberia;Editor-in-Chief,
Observation newspaper, Liberia. Insurance Agent, Continental
General Insurance Company; Political
Analyst, Truth FM Radio Station; Board Chairman- Board of Education (BoE) and
Chairperson of LCL Scholarship Committee, Lutheran Church in Liberia; President, Trinity
Lutheran Church Men Fellowship (2021-2024); Father of the Year (2019/2020)
Trinity Lutheran Church (TLC); Vice President-Men Department, TLC (2012-2014);
Board Member, Trinity Lutheran School (2005-2008); President-Monrovia District
Lutheran Youth Fellowship (1999/2001);
Secretary General, Trinity Lutheran Youth Fellowship
(1997/1998). Choir Director-Voice of Trinity, TLC.
VI. Research and Publications
Kaydor, T. (2024). Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for
Peace and Sustainable Development.
Kaydor, T. (2024) The Role of Corruption
on Liberia’s Peace and Stability.
https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-8-issue-2/188-210.pdf.
Kaydor, T. (2023). The effects of poor infrastructure on poverty
reduction in post-conflict Liberia.
International
Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) ISSN No.
2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS |Volume VII & Issue I January 2023; https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-7-issue-1/55-62.pdf;
Kaydor, T. (2022). The Role of the
International Criminal Court in Liberia’s Peace and Stability.
International
Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI,
Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186URL: https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-6-issue-7/562-575.pdf.
Kaydor, T. (2022). International
Cooperation: Fulcrum for Sustainable Development; in W. Leal Filho
et al. (eds.),
Handbook of Sustainability Science in the Future, Springer Nature Switzerland
AG 2022, https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-030-68074-9_2-1#DOI.
Kaydor
T. (2021) Cash Transfer: A Strategic Determinant for Poverty Reduction. In:
Leal Filho W.,
Azul A.M., Brandli L., Lange Salvia A.,
Özuyar P.G., Wall T. (eds) No Poverty. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable
Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69625-6_107-1.
Kaydor,
T. (2020). Development and Policy Dialogue: Contemporary
Insights, Authorhouse,
Bloomington, IN, USA.
Kaydor,
T. (2018). Development and Policy Dialogue: Selected Essays, LAP
LAMBERT Academic
Publishing, SIA OmniScriptum Publishing,
Brivibas gatve 197, LV-1039, Riga Latvia, EU.
Kaydor,
T. (2014). Liberian
Democracy: A Critique of the Principle of Checks and Balances,
Authorhouse, Bloomington, In, USA.
Kaydor, T. (2014). ‘What might Africa-China bilateral relationship be in
2030’, in A.S Patel, J.S.G
Teo, & S.W
Dempsey (eds), Global Perspectives on International Affairs:
Collection of Essays, Forum for Global Affairs, ANU, Canberra, Australia, pp.
107-125.
VIII. References:
Mr. Michael Musili Nzau, M&E Specialist
UNDP South Sudan, Ministry Road, Juba
South Sudan
Email: Michael.nzau@undp.org
Mobile: +211926520013
Dean, AME University Graduate School
Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia
Email:augustinekonneh@yahoo.com;
mobile: +231886885351
Mr. Ishmael Dodoo
Country Advisor, UNDP, Africa
Regional Bureau; NY, USA; Email: ishmael.dodoo@undp.org;
Mobile: +16463214438
Ms. Hawa Page, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Liberia
Email: hpage@unicef.org;
Mobile: +231777016444
Vice President Graduate Education
University of Liberia
+231 886510328
