Development, Governance and Public Policy: Prof. Tom Kaydor CV

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):

As Deputy Foreign Minister of International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Republic of Liberia, I headed Liberia’s Delegation to and served as Lead Negotiator for the Government of Liberia at the eight rounds of Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Post-2015 Global Development Agenda (the SDGs) at the UN in NY. I negotiated all bilateral and multilateral agreements for the Government and people of Liberia. Served as Liberia’s Focal Point on Climate Change and Environmental Protection, and REED (Board Chair for EPA), Board Member on the Small Arms Commission of Liberia, and Board Member of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Liberia. Led negotiations and represented the Government of Liberia at all regional and international organizations including, but not limited to the UN, AU, ECOWAS, MRU, Non-Aligned Movement, and the Afro-Arab Summit. Supervised, coordinated, monitored, and evaluated the Assistant Ministers of the Bureaus of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, and the Bureau of International Organizations Affairs. Served as Acting Foreign Minister on two occasions.

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.

https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/reconceptualizing-africas-regional-integration-for-peace-and-sustainable-development-a-summary-analysisof-phd-dissertation/.

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

Dr. Augustine Konneh

Dean, AME University Graduate School

Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia

Email:augustinekonneh@yahoo.com;

aukonneh@ame.edu.lr

mobile: +231886885351