Associate Partner Atos Consulting, UK
Testimonial
Being involved at the forefront of tackling desperate poverty in a developing country is a huge challenge, but when that's coupled with helping to embed a peace process and reduce the likelihood of future conflict, it is also an enormous responsibility.
I'm part of a team whose projects are funded by the UK Department for International Development. It's a vital role – establishing good governance – which is critical to social, political and economic development. You get to see places other people don’t, gain a really deep and meaningful insight into how other people live, see their families, their children, their homes and share their experiences and their hopes and dreams. It’s a real privilege, especially knowing that even small improvements in the delivery of public services resulting from our work, will have a positive impact on millions of lives.
I'm currently managing international consultancy projects in Africa, primarily in Sudan and Nigeria.
The Sudan project, started in 2005, is centred in Khartoum and we're working with the Sudanese Judiciary and Ministry of Justice providing training and technical support aimed at improving capacity and services in the justice system. I am the Project Director, setting strategy and direction, ensuring objectives are realised and building relationships between us and the Sudanese government. Travel and being away from home is an integral part of what we do - I'm away for 50-60% of the time, but for people who want to do a job like this it's what motivates and excites them.
I work with a wide range of people with diverse skills and backgrounds. Engaging with and understanding different cultures is a critical element. Trust is important, as is demonstrating that you are involved, part of their team, on their side. You need more than just management skills - adaptability, flexibility and cultural understanding all underpin the technical expertise required.
It's always been in my nature to do the type of work I'm doing for Atos Origin. I also do private charitable work and, as a result, was invited to carry the Olympic flame in the torch relay for the Athens Olympics, along with five other Atos people. It was a great honour and a day I'll never forget…but you create lots of memories like that with Atos Origin.