Dr. Awuese Oku Ph.D.

Dr. Awuese Oku has extensive work experience in various organizations and roles. They have worked as a Chief Policy Development, Special Projects, and Contracts Officer at the African Development Bank Group since 2009, where they lead initiatives related to gender and diversity. They have also held positions such as Chief Learning and Development Officer and OIC CHRM3 at the same organization.

Prior to their time at the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Oku worked as a Senior Policy, Advocacy, and Gender Advisor at ActionAid. They have also served as a Senior Partner at GW Consulting/Senior Gender Advisor at ActionAid. Furthermore, they have held positions at UNDP as the Head of Human Resources and Learning Manager, as well as at British Council Nigeria as the Head of Human Resources/Learning Manager.

Before working in the international development sector, Dr. Oku gained experience at BASICS II/USAID as an Operations Manager, at MAA Consulting as a Senior Associate, at the Central Bank of Nigeria as an Assistant Manager, and at the Ministry of Information/National Museums and Monuments Nigeria as an Archaeologist1/Information Officer. They have also worked as an independent consultant and lead consultant on various projects.

Dr. Awuese Oku is highly experienced in HR management, learning and development, policy development, and gender and diversity management. They have a strong background in strategic planning, project management, and talent acquisition.

Dr. Awuese Oku has a diverse educational background with a focus on leadership, organizational development, and human resources. Dr. Awuese obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Risk Management and Organizational Development from Atlantic International University in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2013. Prior to that, they earned a Master of Science in Strategic and International Human Resources Management from Cranfield School of Management in 2008 and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a specialization in Human Resources and Financial Management from the University of Lagos in 2006.

Dr. Oku also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ahmadu Bello University and a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. Dr. Awuese has furthered their education with various certifications and additional training programs, including certificates in Executive Presence and Leadership from Wharton Executive Education and Organizational Leadership from Harvard Business School Online.

In addition to their academic achievements, Dr. Oku has obtained several certifications in areas such as gender equality, change management, and web and graphics design. Dr. Awuese is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA).