Aji Ceesay

Aji Ceesay has a diverse range of work experience in research and program coordination. They started their career in 2016 as an Associate Project Manager at the Essex University Department of Government Annual Student Conference, where they were responsible for behind-the-scenes work and event organization. They then worked as a Peer Mentor at the University of Essex, providing counseling and support to new students.

In 2017, Aji joined WIAN | The Women in International Affairs Network as a Content and Research Officer. In this role, they conducted research on inspirational women in international affairs, edited articles for the organization's website, and assisted in creating original content.

Aji's research experience includes positions at Zinc Network and M&C SAATCHI WORLD SERVICES LLP, where they worked as a Junior Research Analyst. At Zinc Network, they focused on strategic communications in counter-terrorism/extremism and conducted social listening using tools such as Brandwatch and Audiense.

At M&C SAATCHI WORLD SERVICES LLP, Aji contributed as a Junior Research Analyst, analyzing information from various sources and presenting it in a clear format to inform strategies and action points.

Aji has also worked as a Research Consultant at LINC LLC, where they conducted literature reviews, developed research instruments, and conducted primary case study research.

They have experience in the non-profit sector as well, working at Peace Direct as a Research Officer and Policy and Research Assistant. In these roles, Aji contributed to program activities, supported the research cycle, conducted interviews, and used software for qualitative data analysis.

Aji's most recent position is at the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) as a Research Consultant. They evaluated programs in Commonwealth countries focused on fighting discrimination and contributed to securing new funding based on their recommendations.

In 2022, Aji joined The Health Foundation as a Researcher.

Aji Ceesay completed an International Baccalaureate degree from WCG from 2008 to 2010. Later, from 2013 to 2016, they pursued a BA (Hons) in International Relations from the University of Essex. In 2016, Aji continued their education at the same university and obtained an MSc in Conflict Resolution in 2017. Additionally, in March 2020, they received certification in Project Management for Development Professionals (PMD Pro) Level 1 from APMG International.