Francis Nkurunziza
About Francis Nkurunziza
Francis Nkurunziza serves as the Deputy Chief of Party Programs at Catholic Relief Services, where he has worked since 2017. He has a strong background in agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable production systems, with experience in managing USAID-funded projects.
Current Role at Catholic Relief Services
Francis Nkurunziza serves as the Deputy Chief of Party - Programs at Catholic Relief Services, a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing program implementation and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. His work focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of various initiatives aimed at improving food security and agricultural practices. Nkurunziza's extensive experience in international development contributes to the organization's mission in Baltimore, Maryland.
Previous Experience at Catholic Relief Services
Nkurunziza has held multiple positions at Catholic Relief Services prior to his current role. He worked as the Agriculture Program Manager from 2013 to 2015, and later as the Agriculture and Livelihood Team Leader from 2015 to 2017. In these roles, he focused on implementing agricultural programs and managing projects that aimed to improve livelihoods through sustainable practices. His tenure at the organization spans a total of four years in Baltimore.
Education and Expertise
Francis Nkurunziza holds a Master's degree in Agriculture from The University of Queensland, which he completed from 2011 to 2012. He also earned a Bachelor's degree from the National University of Rwanda, studying from 2001 to 2007. His educational background supports his expertise in technical food security and agriculture, with a focus on capacity building and climate-smart agriculture. Nkurunziza has also developed skills in integrating gender considerations into agricultural projects.
International Development Experience
Nkurunziza has worked with various international development organizations, including Belgium Technical Cooperation (BTC) and GTZ. His experience includes managing USAID-funded projects such as Food for Peace, Feed the Future, OFDA, and DCHA. He has a strong background in disaster risk reduction and sustainable production systems, which informs his approach to project management and implementation.
Skills in Agriculture and Livelihoods
Nkurunziza specializes in creating market linkages and economic strengthening through income-generating activities. He is skilled in environmental compliance and integrated pest management, which are essential for sustainable agricultural practices. His work emphasizes the importance of capacity building and the integration of gender considerations in agriculture and livelihood projects.