Fiona James
About Fiona James
Fiona James serves as the Accelerate Deputy Director for West Africa at Sightsavers, where she has worked since 2021. With a strong background in international development, she has held various leadership roles in organizations focused on child and youth development across multiple African countries.
Work at Sightsavers
Fiona James serves as the Accelerate Deputy Director for West Africa at Sightsavers, a position she has held since 2021. Based in Dakar, Senegal, she focuses on implementing strategies to improve public health and eliminate trachoma across seven West African countries. Her role emphasizes the importance of contextualized solutions to development challenges, particularly in child and youth-focused initiatives.
Previous Experience
Fiona James has held various positions in notable organizations prior to her current role. She worked as a Fund Development and Communications Director at SOS Children's Villages International from 2015 to 2020, and as Programme Development Director for North, West, and Central Africa in 2020. Her experience also includes roles at the International Rescue Committee, CARE, and Christian Aid, where she contributed to youth programs, quality assurance, and emergency support initiatives.
Education and Expertise
Fiona James holds a Master's degree in International Development from the Institut d'Etudes politiques de Paris, where she studied from 2002 to 2004. She also earned a BA Hons in French, Spanish, and Catalan from Cambridge University between 1998 and 2002. Her educational background is complemented by A Levels in French, Spanish, and Biology from Roedean School. She has extensive expertise in designing and managing multi-sectoral programs, including WASH, Child Protection, and Economic Empowerment.
Achievements in Program Implementation
Fiona James has led significant initiatives aimed at improving public health in West Africa. Notably, she implemented the SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma, which involved collaboration across multiple sectors. Her work emphasizes long-term solutions to development issues, particularly those affecting children and youth. Additionally, she has conducted training on budget design, donor compliance, and gender issues, enhancing the capacity of staff and partners.
Advocacy and Team Management
Fiona James advocates for the integration of emotional intelligence principles in team management. She believes that enhancing emotional intelligence can improve team performance and collaboration. Her approach to management reflects her commitment to fostering supportive and effective work environments, particularly in organizations focused on development and humanitarian efforts.