Amara Bangura
Freetown
Summary
Experienced humanitarian professional with extensive knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and human rights frameworks, applied in ICRC and GOAL operational contexts. Proven ability to coordinate multi-sectoral emergency responses, including shelter, WASH, and health interventions in displacement settings. Strong analytical skills in conflict analysis, needs assessment, and policy-oriented research for strategic decision-making. Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder engagement and advocacy, collaborating with government bodies, UN agencies, INGOs, and local partners to advance principled humanitarian action. Competent in programme management with a focus on planning, monitoring, reporting, and results-based management across humanitarian and development contexts.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Humanitarian Affairs Officer - North
GOAL (Sierra Leone)
Freetown
2023.06 - 2026.05
- Support the planning, execution, monitoring and reporting of humanitarian and development programmes across the Northern Region, covering WASH, resilient health, sustainable livelihoods, and emergency response operations.
- Coordinate field teams and track emergencies; draft situation reports to ensure timely decision-making and resource allocation.
- Foster stakeholder collaboration with government agencies, international organisations, and local partners to strengthen coordinated humanitarian response frameworks.
- Support advocacy initiatives targeting vulnerable communities, ensuring principled and evidence-based programming in crisis scenarios.
Shelter and Settlement Assistant
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Ouagadougou
2018.08 - 2021.07
- Supported emergency shelter and settlement operations for internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Djibo, Dori, Kaya, and Ouahigouya.
- Conducted needs assessments, shelter site evaluations, and beneficiary registration to ensure dignified, safe accommodation for displaced communities in line with international humanitarian standards.
- Coordinated with humanitarian partners and local authorities to monitor living conditions and distribute essential household items.
- Contributed to the operational implementation of protection principles, ensuring compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the ICRC's mandate in armed conflict settings.
Research Intern
Office of National Security (ONS)
Freetown
2018.01 - 2018.07
- Conducted research on conflict prevention, political violence mitigation, and security dynamics along the Sierra Leone-Guinea border demarcation dispute.
- Assisted senior officials in preparing analytical reports, monitoring security threats, and supporting policy discussions on peacebuilding and national security.
- Contributed to community-level peacebuilding efforts and cross-border stability initiatives.
Education
Certificate - Human Rights and Humanitarian Action
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India 2026.02 - 2026.03
MA - Disaster Resilience, Leadership and Humanitarian Action
University for Peace
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2021.09 - 2023.04
Certificate - Humanitarian Assistance
Institute of Public Administration & Management (IPAM)
Freetown, Sierra LeoneBSc - Peace and Conflict Studies
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
Freetown, Sierra Leone 2013.10 - 2017.11
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) - undefined
Bo Government Secondary School (Bo School)
Bo, Sierra Leone 2007.09 - 2013.07
Skills
- International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights- Knowledge of IHL principles, human rights frameworks, and protection mandates; applied in ICRC and GOAL operational contexts
- Emergency Response & Coordination- Proven ability to coordinate multi-sectoral emergency responses, including shelter, WASH, and health interventions in displacement settings
- Research & Analysis- Strong analytical skills in conflict analysis, needs assessment, and policy-oriented research for operational and strategic decision-making
- Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy- Experience collaborating with government bodies, UN agencies, INGOs, and local partners to advance principled humanitarian action
- Programme Management- Competent in programme planning, monitoring, reporting, and results-based management across humanitarian and development contexts
Certification
- Certificate in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (March 2026)
- Certificate in Humanitarian Assistance - IPAM, Freetown (April 2018)
LANGUAGES
English - Fluent (professional working proficiency)
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
Timeline
Certificate - Human Rights and Humanitarian Action
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, School of Humanities & Social Sciences
2026.02 - 2026.03
Humanitarian Affairs Officer - North
GOAL (Sierra Leone)
2023.06 - 2026.05
MA - Disaster Resilience, Leadership and Humanitarian Action
University for Peace
2021.09 - 2023.04
Shelter and Settlement Assistant
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
2018.08 - 2021.07
Research Intern
Office of National Security (ONS)
2018.01 - 2018.07
BSc - Peace and Conflict Studies
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
2013.10 - 2017.11
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) - undefined
Bo Government Secondary School (Bo School)
2007.09 - 2013.07
Certificate - Humanitarian Assistance
Institute of Public Administration & Management (IPAM)