Ann Makome-Kaproff
International Human Rights Lawyer
New York,NY
"..Never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.
John Donne
Summary
International Human Rights Lawyer and UN Policy Adviser with a unique blend of frontline experience in crisis and post-conflict settings, and strategic leadership at the global level. Proven ability to lead complex reforms, shape international policy, and drive systems change in collaboration with governments, civil society, and multilateral actors. Passionate about advancing sustainable, rights-based solutions that promote dignity and protection for all through cross-sector partnerships.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Political Affairs Officer
United Nations Headquarters
03.2023 - Current
- Oversees system-wide coordination on sexual exploitation and abuse across 30+ UN entities, 25+ political missions, peace operations and over 100,000 UN personnel and partners ensuring a unified approach.
- Drives strategic policy reform and multiple initiatives to strengthen the UN's safeguarding measures.
- Leads strategic advisory efforts with stakeholders to drive normative and institutional reforms, advancing risk assessment, mitigation, monitoring, compliance, and accountability measures.
- Leads engagement with key stakeholders including governments, NGOs, donors, the private sector and research institutes scaling up the UN's safeguarding impact.
- Manages a diverse, cross-functional team and multiple projects, ensuring strategic focus, data-informed decisions, and effective communication to drive measurable results.
Deputy Chief, Senior Program Manager, NGO Branch
United Nations Headquarters, New York
11.2017 - 02.2023
- Oversaw and streamlined the NGO accreditation process with the United Nations to expand civil society contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Advised NGOs on strategic contributions to the SDGs, resulting in heightened advocacy effectiveness and increased program visibility.
- Led global consultations engaging 400+ NGOs and Member States, delivering actionable insights that informed UN–NGO partnership reforms..
Team Leader and Child Protection Adviser
United Nations Headqarters, Peace Operations
01.2008 - 10.2017
- Directed the Child Protection portfolio within the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), providing strategic leadership and operational support to child protection teams across all UN peacekeeping missions.
- Spearheaded the development of the first UN Peace Operations Policy on Child Protection, resulting in enhanced protection for children in peacekeeping missions.
- Designed and launched a global pre-deployment training program on child protection for UN peacekeepers, significantly improving compliance with international child rights standards.
- Led advocacy and stakeholder engagement with Member States, donors, UN entities, and NGOs, securing increased political and financial support for field-based child protection efforts.
Executive Secretary, Office of the Secretary-General
United Nations Headquarters
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Served as principal coordinator for the High-Level Independent Panel reviewing the UN's internal justice system, appointed by the Secretary-General.
- Led consultations with over 300 stakeholders across nine UN duty stations, ensuring system-wide input from field and HQ perspectives.
- Coordinated legal research, policy analysis, and strategic briefings for the panel and senior UN leadership and delivery of the panel's report and recommendations, submitted to the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly.
Early Career Highlights - Various Roles
Jesuit Refugee Service, UNHCR, UNRWA and MONUC
10.1999 - 07.2007
- Advocated for refugee rights, shaping UNHCR policy through strategic appeals and case interventions.
- Trained humanitarian actors and authorities on protection protocols, strengthening repatriation and emergency response coordination.
- Negotiated with armed groups and local authorities to secure the release of child soldiers and advance legal reforms aligning national frameworks with international human rights standards.
Education
M.D. - International Law of Human Rights & Humanitarian Law
01.1998
J.D. - Law
01.1992
Skills
- Effective Leadership
- Policy Development
- Effective Advocacy
- Project Coordination
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Critical Analysis
- Strategic Planning Expertise
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Diplomacy
- Strategic Problem Solving
- Team Building
- Teamwork and collaboration
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
Art, Literature, Classical Music, Poetry, Travel,
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteTimeline
Senior Political Affairs Officer - United Nations Headquarters
03.2023 - Current
Deputy Chief, Senior Program Manager, NGO Branch - United Nations Headquarters, New York
11.2017 - 02.2023
Executive Secretary, Office of the Secretary-General - United Nations Headquarters
01.2015 - 12.2015
Team Leader and Child Protection Adviser - United Nations Headqarters, Peace Operations
01.2008 - 10.2017
Early Career Highlights - Various Roles - Jesuit Refugee Service, UNHCR, UNRWA and MONUC
10.1999 - 07.2007
University of Nairobi - J.D., Law
Raoul Wallenberg Institute, University of Lund - M.D., International Law of Human Rights & Humanitarian Law
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