Charles Hopkins

• Led Ukraine’s FSLC, coordinating 300+ partners, including INGOs, NGOs, UN agencies, private sector entities, and government stakeholders to address food insecurity.

• Established and maintained multi-level coordination mechanisms, including national/sub-national working groups and OCHA-aligned forums, enhancing interagency collaboration.

• Streamlined cluster coordination processes and reduced partner reporting burdens while improving data quality for HNOs/HRPs and decision-making and addressing food insecurity.

• Established and maintained multi-level coordination mechanisms, including national/sub-national working groups and OCHA-aligned forums, enhancing interagency collaboration.

• Spearheaded FSLC emergency preparedness, contingency planning, and needs assessments to inform targeted humanitarian interventions.

• Developed strategic plans aligned with cluster objectives and contributed to Ukraine’s Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).

• Supported partners in developing the humanitarian fund proposal and mobilizing funds through advocacy.

• Integrated early recovery planning, disaster risk reduction, and Nexus programming approach into response strategies.

• Implemented robust monitoring systems to track cluster impact, benchmark emergency response timelines, and measure progress against implementation plans.

• Optimized resource allocation through data-driven decision-making, reducing operational costs (per internal reports).

• Conducted capacity-building workshops on beneficiary targeting, gender mainstreaming, PSEA/AAP protocols, and food assessment methodologies for 300+ partner organizations.

• Supervised 21 cluster coordination team members, ensuring adherence to performance standards and timely delivery of objectives through progress reviews and coaching.

• Identified and engaged key partners, including local authorities, NGOs, the private sector, government partners, and technical experts, to address response gaps.

• Facilitated cross-cluster collaboration with other clusters to synchronize resource deployment and maximize coverage efficiency and response.

• Designed FSLC’s exit strategy to transition from emergency relief to recovery programs, incorporating social protection systems, livelihood restoration components, and clear indicators for exiting.

• Led the implementation of building resilience and analytical support for evidence-based policies and systems for Tufts University's Karamoja Resilience Support Unit (KRSU)
• Provided technical support to the USAID mission and the development partners group on resilience strategies and technical coordination
• Identified and mainstreamed good practice and policies and led the adaptation and roll-out of the Pastoralism and Policy Course in partnership with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and local institutions
• Supervised researchers in the field and conducted capacity building and coaching of teams and partners, including academic institutions, in partnership with Makerere and Gulu Universities, NGOs, and local pastoral groups
• Developed terms of reference for research topics, identified and supported consultants in the field, and supervised four staff members, excluding consultants
• The project developed the teaching curriculum for the master's courses taught currently at Makerere and Gulu Universities
• Developed and managed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Gulu and Makere Universities
• Documented all the training sessions that led to the curriculum development of the master’s course
• Coordinated humanitarian, recovery and development partners and liaised closely with the government of Karamoja on key pastoral issues
• Provided strategic leadership, guidance, oversight, coordination, and technical support that enhanced partnerships, harmonized partners’ planning, ensured effective budgeting management, and strengthened approaches
• Co-authored two research reports: 'Using participatory epidemiology to investigate women’s knowledge on the seasonality and causes of acute malnutrition in Karamoja, Uganda,' Andy Catley, Raphael Lotira Arasio, and Charles Hopkins
• Participatory impact assessment in Ethiopia: Linking policy reform to field experiences, Charles Hopkins and Alistair Short

• Coordinated the Somalia Food Security Cluster (FSC) and mobilized stakeholders to respond strategically to the Somalia humanitarian crisis by coordinating and facilitating FSC activities with my FAO counterpart
• Facilitated partners meeting, field workshops, and integrated activities with the cluster secretariat to respond to the Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP)
• Participated in the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) phase analysis
• Ensured all Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) project proposals aligned with FSC objectives
• Trained regional cluster vice-coordinators, supported the Cluster Strategy Advisory Group (SAG), and managed the Cluster Review Committee (CRC), which supports the evaluation of proposals submitted to SHF by partners
• Coordinated and responded to Somalia's famine as FSC Coordinator
• Developed HRPs and HNOs for 2017 and 2018 and promoted the Nexus approach in programming by encouraging partners to collaborate with humanitarian, recovery, and development actors to address residual needs and scale up livelihood activities
• Negotiated Somalia's humanitarian cluster allocations and revisions
• Participated in OCHA-coordinated inter-cluster meetings and other coordination platforms
• Ensured cluster members, donors, and the assistance community received reports
• Led inter-cluster emergency assessment teams to identify hot spots in the field
• Conducted bilateral meetings with donors and partners, developed a food basket guidance note, and initiated a targeting guideline
• Led more than 200 FSC partners, including NGOs, INGOs, the private sector, government, and UN agencies, in advocacy efforts and IPC analysis and dissemination

• Led the Food Security Cluster’s (FSC's) core roles and responsibilities in Nigeria, establishing the cluster team and system according to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (ISAC) standard and global FSC guidelines
• Ensured the FSC functioned effectively and efficiently
• Reviewed and updated contingency plans, Flash Appeal, HNO, and HRP, and developed and implemented the FSC work plan to achieve objectives
• Coordinated the timely contributions of partner-engaged donors to the humanitarian needs of the affected population in northeast Nigeria, secured funding from European Commission Humanitarian Office (ECHO) for the cluster, and participated in coordination forums
• Oversaw the development of the cluster HNO and HRP in 2016
• Led a food security and livelihood assessment, which changed the humanitarian response and became the basis for the WFP response in northeast Nigeria
• Coordinated about 70 partners, including NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies, the private sector, the government, and international organizations

• Led program development, implementation, project progress, and budget tracking
• Designed and developed proposals that raised VSF-Germany funding of over 3 million dollars and managed funds for USAID, ECHO, and private donors
• Ensured projects were completed on time and delivered results
• Was responsible for formulating policy, defining general objectives and strategy, approving the budget and accounts, and defining program staff roles and responsibilities
• Led negotiations with UNICEF to increase funding for ongoing projects
• Successfully secured three additional projects and expanded VSF's field activities
• Successfully mainstreamed gender and conflict sensitivity into livelihood resilience, climate change adaptation, and peace-building efforts
• Implemented appropriate tools, capacity-building, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks and systems
• Supervised 31 staff

• Led the Food Security Cluster (FSC), the response evaluation of Typhoon Haiyan by the ISAC, and coordinated the food security partners and the execution of the Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC) exit strategy in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Agriculture
• Organized and oversaw the FSC activities
• Guided and supported the FSC team, ensuring effective coordination among stakeholders and promoting the cluster's achievements
• Participated in the evaluation of the response to Typhoon Haiyan
• Maintained effective communication channels by facilitating collaboration and ensuring that all partners worked towards the goal of improving food security in the affected areas

• Through effective leadership and a comprehensive approach to business operations, the overall success of the business in Liberia was achieved
• Recruitment of staff and franchise development, communication with clients and the government, company development, building a high-performance management team, maintaining market awareness, and expanding business opportunities have all played a crucial role in ensuring the company's longevity and its ability to provide services since 2012
• One of the primary responsibilities in leading the business in Liberia was recruiting a competent team
• As a representative of the company, maintaining open and effective communication with both clients and the government was crucial
• Taking the lead in the development of the company was a key aspect of the role
• Recognizing the importance of a strong management team, efforts were made to attract and retain top talent
• In a dynamic business landscape, staying informed about the competitive market was imperative

• Played a crucial role in developing and coordinating cash transfer programming initiatives for FAO in South Sudan
• Successfully created a comprehensive proposal for cash transfer programming
• Established a team
• Managed various aspects of cash transfer programming
• Recognizing the importance of institutionalizing cash-based interventions within the Food Security Cluster (FSC), developed standard implementation guidelines

• Oversaw that projects aligned with CARE’s three domains of change: livelihood enhancement, equitable access to services/economic opportunities, and women’s rights.
• Managed initiatives such as livestock value chains, natural resource management, and climate adaptation strategies (e.g., Participatory Scenario Planning).
• Ensured integration of resilience-building activities, addressing recurring droughts and climate shocks through programs like Integrated Risk Management (IRM).
• Led efforts to challenge harmful traditional practices (e.g., gender-based violence, early marriage) while amplifying women’s participation in decision-making.
• Promoted economic empowerment through tools like Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and ensured women’s control over income and resources.
• Collaborated with government agencies, NGOs, and customary institutions to strengthen land-use policies and service accessibility.
• Facilitated capacity-building for local institutions to adopt gender-responsive practices.
• Track outcomes using frameworks like Community Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis (CVCA).
• Reported on progress toward increased livestock productivity, women’s leadership roles, and reduced gender-based inequities.
• Aligned projects with CARE’s theory of change, which links livelihood security, gender equity, and institutional accountability.
• Ensured compliance with donor requirements and CARE’s policies on gender mainstreaming, child protection, and accountability.

This role requires balancing technical expertise in pastoralist livelihoods with a commitment to social transformation, particularly for women and girls in Ethiopia’s pastoralist regions.

Farm Africa’s Country Director drives the organization’s mission to foster sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and rural resilience. The responsibilities span strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and program execution.

Key Roles and Responsibilities.
• The Country Director manages project implementation, budgets, and monitoring/evaluation systems to ensure alignment with Farm Africa’s goals.
• Identified opportunities to scale existing programs or develop new ones and focused on integrating socio-economic development.
• Cultivated relationships with governments, donors, private-sector partners, and NGOs to secure funding and amplify impact.
• Ensured projects prioritized local needs, often through capacity-building workshops and farmer group formation.
• Acted as Farm Africa’s primary representative, advocating for sustainable practices in national and international forums.
• Monitored government policies to ensure projects remained relevant and compliant.
• As outlined in Farm Africa's South Sudan-based Community Development Officer role, guided the adoption of climate-smart practices like agroforestry and improved farming techniques.
• Mentored staff and fostered collaboration across departments.
By balancing strategic vision with grassroots engagement, Farm Africa’s Country Directors ensure that people and ecosystems thrive, reflecting the organization’s core values of expertise, community focus, and measurable impact.

• Coordinated the planning, implementation, and evaluation of VSF France’s projects (e.g., livestock support and community animal health worker (CAHW) programs).
• Ensured alignment with VSF’s mission to support vulnerable populations dependent on livestock for livelihoods.
• Coordinated with local governments and INGOs within the Shilluk Kindom. and
• Managed the FSLC team and livelihood projects, including poultry restocked, and trained the para-veterinarians, paraprofessionals especially women poultry auxiliaries.

•Monitored budgets, timelines, and compliance with donor requirements.
• Addressed logistical challenges, particularly in post-conflict or unstable environments.
• Represented VSF France in negotiations with local authorities, NGOs, and communities.
• Advocated for policies supporting sustainable livestock practices and animal health systems.
• Disseminated the project outcomes through reports, workshops, and communication materials.
• Ensured staff safety and operations in volatile settings.
• Adapted programs to evolving humanitarian needs, such as rebuilding livelihoods, especially for vulnerable communities in the Shulluk Kindom,
• Strengthened local capacity by training local volunteers and fostering knowledge exchange within the VSF network.
• Conducted community participatory evaluation of the project and developed new oned

• Coordinated the planning, implementation, and evaluation of VSF France’s projects (e.g., livestock support, community animal health worker (CAHW) programs).
• Ensure alignment with VSF’s mission to support vulnerable populations dependent on livestock for livelihoods.
• Coordinated with local partners, governments, and international bodies to harmonize guidelines and deploy resources effectively.
• Managed field teams, including para-veterinarians, paraprofessionals, and CAHWs, to deliver veterinary services and training.
• Monitored budgets, timelines, and compliance with donor requirements.
• Addressed logistical challenges, particularly in post-conflict or unstable environments.
• Represented VSF France in negotiations with local authorities, NGOs, and communities.
• Advocated for policies supporting sustainable livestock practices and animal health systems.
• Disseminated project outcomes through reports, workshops, and communication materials.
• Ensured staff safety and operations in volatile settings.
• Adapted programs to evolving humanitarian needs, such as rebuilding livelihoods after conflict.
• Strengthened local capacity by training CAHWs and fostering knowledge exchange within the VSF network.
• Systematized data collection and shared best practices across projects.

• Conducted and led the assessment using the household food economy approach in Margibi, Bomi, and Grand Cape Mount Counties.
• Collaborated with CSOs, government agencies, and local leaders to align activities with community needs and ensure smooth implementation.
• Worked with sectors like education, health, and child protection to integrate food security into broader development goals.
• As the focal point of the assessment team, my primary responsibilities were collecting, analyzing, and reporting on food security data.
• Team leader for Margibi County distribution, reporting, monitoring, and team management.
• Compiled weekly/monthly reports on activities, challenges, and outcomes, using tools like MEAL frameworks.
• Documented lessons learned, addressed implementation gaps, and adapted strategies to shocks.
• Ensured activities are gender-sensitive and inclusive of marginalized groups (e.g., refugees, people with disabilities)
• Adhered to policies protecting children during program delivery.
  
  This role required technical expertise in agriculture or livelihoods, strong coordination skills, and adaptability to dynamic field conditions.

• Led the therapeutic and supplementary Feeding Program in Margibi and Bong Counties, which encompassed overseeing the program's implementation.
• Ensured programs aligned with guidelines like CMAM (Community Management of Acute Malnutrition) in Liberia.
• Managed outreach initiatives, monitoring progress, providing training and capacity building, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders, including the rebel group in the area.
• Managed food distribution, storage, and inventory to ensure the timely delivery of supplies.
• Conducted site visits to evaluate food safety, sanitation, and portion/quality standards.
• Oversaw supplementary feeding for children under five, pregnant/lactating women, and vulnerable boys and men (that are malnourished).
• Coordinated with health offices, local governments, and NGOs to secure permits and align programs with community needs.
• Set performance metrics, document progress, and recommend disciplinary actions or recognition.
• Provided on-the-job coaching for food preparation, record-keeping, and compliance.
• Supervised feeding center staff, nutrition technicians, and community healtadherence to h workers.