Rudy Howard

• Lead an independent strategy platform focused on geopolitical risk, energy security, and cross-regional investment dynamics, advising select stakeholders on policy and market developments.
• Produce senior-level strategic analyses at the intersection of government affairs, energy markets, and international political economy.
• Engage executives, policymakers, and subject-matter experts to inform strategic positioning and external engagement strategies.

• Supported political risk firms and advisors conducting due diligence for investors targeting African markets, including Central Africa.
• Provide strategic guidance on governance risk, local stakeholder dynamics, and political context affecting project implementation.

• Designed and managed a multi-region funding strategy supporting governance, justice, and institutional reform initiatives.
• Participated in fundraising and business development, engaging institutional partners and funders.
• Reviewed and approved narrative and financial reporting, ensuring financial discipline, compliance, and accountability across jurisdictions.

• Advise international organizations on resource mobilization, positioning, and partner credibility in sensitive political environments.
• Guide organizations on proposal development and strategic alignment with donor, investor, and institutional priorities.

Field Operations, Intelligence & Stakeholder Engagement

• Conducted regular field travel to Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, and Mozambique.
• Assessed political climate, regulatory constraints, and partner credibility through direct engagement with local actors.
• Exchanged on-the-ground intelligence with diplomats, international organizations, and policy stakeholders in Washington, Europe, and Africa.

Strategy & Risk Translation

• Incorporated field intelligence into strategy papers, briefings, and internal assessments for senior leadership.
• Advised partners on navigating political sensitivity, government pressure, and operational risk.
• Mentored junior staff on partner vetting, travel security, and political risk awareness.

• Adapted regional strategies to evolving political and security conditions.
• Presented country and risk updates to senior leadership and board members.
• Conducted quarterly field travel for monitoring, evaluation, and partner engagement.
• Facilitated introductions between African political actors and U.S. government stakeholders.

• Built extensive local networks through repeated field missions in Central Africa.
• Reviewed and vetted hundreds of project proposals, assessing credibility, feasibility, and political exposure.
• Organized Washington-based briefings and speaking engagements for regional partners.