Linford Andrews - Adviser and Head of Electoral Support, Commonwealth Secretariat

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Work Background

The CommonwealthHead of Electoral Support

Sep. 2021London, England, United Kingdom

The CommonwealthPolitical Adviser & Interim Head: Africa

Mar. 2021 - Sep. 2021London, England, United Kingdom

The CommonwealthPolitical Adviser

Apr. 2014 - Sep. 2021London, United Kingdom- Responsible for monitoring political developments in African Commonwealth member states and coordinating policy advice from the Africa Section - Managing and coordinating strategic-level engagements with key regional organisations, senior-level political leaders, and civil society organisations in the region - Representing the senior leadership where relevant in international fora to advance the Commonwealth approach on Africa issues · Preparing and coordinating extensive briefs for various visits undertaken by both the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General · Compiling background papers on a range of political issues · Making an active contribution to the division’s policy formulation on key issues affecting Commonwealth states in Africa · Coordinating all arrangements and compilation of records of meetings between senior staff and visiting heads of government, ministers and high commissioners from African member states

The CommonwealthDeputy Head (Interim), Secretary-General's Office

Oct. 2013 - Apr. 2014LondonReviewed recommendations made to the SG by line divisions, analysing their political, financial and operational implications as well as other relevant factors, and provide policy advice accordingly; • Developed and formulated policy advice for specific initiatives for the consideration of the SG; • Managed the interface and confidential assessment of divisional issues under the SG’s area of responsibility including financial processes, travel requests and human resources related matters. • Maintained contact with Commonwealth governments through High Commissions and directly in capitals, as well as with relevant international and regional organisations and civil society groups, in order to facilitate engagement with these stakeholders by the SG; • Prepared and vetted draft letters, memoranda and speeches for the SG, co-ordinated the preparation of briefing materials for the SG’s meetings, and prepared records of meetings when required; • Liaised with the Director SGO and other counterpart Heads of Offices in SGO on matters requiring co-ordination within the division as well as across all divisions, as appropriate; • In the absence of the Director SGO, served as Acting Head of the Secretary-General’s Office; • Co-ordinated the strategic planning and budgeting exercises for the divisions reporting to the SG; • Co-ordinated the performance appraisal system for officers reporting to the SG; • Supported the overall management of the office of the SG, providing guidance to colleagues and ensuring that corporate standards and obligations were met.

The CommonwealthInterim Adviser, Commonwealth Electoral Network

Apr. 2013 - Oct. 2013Marlborough House, London• Providing advice on the development and operations of the Commonwealth Electoral Network (CEN); • Managing the budget and other resources allocated to the CEN; • Designing, developing and managing implementation of CEN programme elements; • Developing strategic partnerships and initiatives with multilateral and bilateral agencies in relation to CEN programmes; • Acting as a focal point for CEN members in respect of advice, support and information dissemination; • Supporting the CEN Steering Committee, including through the provision of regular progress reports; • Organising and delivering meetings of the CEN Steering Committee and thematic Working Groups as required; • Managing the CEN online communities developed as part of the Commonwealth Connects platform; • Supporting the Political Affairs Division’s Democracy Section in the preparation of briefings, advice, reports and presentations on CEN matters; • Contributing to international seminars, conferences and expert group meetings relating to the CEN.

The CommonwealthInterim Head, Office of the Deputy Secretary-General

Aug. 2012 - Mar. 2013London, United Kingdom• Reviewed recommendations made to the DSG by line divisions, analysing their political, financial and operational implications as well as other relevant factors, and provide policy advice accordingly; • Developed and formulated policy advice for specific initiatives for the consideration of the DSG; • Managed the interface and confidential assessment of divisional issues under the DSG’s area of responsibility including financial processes, travel requests and human resources related matters. • Maintained contact with Commonwealth governments through High Commissions and directly in capitals, as well as with relevant international and regional organisations and civil society groups, in order to facilitate engagement with these stakeholders by the DSG; • Prepared and vetted draft letters, memoranda and speeches for the DSG, co-ordinate the preparation of briefing materials for the DSG’s meetings, and prepared records of meetings when required; • Liaised with the Director SGO and other counterpart Heads of Offices in SGO on matters requiring co-ordination within the division as well as across all divisions, as appropriate; • Co-ordinated the strategic planning and budgeting exercises for the divisions reporting to the DSG; • Co-ordinated the performance appraisal system for officers reporting to the DSG; • Managed the office of the DSG, providing guidance to the Executive Assistant and ensuring that corporate standards and obligations were met;

The CommonwealthPolitical Affairs Officer

Aug. 2003 - Aug. 2012London, United Kingdom- Responsible for monitoring political developments relevant to Commonwealth member states in Africa · Preparing and coordinating extensive briefs for various visits undertaken by both the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General · Compiling background papers on a range of political issues · Making an active contribution to the division’s policy formulation on key issues affecting Commonwealth states in Africa · Assisting in the arrangements and compilation of records of meetings between senior staff and visiting heads of government, ministers and high commissioners

South African High CommissionSecond Secretary (Political)

Feb. 2002 - Jul. 2003Bolstered South African bilateral relations with India, through growing insight on domestic Indian politics and India-Pakistan relations. Analysed critical multilateral political issues, delivering reports and recommendations. Directed protocol activities for visiting delegations. Built excellent relationships with academic leaders. Strengthened bilateral relations, serving as contact between South African High Commission and United Nations (UN), South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), and key global organisations. Managed key diplomatic visits from South African Minister of Public Administration and Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), orchestrating VIP logistics, appointments, and reports.

Department of Foreign Affairs, PretoriaDiplomat / Senior Foreign Service Officer

Aug. 2000 - Feb. 2002Responsible for monitoring international political, business and trade developments in South East Asia, in the Directorate: South Asia & South East Asia, Asia Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs

Department of Foreign AffairsSenior Foreign Officer

Jan. 2000 - Jan. 2002Evaluated South East Asia business, political, and trade activities, analysing diplomatic mission reports. Elevated team capabilities, on-boarding, coaching, and managing Foreign Service Officer.

South African EmbassyThird Secretary (Political)

Jan. 1996 - Jan. 2000Greater Jakarta Area, IndonesiaCultivated vital relationships between Indonesia and South Africa following apartheid collapse, serving as key liaison with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Originated bilateral and multilateral political reports on issues including terrorism, security, and UN relations. Formed part of core team which seamlessly adopted crisis management through 1998 Indonesian political crisis, protecting expatriate citizens, evacuating staff, and communicating with Indonesia government and media while delivering key political analysis. Successfully built relations between South Africa and Indonesia as one of the first South African diplomats in region, introducing Embassy website and newsletter while growing awareness via marketing events. Formed part of core team which directed state/ official visits, including high-profile appearance by former South African President Nelson Mandela. Grew South Africa awareness across Indonesia through comprehensive marketing programmes and events including cultural exchange, art exhibitions, and tourism events.

Department of Foreign Affairs, PretoriaAssistant Foreign Service Officer

Nov. 1993 - Jul. 1996· Responsible for obtaining and supplying information on developments in South Africa and distributing to embassies and consulates abroad · Working indirectly with the first democratic elections in South Africa · Assisting colleagues in updating missions on developments and election results · Working as a Protocol Officer at President Nelson Mandela’s inauguration

South AfricaAssistant Foreign Affairs Officer

Jan. 1993 - Jan. 1996Expanded embassy and consulate expertise via detailed news bulletins as South Africa desk officer, analysing developments and communicating with global diplomatic mission teams. Delivered critical information to global counterparts through dynamic research on South African news