Sarah Jummai Alalade
Lawyer & Development Professional
Summary
Experienced development professional and legal practitioner with a focus on electoral governance, justice sector reform, human rights advocacy, social inclusion, and gender issues. Proficient in managing International-funded projects and committed to using research and community engagement to empower marginalized populations and drive societal change. Recognized for leading impactful research projects that give voice to women and girls in conflict areas.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Acting Executive Director
HUMAN RIGHTS MONITOR
1 2019 - 09.2022
- Led staff to achieve the objectives of the Organization and built a strong organizational culture.
- Managed day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Forged strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize performance.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
Field Research Assistant (Freelance)
SAIS Women Lead Research, Johns Hopkins University
6 2022 - 8 2022
- Collaborated with the SAIS Women Lead research team to conduct to collect data in Kaduna State, Nigeria, as part of a study on women's involvement in conflict management and peace-building.
- Conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders to gather qualitative data
- Facilitated key informant interviews to collect in-depth information from experts and influential individuals in the field of women's leadership in peace-building and conflict management.
- Performed in-depth interviews to capture detailed personal experiences, challenges, and success stories related to women's leadership and empowerment at community level.
- Ensured the quality and integrity of collected data by adhering to ethical research practices and maintaining participant confidentiality
Project Consultant (Freelance)
European Centre for Electoral Support
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Collated existing enabling laws and operational guidelines of the 36 State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria ;
- Conducted a desk review of the enabling laws of the SIECs with a view to identifying areas of convergence and divergence ;
- Initiated & managed engagements with Electoral Stakeholders especially Chairmen of SIECs, State
Houses of Assembly, INEC, development partners with a view to seeking their inputs into the draft Model Laws - Produced the draft of the Unified Model Law or State Independent Electoral
Commissions of Nigeria (SIECs).
State Coordinator (Part-time)
CLEEN Foundation
03.2018 - 09.2020
- Coordinated and implemented CLEEN Foundation's project activities in Kaduna State
- Partnered and maintained relationships with Stakeholders on behalf of CLEEN Foundation.
- Managed complex projects at state level, from inception through completion, delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines.
- Served as a liaison between state agencies and local communities, addressing concerns while promoting positive working relationships.
- Developed collaborative relationships with stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Contributed to the development of comprehensive reports outlining progress toward key goals and objectives.
Program Manager
HUMAN RIGHTS MONITOR
09.2013 - 12.2018
- Prepared and developed proposals and reports
- Managed and implemented progressive projects
- Coordinated and carried out research & documentation
- Liaised with local and international partners on developmental issues
- Coordinate election observation and facilitate training for observers
- Investigated human rights related cases and facilitated pro-bono legal representation for indigent members of society.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
State Coordinator, Kaduna (Part-time Consultant)
DFID - JUSTICE 4 ALL (COMPONENT INTERVENTION PROGRAM 1.4)
11.2013 - 08.2016
- Developed Community Based Policing philosophy and methodologies in Voluntary Policing Sector
- Enhanced the organizational and management capacity of selected Voluntary Policing Sector groups
- Strengthened the capacity of selected Voluntary Policing Sector groups to deliver services with due regard for the law
- Enhanced Voluntary Policing Sector engagement with, and accountability to local communities
- Enhanced coordination between Voluntary Policing Sector groups, Nigerian Police Force and other relevant groups
- Disseminated examples of good practice to Voluntary Policing Sector groups and encourage replication.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Enhanced communication among team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending context specific improvements to project design informed by on the ground realities.
Senior Program Officer
HUMAN RIGHTS MONITOR
11.2010 - 08.2013
- Investigated and monitored human rights violations in the north/west zone
- Compiled reports on human rights in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission
- Election observation
- Organized workshops and seminars on human rights, governance and development
- Contributed articles to 'Equal Justice', a quarterly publication analyzing human rights and politics in Nigeria/Africa.
- Supported project development efforts by contributing ideas and perspective during proposal writing processes.
Head of Chamber
AKIKA, ABASHI, OKOYE & MANN
07.2008 - 09.2010
- Drafted and prepared legal documents and briefs
- Oversaw chambers administration & supervised staff
- Resolved disputes and maintained discipline within the Chamber
- Ensured compliance with relevant legislation
- Litigation, corporate practice, conducted legal research and rendered legal advice
- Coordinated settlement of matters through Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Legal Officer
INT'L CENTRE FOR PEACE, CHARITIES & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
09.2007 - 06.2008
- Organized seminars and workshops on peaceful co-existence and conflict management
- Provided pro-bono legal representation and advice for human rights abuse victims
- Conducted legal research.
NYSC Corps Member
TIMMY & CO. (LABI CHAMBERS)
09.2006 - 08.2007
- Supported with legal services and drafted legal documents.
- Gained practical knowledge of court appearances, client management and overall workings of the courts and private legal practice.
Consultant
TAF - Africa
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Conducted Desk Review of Existing Legal Frameworks And Policies On Disability Inclusion
- Facilitated sessions on the legal framework of inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities in the electoral process.
- Obtained relevant documents, including electoral laws, policies, guidelines, reports, and research studies.
- Reviewed literature on disability inclusion in electoral processes, both nationally and internationally.
- Identified relevant stakeholders, including representatives from SIEC, political parties, disability organizations, civil society groups, and government agencies for relevant policies for PWDs on the Electoral process.
- Analyzed electoral laws, regulations, and policies to assess their compliance with international standards and conventions on disability rights.
- Identified provisions related to disability inclusion in electoral processes and evaluate their effectiveness and enforcement mechanisms
Education
Master of Science - Management of Development
Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences
Velp, Netherlands 04.2022 - 04.2023
Non-Degree short course on building a better world under SDG - Sustainable Development
Christian University of Applied Sciences
Ede, Netherlands 01.2019 -
Masters - Development Studies
Nigerian Defence Academy
Kaduna 01.2012 - 04.2013
Post-graduate Diploma - International Law & Diplomacy
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Kaduna 01.2008 - 04.2009
Bachelor of Law -
Nigerian Law School
01.2005 - 04.2006
LLB. Hons - undefined
Ahmadu Bello University
01.1999 - 04.2005
Secondary School Certificate - undefined
United Faith Tabernacle College
01.1990 - 04.1995
Skills
Microsoft Office (Intermediate)
Excellent communication abilities gained through experience as Executive Director, mediator, program officer and legal practitioner
Proven track record in executing effective advocacy strategies and public awareness campaigns
Proven ability to lead and manage critical reform projects in challenging environments
Expertise in managing large-scale EU-funded projects; strict adherence to financial and deliverables
Strategic planning and implementation skills; aligning initiatives with objectives
Certification
ICMC Fellow
Additional Information
Nigerian Bar Association, Kaduna Branch, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
References
- Pleun Van Arensbergen, Researcher/International Development Studies, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences |+31612993733 | pleun.vanarensbergen@hvhl.nl
- Festus Okoye, Chairperson, Board of Trustees of Human Rights Monitor |+234 803 303 8001|festokoye2003@yahoo.com
- Toyin Ogbujie, Principal Partner, Lasisi & Associates |+234 8037271450| rashybella@gmail.com
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 07/27/1979
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Nigeria
Projects
As State Coordinator, CLEEN FOUNDATION, I headed implementation and coordination of project to enhance criminal justice accountability and transparency, Managed stakeholder engagement sessions, including meetings with working group driving ACJA 2015 reforms, Led capacity-building to improve understanding and application of ACJA 2015 among law enforcement, Developed educational and advocacy materials, increasing public awareness of criminal justice provisions/reforms, Played a key role in data collection and analysis, providing credible data for policymaking and advocacy.
As Project Manager, Human Rights Monitor, I led successful implementation of €80,222.85 EU-funded project (EIDHR/2009/169-269) to guarantee due process rights and reduce torture prevalence by security agencies across 3 states, managed project funds and ensured compliance with EU financial and operational guidelines, while I coordinated with local and international stakeholders to enhance project deliverables and prepared detailed reports for EU.
Timeline
Consultant
TAF - Africa
02.2024 - 04.2024
Master of Science - Management of Development
Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences
04.2022 - 04.2023
Project Consultant (Freelance)
European Centre for Electoral Support
12.2021 - 05.2022
Non-Degree short course on building a better world under SDG - Sustainable Development
Christian University of Applied Sciences
01.2019 -
State Coordinator (Part-time)
CLEEN Foundation
03.2018 - 09.2020
State Coordinator, Kaduna (Part-time Consultant)
DFID - JUSTICE 4 ALL (COMPONENT INTERVENTION PROGRAM 1.4)
11.2013 - 08.2016
Program Manager
HUMAN RIGHTS MONITOR
09.2013 - 12.2018
Masters - Development Studies
Nigerian Defence Academy
01.2012 - 04.2013
Senior Program Officer
HUMAN RIGHTS MONITOR
11.2010 - 08.2013
Head of Chamber
AKIKA, ABASHI, OKOYE & MANN
07.2008 - 09.2010
Post-graduate Diploma - International Law & Diplomacy
Ahmadu Bello University
01.2008 - 04.2009
Legal Officer
INT'L CENTRE FOR PEACE, CHARITIES & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
09.2007 - 06.2008
NYSC Corps Member
TIMMY & CO. (LABI CHAMBERS)
09.2006 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Law -
Nigerian Law School
01.2005 - 04.2006
LLB. Hons - undefined
Ahmadu Bello University
01.1999 - 04.2005
Secondary School Certificate - undefined
United Faith Tabernacle College
01.1990 - 04.1995
Acting Executive Director
HUMAN RIGHTS MONITOR
1 2019 - 09.2022
Field Research Assistant (Freelance)
SAIS Women Lead Research, Johns Hopkins University
6 2022 - 8 2022