Mr. Ambrose James is an accomplished governance and development expert with over 25 years of experience in conflict-sensitive programming, peacebuilding, and institutional reform across Africa and Asia. He currently serves as Director of the National Authorising Office (NAO) in Sierra Leone, where he leads the implementation of Government of Sierra Leone–European Union (GoSL–EU) cooperation projects under the European Development Fund (EDF) National Indicative Programme (NIP).
In this role, Mr. James oversees strategic coordination between the EU and Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, ensuring policy coherence and the effective management of donor-funded programmes. He provides oversight to all NAO Units and supports development initiatives that align with Sierra Leone’s national priorities.
Mr. James’ extensive professional background includes senior leadership roles with international non-profit organizations. He served as Country Director for Search for Common Ground in Sierra Leone for eight years, and later as Country Director for Health Poverty Action. In these capacities, he spearheaded multi-year programming, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity building efforts in governance, health, and peace consolidation.
Widely recognized for his expertise in leadership development, community mobilization, and coalition-building, Mr. James has led donor-funded programmes supported by institutions such as the EU, DFID, USAID, UN, and Irish Aid. He has successfully managed large, diverse teams and facilitated multi-stakeholder processes involving civil society, policy makers, youth groups, the media, and community-based organizations.
Mr. James has played a foundational role in establishing key national platforms such as the Independent Radio Network (IRN), Women Solidarity Support Group (WSSG), and National Elections Watch (NEW)—all of which have contributed meaningfully to democratic development and civic engagement in Sierra Leone.
He holds a BSc (Hons) in Sociology and Economics from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and a Master of Public Administration and Management (MPAM) from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Mr. James brings to the NAO a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and a lifelong commitment to sustainable development and inclusive governance.
