Programming and Applications Development

ABRAHAM A. KIAZOLU II (BSc, MSc, MPhil, ACCA Cand.)

Professional profile:

Associate Professor Abraham A. Kiazolu, II is a versatile and professionally ardent public sector development specialist with more than decade of experience in strategic planning, project management and capacity building across West Africa.

Areas of Expertise:

Development planning and project management
Strategic planning and budgeting
Monitoring & Evaluation
Workshop planning & facilitation
Curriculum development
Teaching
Coaching and mentoring
Project proposal writing
Small-scale enterprise development
Entrepreneurship coaching
Public policy analysis
Macroeconomic policy formulation
Socio-economic research
Financial management

Education:

University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Masters in Humanitarian and Refugee Studies
(Candidate)

University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
MPhil Development Finance
March 2018

University of Lagos, Nigeria
M.Sc. Finance
December 2010

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
B.Sc. Economics
September 2006

Professional Experience

Deputy Project Coordinator (IRISE Project)
World Bank Education Portfolio/Project Delivery Unit
Ministry of Education, Liberia
07/2020 – Present

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Specialist (Consultant)
Education Delivery Unit – Ministry of Education, Liberia
03/2019 – 06/2020

Adjunct-Faculty
Starz University College of Science and Technology
08/2019 – present

Technical Advisor
Office of the Deputy Minister for Planning, Research & Development
Ministry of Education, Liberia
06/2018 – 02/2019

Director/ Center for Entrepreneurship Studies
William V.S. Tubman University, Harper, Maryland County
11/2014- 06/2018

Chair/Department of Accounting, Economics & Finance
William V.S. Tubman University
06/2017-09/2017

Associate Professor/Department of Accounting, Economics & Finance
William V.S. Tubman University-Harper, Liberia
08/2016 – 06/2018

Research Consultant (Short-term consultancy)
Maastricht School of Management (MSM), Netherland
11/2015-12/2015

Desk Officer – Harper Desk (part-time)
SPARK/Business Start-up Center (BSC), Monrovia
10/2013 – 03/2014

Assistant Professor/ Department of Accounting, Economics & Finance
William V.S. Tubman University, Harper
01/2011- 07/2016

Program Coordinator/Project M&E Officer
Development Initiative of West Africa, Nigeria
02/2008-01/2011

Junior Financial Analyst
STARLINK GLOBAL&IDEAL Ltd, LAGOS, Nigeria
11/2006-12/2007

Revenue Agent
Monrovia City Corporation, LIBERIA
08/1999-02/2002

Position of Responsibilities:

Lead Member/The MoE COVID-19 EiE TWG
03/2020 – present

TWG Lead/ The MoE Liberia Learning Foundation Project application
07/2018 – present

Secretary/TU Employee Handbook Review Committee
01/2018 – 05/2018

Chairperson/Faculty Senate Constitution Committee
11/2016 – 05/2018

Chairperson/College Personnel Review Committee
College of Management and Administration, W.V.S. Tubman University
09/2016 –05/2018

Board Chair/Redeemer’s International Foundation, Inc.,
08/2015 – present

Coordinator/College Comprehensive Exam Program
College of Management and Administration, Tubman University
01/2014 – 03/2016

Senator/Faculty Senate
William V.S. Tubman University, Harper
09/2012 – 05/2018

Chairman/College Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee
College of Management and Administration, W.V.S. Tubman University
02/2012 – 06/2014

Member/University Strategic Planning, Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee
W.V.S. Tubman University
02/2012 – 06/2014

Chairperson/University Admissions Committee
W.V.S. Tubman University, Harper
06/2011 – 05/2018

Chairman/Research and Publication Committee
Division of Academic Affairs, W.V.S. Tubman University
04/2011- 03/2012

Chairman/College Curriculum Committee
College of Management and Administration, W.V.S. Tubman University
02/2011- 09/2015

Dr. Bill Morris Gayflor

A real leader who can quickly gain the respect of any ICT team, co-workers and who has the confidence needed to effectively manage a large group of people. Dr. Gayflor understands the many modern challenges facing ICT departments and can be relied upon to help develop a business-wide ICT strategy in-line with a company’s goals. He can provide ICT direction to a company and very good at assessing an ICT departments working practices in order to identify any opportunities for improvements.

Professional

Advance technical skills in the use of several software packages (Microsoft Office Suite, SQL, Oracle databases and statistical programs and has move to the cloud.
Ability to act at a senior level and negotiate with external agencies.
Ability to act as the expert user in appropriate operating system and software
Ability to source, recommend, configure, install and test computer hardware, network operating systems, software, and peripheral equipment
Analytical and strategic thinking
Ability to lead and motivate
Excellent typing speed and passionate impact maker
Ability to work in an emergency, cross-cultural and politically sensitive environment
Ability to work with minimum supervision
Excellent communication skills and possess good interpersonal skills
Self-starter and strong ability to address difficult problems, established approaches and techniques
A Highly resourceful and innovative
Providing written protocols and guidance to ICT staff and to end-users.
Overseeing large, multiple and complex projects.
Able to work under strict conditions and constraints.
A keen eye for detail.
ICT infrastructure planning and development.
Proven track record in ICT project management.
Demonstrable evidence of designing and implementing successful ICT projects.
Managing expectations across multiple audiences.
Experience of working on many diverse and varied projects.
Understand the need of Management Information System (MIS) and Information System (IS)

Working Experience

The Salvation Army Vocational & Professional Training Center
Position: Teacher of ICT and Computing/ ICT Coordinator
March 6, 2010—Nov 15, 2010

HEAD OFFICE SOUTH AFRICA
14th Avenue Johannesburg
2196 South Africa
Position: MIS Officer
February 14-2007-March 21, 2009

National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP)
Position: Computer Programmer
Dec 10, 2010—July 30, 2012

National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP)
Position: Assistant Director/I.T Department
August 15, 2012—Dec 20, 2014

United Methodist University (UMU)
Position: Lecturer/I.T Department (level BSc)
April 15, 2013—Nov 20, 2014

United Nation World Food Programme (WFP)
Position: ICT Assistant
January 10, 2015—December 31, 2015

STARZ College of Science and Technology
Opposite Sharks Airfield Sinkor
Monrovia, Liberia
Position: Senior Lecture
March 1, 2016—October 30, 2016

United Nation World Food Programme (WFP)
Position: ICT Assistant
November 21, 2016—2017

STARZ UNIVERSITY
Opposite Sharks Airfield Sinkor
Monrovia, Liberia
Position: Dean of Student Affairs & Associate Dean Research and School Development
January 15, 2018—Present

STARZ UNIVERSITY
Opposite Sharks Airfield Sinkor
Monrovia, Liberia
Position: Chief Information Officer / Undergraduate Program
February, 2020—Present

EDUCATION

03/10/2016—January-2020

Doctorate Degree in Computer Science (Ph.D.)
On Campus & Online Base Student
Atlantic International University
900 Fort Street Mall-40
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
U.S.A

05/02/2014—29/07/2016
Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
Campus Base Student
Atlantic International University
900 Fort Street Mall-40
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
U.S.A

06/02/2006—05/01/2010
Bachelor of Computer Science (BSc with Hon)
University of Intech Science
1st Flood Cologne House
19 St. George’s Mail
Cape Town/South Africa

13/01/2003—27/11/2005
Associate Degree in Computer Science
Intech Science College
Kofi Annan Avenue, Avenue E.
North Legon, Hall
Republic of Ghana

04/02/2002—23/12/2002
Diploma Computer Networking
Intech Science College
Kofi Annan Avenue, Avenue E.
North Legon, Hall
Republic of Ghana

10/01/2001—15/12/2001
Diploma/Certificate Computer Software & Hardware A+
Intech Science College
Kofi Annan Avenue, Avenue E.
Republic of Ghana

Achievement (Certificates/Diploma) (Germany UN Scholarship)

Certificate Basic Security in the Field
Certificate Advanced Security in the Field
Certificate UN Prevention of Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority in the Workplace
ORI – World Food Programme Orientation
ICT – Audio-Video Communication
ICT – Business and IT Alignment
ICT – Active Directory (AD)
ICT – Windows Server 2008 R2
ICT-Budget Analysis & Purchasing
ICT Collaboration and Communication Services (CONNECT)
ORI Prevention of Fraud, Corruption and SEA at Work place
ICT Wireless Technology
ICT-IT Budgeting in Count Offices
Management Information System (MIS) AA Degree

Professional International Certificates

MCSA/MCSE/MCSD/MTA/MOS/MCP/Master Microsoft
(MCSM) CompTIA A+ & N+ Certified/CCENT/CCNA/CCNP/CCIE

Rev. Dr. Joseph Tanou Flomo Kpoto, Sr.

A clergy, an investor, entrepreneur, educator, journalist, a man with polyvalent managerial skills, motivational Speaker and a prolific writer. For many Years has been engaged in corporate training, Preaching and education. A highly motivated, well-travelled and creative graduate with practical designed and teaching experiences in companies and churches, colleges and Seminaries. His Mission is to liberate the world from illiteracy, poverty and corruption through the word of God and education.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

An experienced professional with over 10 years diligent, dedicated and efficient service in education, churches and businesses with Excellent communication and human relation skills. A people driven manager and with many years of continues advancement and expertise in managerial and teaching skills. Proactive self-started with tract record of initiative, personal responsibilities; and ownership of work; precisely reliable and trustworthy.

Strong influential leader, who effectively motivates others and initiate/direct strategies, initiatives, creative, dependable and enthusiastic change agent with proven track records in improving efficiency and reducing cost. Highly analytical thinker with demonstrative ability to scrutinize personnel behaviors. Interpersonal communicator, presenter and negotiator, deliver effective presentation to staff.

EDUCATION :

2009-2011 :
Fellow of Education (Political Science) EDD International Consortium of
Christian Colleges, Universities and
Seminaries Ota, Republic of Nigeria.

2007-2009 :
octorate of Divinity
Faith Christian Theological Seminary
Lagos, Nigeria
In collaboration with Central Christian University
Texas, USA

2005-2007
Master of Divinity
Faith Christian Theological Seminary
Lagos, Nigeria
In collaboration with Central Christian University Texas,

B. Elias Shoniyin

Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Republic of Liberia, and
World Fellow, Yale University

Elias Shoniyin is a Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellow at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, Yale University. He is an international affairs, development, public sector management, policy professional, and former diplomat, with over twenty years of experience in nonprofit and public service, in multiple senior positions where he made significant contributions to the post-war recovery and development of Liberia and Africa generally.
Mr. Shoniyin served as Deputy Foreign of Liberia in two successive administrations, and as Acting Foreign Minister for a six-month period. In these roles, Mr. Shoniyin’s leadership inspired strategic reforms in all spheres of the Foreign Ministry and the diplomatic service of post-conflict Liberia. He played a pivotal role in deepening Liberia’s post-conflict cooperation with friendly nations and exploring cooperation opportunities on new frontiers. Prior to the portfolio of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Shoniyin also worked as Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, and Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, Republic of Liberia, respectively. These were complementary to his earlier years of work in international and local nonprofit organizations.

An important highlight of Mr. Shoniyin’s foreign affairs career was when he coordinated Liberia’s resource mobilization efforts during the Ebola outbreak in 2014-16, drawing urgent global attention to the health crisis, resulting in the effective containment of the virus in Liberia. He led Liberian government delegations to many high-level international conferences and negotiations, including serving as Advisor at the United Nations General Assemblies and sitting as a Member of the First, Second, Fourth and Fifth Committees of the Assembly. He also served as senior member of Liberian delegation at Assemblies of African Union, ECOWAS and Mano River Union (MRU), for more than thirteen years.
Mr. Shoniyin is a lecturer of International Relations at the University of Liberia graduate school, and Founder/CEO of the B. Elias Shoniyin Education Empowerment Foundation, which has financed the education of more than fifty Liberian youth, including eighteen currently.
For his life’s accomplishments, he has received multiple international recognitions and accolades including his admittance into the Humane Order of African Redemption, with the Grade of Knight Commander; 2015 recipient of the of the African and Caribbean Business Council (ACBC) Leadership Award in the United States; Chartered Fellowship Awards as Eminent Ambassador of the International Association of World Peace Advocates; Resolution of honor by the New York State Legislative Assembly; Citation of Honor, New York City Council; Citation of Honor, New York Senate; Keynote Speaker and Guest of Honor at many high-level events including at FACE Africa Ninth Annual WASH Gala in New York City, etc.

Commencement Speaker is a proud Liberia who has been globally recognized for his work and contribution to humanity, including his announcement last year by Yale University as a World Fellow – He is global “trailblazers: disruptive thinker and bold; original voice in the field of international affairs and development. He is intensely curious, passionate and keenly focused on positive impact. He can’t help himself: wherever he goes, he profoundly shapes his surroundings for the better”.
Ladies and gentlemen, may you all join me, as I welcome to the podium, the Commencement Speaker of the Starz University Fourth Graduation Convocation, Mr. B. Elias Shoniyin!

DR. E. OTHELLO GONGAR

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

An Education Specialist with over 40 years’ experience in designing and managing education, and monitoring and evaluation systems; developing and implementing education policies, projects, donations, grants; and communicating and partnering with government, non-governmental, and donor organizations.

EXPERIENCE:

02/2012-09/2014 :

Commissioner for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Publications, The Governance
Commission, Monrovia, Liberia

06/2010-12/2011 :

Minister, Ministry of Education, Monrovia, Liberia

07/2009 -05/2010 :
Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Education, Monrovia, Liberia

11/1997-07/2009 :
Independent Consultant, Washington, D.C.

09/1991-11/1997 :
Consultant, Population and Human Resources Operations Division, South Asia Country Department, The World Bank, Washington, D.C.

02/1986- 02/1990 :
Minister of Education, Monrovia, Liberia

06/1980-12/1985 :
Deputy Minister for Planning and Development, Monrovia, Liberia

03/1978-02/1980 :
Assistant Minister for Planning and Research, Ministry of Planning, Monrovia, Liberia

04/1975-01/1978 :
Director of Education Planning and Management, Ministry of Planning, Monrovia, Liberia

02/1973-03/1975 :
Research Officer, Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Planning, Monrovia, Liberia

Education:

Bachelors of Arts in Economics, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia.
Continuing Education
World Bank Task Managers Training, Modules I & II.
Training in Education Costing and Financing, EDI, World Bank
Training in Management of the Project Cycle, EDI, World Bank
UNDP/GOL Certificate in Educational Supervision: Level I; Level II and Level III.

Diploma: Project Preparation, Analysis and Evaluation UNDP/Government of Liberia (GOL) Training Program.

Honors: Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) Cuttington University, Suakoko Liberia

JOHN SOLUNA SMITH, JR. (PH.D.)

Education

▪ Ph.D. Economics
Peking University (PKU), National School of Development (NSD), June 29, 2019
▪ Master’s in Public policy concentration in Economic Policy & System
▪ Peking University (PKU), School of Government (SG) July 6, 2016
▪ Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration & Economics
University of Liberia (UL), December 19,
Expertise
Knowledge Management and Training; Development & Economic Policy Analysis; Development economics, Private Sector Development; Youth development; Development Financing: Practices and Institutional design; Health Financing; Research Methodology both Qualitative and Quantitative research methods.

2013

Biography:

John Soluna Smith, Jr. (Ph.D.) is a highly motivated and experienced development practitioner with extensive experience in Program management, Development Economics, Knowledge Management and Training, Youth development, Health Financing, and Research. He worked as Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Head of Secretariat of the Federation of Liberian Youth. He worked as Resource & Senior Policy Officer at the National Legislature, providing policy advice and analyzing policy issues for Liberia development. He has extensive training in Economics specialization in Development and Trade Policy. He has actively participated in Result-based Management and Result-based Monitoring and Evaluation processes across different sectors. He currently services as a Research Fellow on Health Financing at REDRESS (Reducing the Burden of Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases through Equitable Person-Centred Approaches to Health Systems Strengthening), a joint research program of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Liberia, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Queen Margaret University in the United Kingdom.
He also serving as Lecturer, Development Policy Studies at the Graduate School of the University of Liberia, and Lecturer of Economics at the Cuttington University Graduate School of Professional Studies in Monrovia. Beyond this, he provides consultancy services for small business development and growth, especially in the area of structural transformation and management for results.
Dr. Smith, Jr is presently serving as Policy Seminar Lecturer for USAID / Social Impact on the Liberia Strategic Analysis Project (LSA) through which he lectures on Development studies in a seminar series for mid and senior career officials of the government of Liberia.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Reducing the Burden of Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases through Equitable Person-Centred Approaches to Health Systems Strengthening (REDRESS)/ NTDs Project January 2020 – Present Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia
Research Fellow – Health Financing

Cuttington University, Graduate School of Professional Studies 2019 August – Present Lecturer of Economics
Achievements

• Delivered lectures, presentations and interactive sessions for graduate students in economics; • Prepared lecture notes and summary for easy comprehension for the students;
• Administered examination, give assignments and determine students’ scores from their work quality;

Social Impact /USAID October 2019 – Present
Technical Specialist, Policy Seminar Lecturer
Assignment/ University of Liberia Graduate School
Monrovia, Liberia

House of Representatives – 53rd National Legislature 2011 – 2013 Resource & Senior Policy Officer
Achievements

Ministry of Youth & Sports 2007 – 2011 Coordinator
Achievements

The University of Texas, Austin, USA
Global Leadership Program/Department of Government June 17, 2017 – Sept 30, 2017 Consultant:

National Action for Research & Governance (NARG) February 2015 – June 2015 Lead Consultant
Monrovia, Liberia