Caroline Sekyewa

Caroline Sekyewa is the Country Director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in South Sudan, where she leads the humanitarian response to the crisis affecting millions of people. She has over 20 years of experience in program leadership, development cooperation, and partnership management.

Before joining the IRC in 2017, Caroline worked with various organizations in Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, and Ethiopia focusing on sustainable rural development, food security, health and nutrition, good governance, and advocacy. She has a strong background in program design, strategic planning, grant acquisition and management, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation.

Caroline started her career as a project coordinator at St Benedict Parish in Nairobi, and later on moved to AREP Foundation where she worked as an Education Counsellor for refugee students. After her Masters program, and a short stint as a Lecturer at her Alma Mater, Daystar University, she moved back to Uganda where she worked at ECHO as a Program Assistant and COOPI as Head of Uganda Office. She also worked as a Program Coordinator at Dan Church Aid, supervising 10 program staff and 22 implementing partners with an annual funding volume of approximately USD 10 million.

She then moved to IRIS Consulting and Training, where she supported micro enterprises by providing business development services. She then moved to the International Cooperative Alliance-Africa, where she supported the cooperative movement in 17 African countries through research, policy, partnerships, and capacity building.

Caroline joined the IRC as the Deputy Director of Operations in Uganda, overseeing the country program's operational support functions, including finance, supply chain, human resources, IT, and security. She also ensured compliance with donor and IRC policies and procedures and supported the development and implementation of the country's strategy.

In 2020, Caroline became the Country Director of the IRC in South Sudan, where she is responsible for the overall management and delivery of the country program, which provides emergency relief, protection, health care, education, and livelihood support to people affected by conflict and disaster. She also leads the advocacy and representation of the IRC in South Sudan and engages with donors, government, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the IRC’s strategic positioning and influence.

Caroline is passionate about empowering women and girls disproportionately affected by violence, displacement, and poverty. She advocates for a recovery and development approach to address the crisis's root causes and the population's long-term needs. She also supports the implementation of gender-sensitive and inclusive programs that promote the rights and dignity of the people of South Sudan.

Caroline holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Daystar University and an MSc in management from Glasgow Caledonian University. She is fluent in English and Swahili. She enjoys dancing, traveling, and learning new cultures.