"As for my topic, I plan to explore whether the so-called 'Big Men of Africa' are inevitable in nascent states with fragile democracies. I plan to explore that more specifically by drawing on the year I spent in South Sudan between that country's vote on independence and the day itself. There, my job was to get to know everyone from political leadership, NGOs, tribal leaders to militia members uncovering the political and conflict dynamics that might serve to unravel progress either in the immediate or longer term."Joseph Pickerill joined Strategy Corp in late 2011. He brings to the team 10 years of successful policy development and strategic communications in the international arena. Through his work with both the UK and U.S. governments, Joseph has become a seasoned professional in public affairs, crisis management, policy development and strategic communications. He has been at the heart of decision making on policies that have shaped the regulatory environment for businesses and organizations at local, national and supra-national levels.While working in the UK, his achievements in driving security policy led to his joining the Prime Minister's Office to steer key elements of the PM's Delivery Unit (interagency management of the PM's target programs). Later, as Vice Consul of Political, Press & Public Affairs in the UK's Boston Consular Office, he served as lead for the UK Ambassador on US-wide, political projects, particularly ahead of the pivotal 2008 United States elections, simultaneously creating stronger linkages with the academic, financial and political powerhouses located along the East Coast. Throughout this tenure he maintained a singular brief on the American dimension to the Northern Ireland peace process, creating close working relationships among Republicans and Unionists.Most recently he has worked for the U.S. Department of State where (on assignment in Sudan) he developed and delivered the strategic communications and elections planning ahead of South Sudan's transition to independence, earning the State Department's prestigious 'Superior Honor' award. Subsequently, he led the communications and planning for the 2011 elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In every case, Joseph has brought his strong analytical skills and strategic thinking to the table. He is uniquely placed to understand the communications challenges in an increasingly global, competitive and regulated space and is committed to creating and delivering fully integrated, strategic communications plans for clients. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dalhousie University; Masters in International Commerce & Policy from George Mason University and a Certificate in IFI's from St. Peter's College, Oxford University.Cast: Treehouse Group and Quincy BerryTags:
