Francis Reffell, a Social Justice and Development Professional, brings to the table an impressive 22 years of experience in the NGO sector. His vast professional journey includes various roles in numerous local and international agencies, spread across both rural and urban settings. This rich tapestry of experience has furnished him with an in-depth understanding of Sierra Leone’s development landscape. Academically, Francis is well-equipped with an MSc in Rural Development and a BA General in Geography, Sociology, and General Linguistics.
Currently, Francis is the Founder and Director of the Centre of Dialogue on Human Settlement and Poverty Alleviation (CODOHSAPA). In addition, he is the trailblazer behind the establishment of the Federation of Urban and Rural Poor (FEDURP), a robust network of savings groups operating in diverse rural and urban areas. FEDURP’s mission is to provide a platform for impoverished populations and communities to drive their own developmental aspirations. CODOHSAPA complements this vision by acting as the professional supporting organisation (PSO), providing FEDURP with necessary technical and financial support. This alliance is the Sierra Leone affiliate of Slum/Shack Dwellers International (SDI), a global network of NGO professionals and slum dweller federations that support local and global actions to uplift the welfare and living conditions of deprived populations and localities.
Throughout his career, Francis has been unwavering in his commitment to creating spaces and voices for the poor and marginalized. His work embodies the values of hope restoration, positive change, and transformation.
Francis’ competencies range from programme/project development and resource mobilization to strategic planning and organizational development. He is skilled in advocacy, academic and community-based participatory research, participatory monitoring and evaluation, and community planning and organizations. His areas of expertise also include child protection, youth empowerment, livelihoods programming, sustainable development, disaster risk reduction and management, and climate change adaptation mechanisms. Francis is proficient in using logical frameworks, theory of change, and result-chain management applications. Additionally, he is adept at designing and conducting training programs. He possesses excellent communication and analytical skills, with the capacity to mentor, multitask, and work under pressure within a team and multicultural environment.
Francis is a steadfast believer in SLANGO, demonstrating his commitment by providing extra financial and technical resources to stabilize and sustain SLANGO as and when required. He is currently serving in the nascent interim NNGO Steering Committee. Given his substantial contribution and dedication to the cause, Francis Reffell considers himself a fitting candidate to serve on the Board of SLANGO.
