Florence Apoko Olara
Vuistbijl 20, The Hague
Summary
Highly experienced legal professional with a Law Degree and a Masters Degree in International Relations. Over 20 years of demonstrated expertise in international law, public relations, media, outreach, and working with international organizations, states, and non-state actors. Possesses a deep understanding of crafting narratives and safeguarding international justice systems. Proven track record as a skilled leader with exceptional problem-solving and communication abilities. Excited to leverage transferable skills in a new role and drive positive outcomes. Collaborative individual with a relentless work ethic, strong organizational skills, and a proactive approach to optimizing processes and supporting objectives. Offers unique skill sets from working with and for international organizations, providing a better understanding for the role within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice Chair
Justice for Prosperity
06.2021 - Current
- Spearheaded innovative peace and justice initiatives by tapping into a vast network of field experts, donors, and global partners, including the United Nations and the European Union
- Championed key projects, demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to delivering impactful results
- Cultivated and strengthened donor relationships, ensuring sustained support and engagement for organizational objectives
- Assisted other team members with executing specific projects.
- Established strong working relationships with key stakeholders, improving collaboration and overall effectiveness.
- Analyzed reports and data to identify areas of improvement, resulting in cost savings.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for organizational growth.
- Delivered results-oriented presentations to executive leadership detailing progress on key initiatives while highlighting areas requiring further attention or support.
- Directed resources towards high-impact initiatives, enabling the organization to achieve its strategic objectives more rapidly.
- Implemented innovative solutions to address complex problems, leading to enhanced operational efficiency.
- Worked closely with other leaders to articulate organizational vision and develop roadmaps for achieving goals.
- Evaluated performance metrics regularly against established targets, identifying gaps and driving continuous improvement efforts where needed.
- Enhanced team productivity by streamlining communication channels and implementing efficient processes.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to interns and junior employees, nurturing their professional development and career advancement opportunities.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Co-Chair
The Hague Justice Portal
01.2015 - Current
- Championed the dissemination of background resources to judicial bodies and professionals in peace and justice sectors.
- Facilitated the enhancement of tools for improved access to justice.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged professional development.
- Actively sought and secured funding for scholarships for students from war torn countries.
- Spearheaded investigation into foreign funding activities in Uganda and notified the relevant authorities - Ministry of Defence, Director of ISO, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Established clear objectives for each project phase, enabling access to funding and smooth progress tracking.
- Spearheaded the successful implementation of new policies and procedures, boosting organizational effectiveness.
- Evaluated potential partnership opportunities by conducting thorough due diligence assessments and strategically aligning with key industry players where beneficial to organisational goals.
- Developed strong working relationships with stakeholders, resulting in more effective collaboration and streamlined decision-making.
- Monitored key risks and established risk management procedures.
Public Information Officer
International Criminal Court
04.2007 - 08.2018
- Spearheaded strategic communications and media campaigns for International Criminal Court cases and Preliminary Examinations.
- Advised the Prosecutor in key strategic communications relating to all situations before the Court
- Developed and implemented comprehensive communication and outreach strategies for UN Security Council briefings on Darfur and Libya, ensuring coherent messaging.
- Was part of the team that accompanied the Prosecutor on Security Council briefings in New york.
- Amplified international recognition of conflict areas via strategic communication efforts, raising awareness and fostering global discourse.
- Successfully managed reputational risks by addressing unfavorable narratives in a timely manner.
- Managed high-stakes public relations for prominent legal cases, liaising effectively with State, Institutional representatives and NGOs in relation to International Criminal Justice.
- Developed compelling content for social media channels, driving increased engagement from followers.
- Executed field missions to bolster the Court's visibility, utilizing media and outreach to promote its initiatives and achievements
- Created informative press releases that garnered positive media attention, promoting the organization''s achievements and initiatives.
- Coordinated press conferences and media events, maximizing organizational exposure in the news cycle.
- Implemented a comprehensive measurement system to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies on an ongoing basis.
- Managed crisis communications during emergencies, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.
- Managed websites and social media accounts applying communication strategies and branding to maintain consistent voice and presence.
- Enhanced community outreach by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
- Collaborated with internal departments to create consistent messaging across all platforms.
- Monitored media coverage of the organization, identifying opportunities for proactive engagement.
- Wrote press releases, talking points and and responses to requests for information.
- Improved media relations for the organization, cultivating partnerships with local press outlets.
- Pitched stories to media organizations to promote company interests.
- Established relationships with hundreds of industry influencers, amplifying the reach of key messaging through their networks.
- Trained spokespersons within the organization to effectively communicate organizational goals and values to external audiences.
- Managed routine and crisis communications with media and members of public.
- Increased public awareness of programs and initiatives through targeted campaigns.
- Developed key messages and talking points for executive leadership to use in media interviews and presentations.
- Set up interviews with staff members to field media requests.
- Provided strategic counsel to senior management on handling sensitive or controversial issues in the public eye.
- Spearheaded community engagement efforts by organizing town hall meetings and informational sessions with stakeholders.
- Provided guidance to junior staff members on best practices in public relations and communications strategies.
- Built strong connections with government officials and policymakers in support of legislative advocacy efforts.
- Produced and distributed internal and external communications.
- Helped with photo and video production and performed visual and sound editing tasks.
- Developed brand media relations strategies that bolstered community awareness and knowledge.
- Managed service projects from start to finish by finding partners, making detailed plans, and executive projects.
- Reported on press coverage recaps to determine areas for improvement.
- Cultivated strong relationships with hundreds of media representatives around the world to secure widespread coverage and feature stories.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to identify key messages and create compelling content for press releases and other materials.
- Created and executed targeted PR campaigns to raise awareness of organization and initiatives.
- Monitored media coverage and produced detailed reports to analyze impact of PR efforts.
Language Unit / Investigation Division
International Criminal Court
12.2004 - 03.2007
- Provided expert analysis of communications and intercepts to guide investigators in the Uganda situation.
- Provided linguistic support to the Investigation Division, enhancing comprehension of key intelligence on the Uganda situation
- Strengthened relationships with external partners by consistently providing valuable assistance during joint investigations.
- Managed sensitive investigations with professionalism and discretion, maintaining confidentiality of all involved parties.
- Employed advanced data analysis techniques for identifying patterns in complex cases which resulted in faster resolutions.
- Worked with prosecutors and investigators to handle caseload.
- Demonstrated adaptability and resourcefulness by effectively handling a diverse range of case types, leading to successful outcomes.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
Education
Master of Arts - International Relations
United Kingdom10-2015
Legal Practice Course - Legal Studies
BPP Law School
London, United Kingdom01.2005
Bachelor of Law degree - LLB
Westminster University
01-2003
A Levels
St Charles 6th Form College
London, United Kingdom 08-1995
GCSEs -
John Paul II Secondary School
01.1990
Primary Education -
Kitante Primary School
Kampala Uganda01.1986
Skills
- Networking
- Operational efficiency
- Advocacy
- Crisis management
- Fundraising strategies
- Key relationship development
- Media relations
- Innovation and creativity
- Research and development
- Project direction
- Strategic initiatives
- Board representation
- Leadership and people development
- Executive leadership
Languages
Acholi/Luo
English
Dutch
Timeline
Vice Chair
Justice for Prosperity
06.2021 - Current
Co-Chair
The Hague Justice Portal
01.2015 - Current
Public Information Officer
International Criminal Court
04.2007 - 08.2018
Language Unit / Investigation Division
International Criminal Court
12.2004 - 03.2007
Master of Arts - International Relations
Legal Practice Course - Legal Studies
BPP Law School
Bachelor of Law degree - LLB
Westminster University
A Levels
St Charles 6th Form College
GCSEs -
John Paul II Secondary School
Primary Education -
Kitante Primary School
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