Steve Onwuasoanya

Adviser and Head (Ag) Human Rights Unit , Commonwealth Secretariat

London, United Kingdom

Senior International human rights law expert with proven successes in developing, designing, and managing human rights technical assistance programmes and advocating for gender, human rights, equity, inclusion, diversity, governance, peace, and security. Award-winning approach to rights-based programme management and effectiveness, with a senior level change-making background in organizations.

Contact Steve Onwuasoanya
Area of Expertise:
  • Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
Professional Experience:

Over 20 years of leadership experience in the delivery of human rights strategic policy, gender advisory, research, coordination and development, as well as the implementation of rights-based approaches, standards and policies for various UN agencies including the UN Secretariat (New York), UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Commonwealth Secretariat; across Africa, Asia, Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and the United States of America. With specialities in: international human rights and gender advisory, line, and project management (PRINCE 2 certification), rights-based approaches, capacity strengthening, research and training in emerging human rights issues including Business and Human Rights, policy development, strategic planning, human rights mainstreaming, engaging communications, inter-agency coordination, consensus development and relationship building.

Education:

Advanced achievements in academia, including Master of Laws degree (International Law and Justice) from Fordham University, New York and Postgraduate Certificates from New York University, Center for Global Affairs and University of Pretoria, Center for Human Rights, South Africa. In addition, a Postgraduate diploma, BL (Hons) (Barrister at-Law and Call to Nigerian Bar) from Nigeria Law School and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from University of Lagos, among other distinctions.

Available for:

  • Being headhunted – make me an offer

Years of Experience:

More than 20 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English

Nationality:

Nigeria

LinkedIn Profile:

steve.onwuasoanya