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I have over six years of experience working in emergency and protracted refugee contexts, primarily with South Sudanese and urban refugees from diverse nationalities. My protection-focused background includes community-based approaches, peaceful coexistence, child protection, GBV prevention and response, PSN support, and capacity building for Refugee-Led Organizations, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). Currently based in Palorinya settlement, Uganda, I oversee protection areas including new arrivals, PSNs, GBV, MHPSS, AAP, protection monitoring, community mobilization, and coordination of Cash-Based Interventions, ensuring inclusive service delivery through AGD mainstreaming and data-driven tools such as ProGresV4, CPIMS, and GBVIMS. Beyond UNHCR experience, I have more than seven years in social inclusion, capacity building, training, peacebuilding, and program management across humanitarian and development settings (INGOs, NNGOs, CBOs, and institutions). I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders to strengthen organizational and community capacities, promote inclusive practices, and deliver outcomes that enhance resilience and social cohesion. I hold a Master of Arts in Human Rights and Local Governance, a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Planning and Management, and I am pursuing a second Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies (to be completed May 2026). I am fluent in English and expanding proficiency in French and Swahili to better engage and serve diverse refugee communities.…I have over six years of experience working in emergency and protracted refugee contexts, primarily with South Sudanese and urban refugees from diverse nationalities. My protection-focused background includes community-based approaches, peaceful coexistence, child protection, GBV prevention and response, PSN support, and capacity building for Refugee-Led Organizations, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). Currently based in Palorinya settlement, Uganda, I oversee protection areas including new arrivals, PSNs, GBV, MHPSS, AAP, protection monitoring, community mobilization, and coordination of Cash-Based Interventions, ensuring inclusive service delivery through AGD mainstreaming and data-driven tools such as ProGresV4, CPIMS, and GBVIMS. Beyond UNHCR experience, I have more than seven years in social inclusion, capacity building, training, peacebuilding, and program management across humanitarian and development settings (INGOs, NNGOs, CBOs, and institutions). I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders to strengthen organizational and community capacities, promote inclusive practices, and deliver outcomes that enhance resilience and social cohesion. I hold a Master of Arts in Human Rights and Local Governance, a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Planning and Management, and I am pursuing a second Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies (to be completed May 2026). I am fluent in English and expanding proficiency in French and Swahili to better engage and serve diverse refugee communities.

Racheal OKUJA

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I have over six years of experience working in emergency and protracted refugee contexts, primarily with South Sudanese and urban refugees from diverse nationalities. My protection-focused background includes community-based approaches, peaceful coexistence, child protection, GBV prevention and response, PSN support, and capacity building for Refugee-Led Organizations, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). Currently based in Palorinya settlement, Uganda, I oversee protection areas including new arrivals, PSNs, GBV, MHPSS, AAP, protection monitoring, community mobilization, and coordination of Cash-Based Interventions, ensuring inclusive service delivery through AGD mainstreaming and data-driven tools such as ProGresV4, CPIMS, and GBVIMS. Beyond UNHCR experience, I have more than seven years in social inclusion, capacity building, training, peacebuilding, and program management across humanitarian and development settings (INGOs, NNGOs, CBOs, and institutions). I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders to strengthen organizational and community capacities, promote inclusive practices, and deliver outcomes that enhance resilience and social cohesion. I hold a Master of Arts in Human Rights and Local Governance, a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Planning and Management, and I am pursuing a second Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies (to be completed May 2026). I am fluent in English and expanding proficiency in French and Swahili to better engage and serve diverse refugee communities.…I have over six years of experience working in emergency and protracted refugee contexts, primarily with South Sudanese and urban refugees from diverse nationalities. My protection-focused background includes community-based approaches, peaceful coexistence, child protection, GBV prevention and response, PSN support, and capacity building for Refugee-Led Organizations, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). Currently based in Palorinya settlement, Uganda, I oversee protection areas including new arrivals, PSNs, GBV, MHPSS, AAP, protection monitoring, community mobilization, and coordination of Cash-Based Interventions, ensuring inclusive service delivery through AGD mainstreaming and data-driven tools such as ProGresV4, CPIMS, and GBVIMS. Beyond UNHCR experience, I have more than seven years in social inclusion, capacity building, training, peacebuilding, and program management across humanitarian and development settings (INGOs, NNGOs, CBOs, and institutions). I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders to strengthen organizational and community capacities, promote inclusive practices, and deliver outcomes that enhance resilience and social cohesion. I hold a Master of Arts in Human Rights and Local Governance, a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Planning and Management, and I am pursuing a second Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies (to be completed May 2026). I am fluent in English and expanding proficiency in French and Swahili to better engage and serve diverse refugee communities.

Available to hire

I have over six years of experience working in emergency and protracted refugee contexts, primarily with South Sudanese and urban refugees from diverse nationalities. My protection-focused background includes community-based approaches, peaceful coexistence, child protection, GBV prevention and response, PSN support, and capacity building for Refugee-Led Organizations, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). Currently based in Palorinya settlement, Uganda, I oversee protection areas including new arrivals, PSNs, GBV, MHPSS, AAP, protection monitoring, community mobilization, and coordination of Cash-Based Interventions, ensuring inclusive service delivery through AGD mainstreaming and data-driven tools such as ProGresV4, CPIMS, and GBVIMS.

Beyond UNHCR experience, I have more than seven years in social inclusion, capacity building, training, peacebuilding, and program management across humanitarian and development settings (INGOs, NNGOs, CBOs, and institutions). I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders to strengthen organizational and community capacities, promote inclusive practices, and deliver outcomes that enhance resilience and social cohesion. I hold a Master of Arts in Human Rights and Local Governance, a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Planning and Management, and I am pursuing a second Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies (to be completed May 2026). I am fluent in English and expanding proficiency in French and Swahili to better engage and serve diverse refugee communities.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

French

Intermediate

Swahili

Intermediate

Work Experience

Protection Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

November 1, 2022 - Present

Led reception and protection screening of new arrivals using AGD-sensitive and disability-inclusive approaches; ensured early identification of persons with disabilities, survivors of GBV, children at risk, older persons, and other PSNs. Managed GBV and Child Protection case management in line with survivor-centered, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive standards, including risk assessments, safety planning, reasonable accommodation, and multi-sector referrals. Integrated disability inclusion and MHPSS considerations into protection responses by coordinating accessible counselling services and promoting ethical, inclusive case management practices. Coordinated community-based protection programming, ensuring gender equality, disability inclusion, and intersectionality were mainstreamed across partner interventions. Strengthened peaceful coexistence and social cohesion by facilitating inclusive community dialogues that ensured meaningful participation of women, youth, and persons

Program Manager – Social Inclusion & Development at Includovate (Australian Consultancy Firm)

November 1, 2021 - July 1, 2022

Managed global research and technical assistance projects focused on gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion across humanitarian and development contexts. Coordinated with international partners to ensure research methodologies and outputs reflected intersectional gender and disability perspectives. Conducted quality assurance to ensure findings and recommendations aligned with inclusive programming standards and rights-based frameworks. Supported development of evidence and learning products that strengthened inclusive policy and practice for clients including UNICEF and Save the Children.

Freelance Capacity Strengthening Expert / Independent Consultant at Freelance / Independent

July 1, 2021 - October 1, 2022

Designed and delivered gender- and disability-inclusive trainings using participatory adult-learning methodologies, role plays, and real-life case studies. Applied inclusive participatory approaches (FGDs, stakeholder mapping, power analysis) ensuring voices of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups were represented. Developed gender- and disability-responsive training materials, integrating CRPD principles, safeguarding, and inclusive programming guidance. Supported organizations to strengthen institutional capacity for inclusion, safeguarding, and equitable service delivery. Worked with partners including GIZ, UNICEF, Global Health Corps, and academic institutions.

Expert Trainer – Social Inclusion & Mainstreaming at NIRAS IP Consult

December 1, 2020 - October 1, 2021

Delivered specialized trainings on gender equality, disability inclusion, and mainstreaming for CSOs and development actors. Developed online training materials through instructional design, multimedia content creation, and user-friendly digital modules. Provided personalized coaching to CSOs by reviewing their plans, giving structured feedback, and supporting mainstreaming action plans.

Programme Manager at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)

March 1, 2020 - November 1, 2020

Coordinated governance projects by engaging subcontractors, conducting field visits, and monitoring deliverables. Trained CSOs on human rights, gender-responsive governance, disability inclusion, and accountability frameworks. Designed project activities through collaborative planning, reviewing contextual challenges, and integrating stakeholder inputs. Led mid-term evaluation by collecting field data, conducting KIIs, and generating analysis for project improvements. Strengthened team capacity through targeted mentorship, skills-gap assessments, and tailored learning sessions.

Community-Based Protection - UNHCR at UNHCR – Uganda National Office

September 1, 2017 - February 1, 2020

Coordinated PSN Working Group by organizing monthly meetings, harmonizing partner approaches, and tracking action points. Conducted case management through structured interviews, vulnerability scoring, and coordinated referrals. Built partner capacity on disability inclusion, AGD programming, and safeguarding. Supported inclusive community structures that strengthened participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Programme Manager at STIR Education

September 1, 2015 - August 1, 2017

Strengthened inclusive education systems by promoting school–community collaboration sensitive to gender and disability barriers. Supported teachers to adopt inclusive pedagogical practices that responded to diverse learning needs. Facilitated community awareness on gender equality, disability inclusion, and child participation in education.

Team Leader – Conflict Mitigation & Governance at Mercy Corps Uganda

March 1, 2013 - May 1, 2015

Coordinated Tufts University conflict research by mobilizing communities, facilitating secure access, and supervising field teams. Trained CSOs through conflict-sensitivity workshops, governance sessions, and community engagement coaching. Conducted impact assessments using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools and collaborative reflection meetings.

Project Assistant – Women’s Rights Advocacy Programme at Centre for Women in Governance (CEWIGO)

October 1, 2010 - February 1, 2013

Supported monitoring of UNSCR 1325 & 1820 by conducting field assessments, compiling reports, and coordinating stakeholder consultations. Built capacity of girls' networks and women-led CBOs through trainings on leadership, peacebuilding, and gender equality. Supported program design by drafting concept notes, participating in strategic planning workshops, and documenting best practices.

Functional Adult Literacy Coordinator at Adyel Division Local Government, Lira City

February 1, 2009 - September 1, 2009

Facilitated the formation of community groups and women’s networks to promote self-reliance, leadership, and collective action. Developed training tools and materials, and conducted sessions on basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills for community members. Mentored and supported community groups to strengthen governance, monitor learning progress, and ensure sustainable functioning.