TAHIROU DOUNDA
Bamako
Summary
Experienced peacebuilding and development leader with over 20 years in conflict transformation and governance across West and Central Africa. Expertise in strategic leadership and partnership building, securing funding from major institutions including EU, USAID, and UN agencies. Proven track record in managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and leading diverse teams in fragile contexts to drive effective peace initiatives. Bilingual in French and English, with deep knowledge of Central Africa's socio-political landscape and a strong ability to foster sustainable community relationships.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification
Work History
Sahel Country Director
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
Bamako
08.2025 - Current
- Lead CIVIC’s strategic and programmatic engagement across the Sahel region (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania).
- Represent CIVIC with government institutions, donors, and regional stakeholders.
- Supervise program and operational teams to ensure compliance, impact, and sustainability.
- Develop a Sahel strategic vision for 2026-2008 supported by an operational model and talent management plan.
Country Director
Search for Common Ground
Burkina Faso-Benin
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Directed country programs and operations in Burkina Faso and Benin (annual budget > USD 3M).
- Led and implemented the 2023–2025 strategy focusing on community resilience, peacebuilding, and digital engagement.
- Oversaw multi-country donor portfolios (Canadians, Expertise France, Germans, Swiss AID, AFD, FAO); Strengthened regional coordination with Search Sahel offices and external partners.
- Supported the transition to the Sahel regional model and prepared the Burkina-Benin expansion.
Country Director
Search for Common Ground
Bamako
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Led strategic and operational management of Search Mali’s programs and staff.
- Oversaw a multimillion-dollar portfolio in governance, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation.
- Reinforced institutional compliance, staff capacity, and external visibility with government and donors.
West Africa Regional Controller
Search for Common Ground
Dakar
08.2014 - 08.2021
- Oversaw financial management and audits for 8 country offices in West Africa.
- Ensured compliance and audit readiness, reviewed budgets up to USD 2M, and trained national finance teams.
Country Finance Manager
Search for Common Ground
Niamey
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Coordinated finance and administration support for three country offices.
- Ensured timely reporting, donor compliance, and strengthened financial systems.
Pedagogic Director
Institut Supérieur de Management
Ziguinchor
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Led the academic department, taught business law and finance, and managed teaching staff and budget.
- Led strategic planning and development initiatives for academic programs.
- Oversaw faculty recruitment, training, and performance evaluation processes.
Legal Clerk
Ministry of Justice
Niamey
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Drafted legal documents for court proceedings and internal use, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Managed case files, maintaining organized records to support attorney workflow.
- Assisted in preparing briefs and drafting legal correspondence for various cases.
- Provided administrative support to legal staff during trials and hearings, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information throughout all processes to protect client interests.
Education
Ph.D. - Candidate Counterterrorism & Deradicalization
Euclid University
New York01.2024
Master of Science - Management
Institut Supérieur de Management
Dakar01.2006
Master of Science - Financial Engineering
Institut Supérieur de Management
Dakar01.2005
Master of Science - Management & Business Law
Université Dakar-Bourguiba
Dakar01.2003
Diploma - Judicial Administration
École Nationale d’Administration
Niger01.1997
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Program management
- Financial management and compliance
- Conflict resolution
- Stakeholder engagement
- Risk assessment
- Partnership building
- Government relations
- Cross-cultural communication
- Grant management
- Business development
- Financial oversight
Certification
- Mediation and conflict management, Institut International d’Expertise et de Certification, 01/01/25
- Resource Mobilization Strategy, Asset Africa, 01/01/23
- Peace & Security in the Sahel, Institut pour la Paix au Sahel, 01/01/23
- Digital Peacebuilding, Build Up, 01/01/23
- Common Ground Approach, Search for Common Ground, 01/01/21
References
Available upon request.
Languages
- French, Fluent
- English, Advanced
- Zarma, Native
- Haoussa, Intermediate
Languages
French
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sahel Country Director
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
08.2025 - Current
Country Director
Search for Common Ground
06.2024 - 07.2025
Country Director
Search for Common Ground
08.2021 - 05.2024
West Africa Regional Controller
Search for Common Ground
08.2014 - 08.2021
Country Finance Manager
Search for Common Ground
08.2012 - 08.2014
Pedagogic Director
Institut Supérieur de Management
01.2007 - 01.2012
Legal Clerk
Ministry of Justice
01.1996 - 01.1997
Ph.D. - Candidate Counterterrorism & Deradicalization
Euclid University
Master of Science - Management
Institut Supérieur de Management
Master of Science - Financial Engineering
Institut Supérieur de Management
Master of Science - Management & Business Law
Université Dakar-Bourguiba
Diploma - Judicial Administration
École Nationale d’Administration