Ms. Amanda Lucey | Political Science – University of Cape Town, South Africa
Ms. Amanda Lucey is a South African professional with over 17 years of experience in development finance, peacebuilding, and transitional justice. With a robust background in strategic communications and research, she has developed an extensive track record of publications that engage with global development and peace initiatives. Ms. Lucey has worked across several high-profile organizations, including the United Nations, Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and UNDP, among others. Her expertise lies in developing and implementing strategies that promote peace, governance, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on gender-sensitive approaches and the African context.
Profile:
Education:
Ms. Lucey holds an MPhil in Justice and Transformation (Conflict Resolution) from the University of Cape Town, where she completed her thesis on a psychological analysis of political violence. She also holds a BSocSc Hons in Justice and Transformation and a BSc Hons in Psychology from the University of Nottingham. Her educational foundation, enriched by scholarships such as the National Research Foundation and others from the University of Cape Town, underpins her deep understanding of the complexities of peacebuilding, political behavior, and conflict resolution.
Experience:
Throughout her career, Ms. Lucey has served in numerous influential roles, including as a Senior Associate at Clarity Global Strategic Consulting and an Independent Consultant for various international organizations. Her work includes advising on civil society engagement with Public Development Banks (PDBs) and developing strategic communications for the World Bank. She has also contributed to high-level policy analysis on preventing violent extremism (PVE) and led significant research projects for organizations like the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Her experience in peacebuilding also extends to her tenure with the United Nations, where she worked as a Political Affairs Officer in the Democratic Republic of Congo and as a Rule of Law Officer for UNDP in South Sudan.
Research Interests:
Ms. Lucey’s research interests focus on the intersections of transitional justice, development finance, and peacebuilding. She is particularly invested in the role of African regional organizations in addressing post-conflict reconstruction and justice. Her work often includes gender-sensitive and survivor-centered approaches, especially in the context of violent extremism, organized crime, and governance in Africa. She has also been involved in studying the role of South-South Cooperation (SSC) in development, and its impact on peace and security, particularly in relation to African countries’ responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awards:
Ms. Lucey has been recognized for her significant contributions to development finance and peacebuilding. Her strategic approach to communication and research has made her a valuable asset in various international forums. While there is no specific mention of awards, her nomination for various professional achievements and publications in high-ranking journals and platforms indicates the widespread recognition of her work. Ms. Lucey’s research contributions have had a broad impact, influencing policy development and fostering important dialogues on international development.
Publications:
Ms. Lucey has authored numerous publications that have been recognized in academic and policy-making circles. Some of her key works include:
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A Double-Edged Sword: Peace Support Operations and Conflict Management in Northern Mozambique (FES, 2023) 📚
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Mozambique’s Violent Insurgency: Imagining a New Social Contract through Transitional Justice (IJR, 2023) 📚
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Violent Extremism in Northern Nigeria: Alternative Narratives and Approaches (IJR, 2023) 📚
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Lessons from Africa: 20 Years of UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Policy (RESOLVE, 2022) 🌍
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Assessing Development Effectiveness for South-South Cooperation (SSC): Perspectives from the Global South (UNDP, 2022) 🌍
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Guidelines for Building South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategies (UNDP, 2020) 📖
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First African South-South Cooperation Report (UNDP, 2019) 📖
Conclusion:
Ms. Amanda Lucey is a seasoned expert with a deep commitment to promoting peace and development, particularly in the African context. Her combination of academic knowledge, field experience, and strategic communications skills positions her as a leader in the domains of peacebuilding, transitional justice, and international development. Her work continues to influence key policy developments and shape critical conversations on global development, with a strong focus on justice, governance, and sustainable peace. As a researcher, consultant, and advocate, Ms. Lucey remains a key figure in the field, continuously driving impactful change through her multifaceted expertise.