Denis Okello serves as a Communications Specialist for the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), an international nonprofit organization working to provide research-based policy solutions focused on ending hunger and reducing poverty in developing countries. IFPRI works in over 50 countries around the world. Okello is based in the organization's Washington D.C. office.
Prior to joining IFPRI, Okello served as an information officer for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Kampala, Uganda. In this role, he mapped the availability of resources such as water, sanitation and schools. His researched shaped much of the humanitarian aid given in his native country, which is still rebuilding after decades-long conflict between the government and the Lord's Resistance Army.
"Our snapshots helped the UN analyze the gaps, then mobilize resources and funding on behalf of the humanitarian community," Denis said.
A former radio journalist, Denis attended the Kroc Institute as a Fulbright Fellow.
"My graduate research, which focused on UN peacebuilding, helped me to better understand how the UN operates and the challenges it faces," he said.
Updated February 2018.