About Us

The Transparency and Accountability Initiative (TAI) is a collaborative for funder learning and action in support of participation, openness and accountability around the world. Our members have over USD500 million in active grants in support of those goals

We envision a society where

People are informed and empowered
Governments are open and responsive
Public good is enhanced through civic engagement and collective action

Our Members

Our members - both private foundations and public funders - recognize that governance challenges are complex and cross-cutting. They warrant a collaborative approach. TAI donors work together to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability around the world. Learn more about each member below:

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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

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Chandler Foundation´s mission is to help build strong and healthy nations that provide all people the opportunity to unleash their creative and entrepreneurial potential. At Chandler, they look to bring that mission to life in two ways: Social Investments Partnerships & Collaboration Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
Ford Foundation works in interconnected areas that can help challenge inequality: Civic Engagement and Government, Creativity and Free Expression, Disability Inclusion, Future of Work(ers), Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice, International Cooperation and Global Governance, Mission Investments, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Technology and Society Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
FCDO promotes the interests of British citizens, safeguards the UK’s security, defends their values, reduces poverty and tackles global challenges in collaboration with international partners. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a nonpartisan, private charitable foundation that advances ideas and supports institutions to promote a better world. For more than 50 years, Hewlett Foundation have supported efforts to advance education for all, preserve the environment, support vibrant performing arts, strengthen Bay Area communities, make the philanthropy sector more effective, and foster gender equity and responsive governance around the world. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
Luminate works to enable people to fully participate in civic and political life, to safely challenge power, and to access accurate, trustworthy information. Luminate´s team places a strong emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups who face structural barriers. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, decreasing nuclear risk, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., and reducing corruption in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
The Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros, are the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. We provide thousands of grants every year through a network of national and regional foundations and offices, funding a vast array of projects—many of them now shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

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The Skoll Foundation catalyzes transformational social change by investing in, connecting, and championing social entrepreneurs and other social innovators who together advance bold and equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. Learn more

Our team

TAI’s small and nimble team helps donors identify new opportunities for collaboration, supports design of out-of-the-box solutions and helps produce and share knowledge.

Staff

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Michael Jarvis
Executive Director

Michael Jarvis joined TAI after almost two decades working on different aspects of the global good governance and development agenda. He has led the development of TAI’s new strategy and approach, and directs engagement across the new priorities for the donor members.

Prior to joining TAI in 2016, Michael was the Global Lead for Extractives Governance within the World Bank Group’s Governance Global Practice. He led the institution’s programming to reinforce knowledge, learning and innovative approaches to strengthening good governance in the critical oil, gas and mining sectors. Overall, Michael worked over ten years with the World Bank in a variety of roles relating to anti corruption, private sector partnerships for development, and multi-stakeholder governance. This included a focus on contracting issues through which he helped shepherd development of a new global initiative on Open Contracting to promote better outcomes from the estimated $9.5 trillion in public-private contracts globally.

Michael previously worked on industry codes of conduct and as a consultant on corporate responsibility and transparency issues, including a focus on the agribusiness, chemical and defense industries. Michael has advanced degrees from the University of Cambridge and Johns Hopkins University. He is a frequent author and blogger and misses his time as a radio DJ.

Michael Jarvis joined TAI after almost two decades working on different aspects of the global good governance and development agenda. He has led the development of TAI’s new strategy and approach, and directs engagement across the new priorities for the donor members.

Prior to joining TAI in 2016, Michael was the Global Lead for Extractives Governance within the World Bank Group’s Governance Global Practice. He led the institution’s programming to reinforce knowledge, learning and innovative approaches to strengthening good governance in the critical oil, gas and mining sectors. Overall, Michael worked over ten years with the World Bank in a variety of roles relating to anti corruption, private sector partnerships for development, and multi-stakeholder governance. This included a focus on contracting issues through which he helped shepherd development of a new global initiative on Open Contracting to promote better outcomes from the estimated $9.5 trillion in public-private contracts globally.

Michael previously worked on industry codes of conduct and as a consultant on corporate responsibility and transparency issues, including a focus on the agribusiness, chemical and defense industries. Michael has advanced degrees from the University of Cambridge and Johns Hopkins University. He is a frequent author and blogger and misses his time as a radio DJ.

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Eszter Filippinyi
Deputy Director

Eszter brings to TAI extensive international experience working in the philanthropy and civil society sectors designing, implementing, and assessing complex portfolios of work. More recently she worked to advance transparency and civic participation at the nexus of development, economic activity, environment, climate justice, and human rights, with a special focus on marginalized communities.  

Eszter has worked for over two decades with the Open Society Foundations in different roles, managing global grant making and advocacy work in the field of civic participation, supporting organizations and networks globally, regionally, and locally, advancing the rights of the most vulnerable communities such as indigenous and afro communities, women, and informal workers. 

Eszter has also a background in education, tourism, and a brief but happy journey in wine business. She is passionate about working in collaboration with visionary people to achieve social change for a World that focuses on the wellbeing of all humans, as well as of the Earth. She also loves literature, arts, and walking in nature. 

Eszter brings to TAI extensive international experience working in the philanthropy and civil society sectors designing, implementing, and assessing complex portfolios of work. More recently she worked to advance transparency and civic participation at the nexus of development, economic activity, environment, climate justice, and human rights, with a special focus on marginalized communities.  

Eszter has worked for over two decades with the Open Society Foundations in different roles, managing global grant making and advocacy work in the field of civic participation, supporting organizations and networks globally, regionally, and locally, advancing the rights of the most vulnerable communities such as indigenous and afro communities, women, and informal workers. 

Eszter has also a background in education, tourism, and a brief but happy journey in wine business. She is passionate about working in collaboration with visionary people to achieve social change for a World that focuses on the wellbeing of all humans, as well as of the Earth. She also loves literature, arts, and walking in nature. 

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Cristina Ordoñez
Program Coordinator

Cristina Ordóñez has over ten years of experience in social research, project management, and fundraising, working with civil society organizations and the public sector in Ecuador. Prior to joining TAI, Cristina worked at FARO, an Ecuadorian non-partisan think tank, as a Research and Evaluation Specialist, and was the first Coordinator of the Latin America and the Caribbean Hub of Innovation for Change, a network of civil society organizations from the Global South working to strengthen civil society and the defense of civic space.

In 2022, Cristina collaborated with TAI as a Community Solutions Program Fellow for four months, where she developed a case study on funding intermediaries and produced a paper on how narratives and the Transparency, Participation & Accountability field is seen by local civil society organizations in Latin America.

She holds a master's degree in local development from Paris 1 Pantheon - Sorbonne University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

Cristina Ordóñez has over ten years of experience in social research, project management, and fundraising, working with civil society organizations and the public sector in Ecuador. Prior to joining TAI, Cristina worked at FARO, an Ecuadorian non-partisan think tank, as a Research and Evaluation Specialist, and was the first Coordinator of the Latin America and the Caribbean Hub of Innovation for Change, a network of civil society organizations from the Global South working to strengthen civil society and the defense of civic space.

In 2022, Cristina collaborated with TAI as a Community Solutions Program Fellow for four months, where she developed a case study on funding intermediaries and produced a paper on how narratives and the Transparency, Participation & Accountability field is seen by local civil society organizations in Latin America.

She holds a master's degree in local development from Paris 1 Pantheon - Sorbonne University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

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Yery M. García
Communications Lead

Yery M García has worked as a researcher and practitioner in communication, development, and social change for more than five years.

Yery holds an M.A. in Media Practice for Development and Social Change from the University of Sussex in the U.K. and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Havana. She has worked as a communications consultant in several international cooperation agencies such as UNICEF, WFP, and Oxfam.

Since 2014, she has been working as a journalist in Cuban and international media outlets covering issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability. She is also a non-formal educator and has been a member of several citizen capacity-building projects using new information and communication technologies.

Yery M García has worked as a researcher and practitioner in communication, development, and social change for more than five years.

Yery holds an M.A. in Media Practice for Development and Social Change from the University of Sussex in the U.K. and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Havana. She has worked as a communications consultant in several international cooperation agencies such as UNICEF, WFP, and Oxfam.

Since 2014, she has been working as a journalist in Cuban and international media outlets covering issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability. She is also a non-formal educator and has been a member of several citizen capacity-building projects using new information and communication technologies.

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Baba Kankani Gariba
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Fellow

Baba is an experienced Project management practitioner with specialty in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems development. He has over 7 years of experience in leading and supporting project implementation and measurement of results in Social Cohesion, Nutrition and Food Security, Livelihoods and Women Empowerment, Migration, Youth Development, Gender Equality, Agricultural Market Systems, WASH, Education, Sustainable Agriculture, Advocacy with Local and International Nonprofit Organizations.


Baba Kankani is experienced in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, using modern ICT4D tools for research and project management; Proposal development, Data visualization with Power BI, LogAlto, and donor reporting. He also has experience in leading and supervising teams to successfully conduct qualitative and quantitative action research in an emergency context.


He has worked with international and local humanitarian organizations, including SNV Netherlands Development Organization, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Vibrant Village Foundation (Ghana), Management Systems International (MSI), and Action Aid Ghana where he developed technology-enabled Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems using platforms like CommCare, Survey Monkey, LogAlto, ODK, Kobo Toolbox, IFormBuilder, Magpi, PowerBi, GIS, and ArcGIS Pro.


Baba Kankani holds a Master’s degree(Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation) and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the renowned Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.

Baba is an experienced Project management practitioner with specialty in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems development. He has over 7 years of experience in leading and supporting project implementation and measurement of results in Social Cohesion, Nutrition and Food Security, Livelihoods and Women Empowerment, Migration, Youth Development, Gender Equality, Agricultural Market Systems, WASH, Education, Sustainable Agriculture, Advocacy with Local and International Nonprofit Organizations.


Baba Kankani is experienced in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, using modern ICT4D tools for research and project management; Proposal development, Data visualization with Power BI, LogAlto, and donor reporting. He also has experience in leading and supervising teams to successfully conduct qualitative and quantitative action research in an emergency context.


He has worked with international and local humanitarian organizations, including SNV Netherlands Development Organization, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Vibrant Village Foundation (Ghana), Management Systems International (MSI), and Action Aid Ghana where he developed technology-enabled Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems using platforms like CommCare, Survey Monkey, LogAlto, ODK, Kobo Toolbox, IFormBuilder, Magpi, PowerBi, GIS, and ArcGIS Pro.


Baba Kankani holds a Master’s degree(Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation) and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the renowned Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.

Steering Committee

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Amina Salihu
Senior Program Officer, On Nigeria

Amina is responsible for inclusive grant-making and communication, program idea generation, and networking with the On Nigeria team.

She was formerly a lecturer in the Political Science Department of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and Coordinator, DFID/UKAid’s Coalitions for Change (C4C) Program.

Amina received her B.Sc and M.Sc from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and PhD from the University of Abuja. She also has spent time at Aspen, the Universities of Cape Town, Sussex, and Liverpool. 

Amina is an honorary adviser to numerous government, private sector, and civil society organizations on gender, equity, inclusion, and policy. She is a member of the International Political Science Association, Chartered Management Consultants, and the African Feminist Forum. She was a past Chair of the Kaduna State Rehabilitation Board for Persons with Disabilities; pioneer Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, and now chair of the advisory team of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund;  and technical advisor to the EU RoLAC program on a web-based sexual offender database for Nigeria. Amina is a member of the Governing Council of Ekiti State University and an independent non-executive director on the board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc. Amina is Chair Board of Trustees of Hadis Foundation for voice, accountability, and safe spaces.

Amina is responsible for inclusive grant-making and communication, program idea generation, and networking with the On Nigeria team.

She was formerly a lecturer in the Political Science Department of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and Coordinator, DFID/UKAid’s Coalitions for Change (C4C) Program.

Amina received her B.Sc and M.Sc from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and PhD from the University of Abuja. She also has spent time at Aspen, the Universities of Cape Town, Sussex, and Liverpool. 

Amina is an honorary adviser to numerous government, private sector, and civil society organizations on gender, equity, inclusion, and policy. She is a member of the International Political Science Association, Chartered Management Consultants, and the African Feminist Forum. She was a past Chair of the Kaduna State Rehabilitation Board for Persons with Disabilities; pioneer Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, and now chair of the advisory team of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund;  and technical advisor to the EU RoLAC program on a web-based sexual offender database for Nigeria. Amina is a member of the Governing Council of Ekiti State University and an independent non-executive director on the board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc. Amina is Chair Board of Trustees of Hadis Foundation for voice, accountability, and safe spaces.

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Ousseynou Ngom
Program Officer of Gender Equity and Governance William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

Ousseynou leads and supports an extensive portfolio of grants aimed at increasing responsive governance and creating the conditions for evidence-informed policymaking in Africa and Mexico.

Ousseynou comes to Hewlett after spending the past two years at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a senior regional coordinator for Africa and the Middle East, based in Senegal. In this role, he worked closely with governments and civil society in advancing transparency, participation, and accountability, while supporting the development and implementation of relevant and ambitious OGP country action plans.

Ousseynou’s expertise covers open contracting, extractives, aid effectiveness, open data, and public service delivery. As a senior associate at Development Gateway in Senegal, his work was instrumental in developing data strategies and policies, creating evidence-based advocacy and decision-making tools, and leading hands-on initiatives to inform national planning and drive global conversations.

Previously, Ousseynou was a research coordinator at Dalberg and a lecturer at the University of Bordeaux (UB), France. He holds a master’s degree in quantitative and qualitative research and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UB.

 

Ousseynou leads and supports an extensive portfolio of grants aimed at increasing responsive governance and creating the conditions for evidence-informed policymaking in Africa and Mexico.

Ousseynou comes to Hewlett after spending the past two years at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a senior regional coordinator for Africa and the Middle East, based in Senegal. In this role, he worked closely with governments and civil society in advancing transparency, participation, and accountability, while supporting the development and implementation of relevant and ambitious OGP country action plans.

Ousseynou’s expertise covers open contracting, extractives, aid effectiveness, open data, and public service delivery. As a senior associate at Development Gateway in Senegal, his work was instrumental in developing data strategies and policies, creating evidence-based advocacy and decision-making tools, and leading hands-on initiatives to inform national planning and drive global conversations.

Previously, Ousseynou was a research coordinator at Dalberg and a lecturer at the University of Bordeaux (UB), France. He holds a master’s degree in quantitative and qualitative research and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UB.

 

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Erin Sines
Director, On Nigeria MacArthur Foundation

Erin has been with MacArthur since 2009. She is the co-director of the Foundation’s On Nigeria program and director of the Population & Reproductive Health program. Prior to her current position, she was a program officer for Population and Reproductive Health and Girls’ Secondary Education grantmaking.

Before joining MacArthur, Erin worked at the Population Reference Bureau, a Washington, D.C.-based non-governmental organization, where she provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to help policymakers in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and Mongolia use data to make policy and program decisions. Earlier in her career, she worked on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Latin America and conducted research on maternal and child health in the US.

Erin has an M.P.H. from Columbia University and received her B.A. in Spanish and International Politics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

She serves on the board of advisors of the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region.

Erin Sines works on the following MacArthur programs and projects:

On Nigeria

Population & Reproductive Health

Erin joined the TAI Steering Committee in 2017.

Erin has been with MacArthur since 2009. She is the co-director of the Foundation’s On Nigeria program and director of the Population & Reproductive Health program. Prior to her current position, she was a program officer for Population and Reproductive Health and Girls’ Secondary Education grantmaking.

Before joining MacArthur, Erin worked at the Population Reference Bureau, a Washington, D.C.-based non-governmental organization, where she provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to help policymakers in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and Mongolia use data to make policy and program decisions. Earlier in her career, she worked on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Latin America and conducted research on maternal and child health in the US.

Erin has an M.P.H. from Columbia University and received her B.A. in Spanish and International Politics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

She serves on the board of advisors of the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region.

Erin Sines works on the following MacArthur programs and projects:

On Nigeria

Population & Reproductive Health

Erin joined the TAI Steering Committee in 2017.

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Leslie Tsai
Director of Social Impact of the Chandler Foundation Chandler Foundation

Prior to joining the Chandler Foundation, Leslie was on the executive team of Microclinic International, a global health non-profit. Leslie started her legal career at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell before moving into the non-profit and philanthropic sector. Prior to law school, Leslie spent a year at the World Bank working on financial sector development in Africa. She has been honored as a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and a TEDx speaker. Leslie received her law degree from Harvard and her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prior to joining the Chandler Foundation, Leslie was on the executive team of Microclinic International, a global health non-profit. Leslie started her legal career at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell before moving into the non-profit and philanthropic sector. Prior to law school, Leslie spent a year at the World Bank working on financial sector development in Africa. She has been honored as a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and a TEDx speaker. Leslie received her law degree from Harvard and her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Tony Bebbington
International Program Director, Natural Resources and Climate Change Ford Foundation

As international program director for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Anthony “Tony” Bebbington leads the team that works to ensure natural resource governance serves the public interest and reflects the aspirations of rural, low-income, and indigenous communities who claim customary rights to their land or have secured land rights.

He also serves as the foundation’s representative on the Board of the Climate and Land Use Alliance. With over 35 years of experience, Tony’s work has addressed the impacts of extractive industries on community rights and territories, the role of social movements and NGOs in social and political change, and the factors driving inclusive rural development in Latin America and Indonesia.

Before joining the foundation in 2021, Tony was Higgins Professor of Environment and Society and Director of the Graduate School of Geography at Clark University, and an Australia Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. In addition to holding academic positions, he has worked for non-profit think tanks in the United Kingdom, as a social scientist at the World Bank, and as a research associate with NGOs in Peru and Chile. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, was a Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation and sits on the board of Oxfam America.

Tony holds a PhD in geography from Clark University in the USA, and a bachelor’s degree in geography and land economy from Cambridge University in the UK.

As international program director for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Anthony “Tony” Bebbington leads the team that works to ensure natural resource governance serves the public interest and reflects the aspirations of rural, low-income, and indigenous communities who claim customary rights to their land or have secured land rights.

He also serves as the foundation’s representative on the Board of the Climate and Land Use Alliance. With over 35 years of experience, Tony’s work has addressed the impacts of extractive industries on community rights and territories, the role of social movements and NGOs in social and political change, and the factors driving inclusive rural development in Latin America and Indonesia.

Before joining the foundation in 2021, Tony was Higgins Professor of Environment and Society and Director of the Graduate School of Geography at Clark University, and an Australia Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. In addition to holding academic positions, he has worked for non-profit think tanks in the United Kingdom, as a social scientist at the World Bank, and as a research associate with NGOs in Peru and Chile. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, was a Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation and sits on the board of Oxfam America.

Tony holds a PhD in geography from Clark University in the USA, and a bachelor’s degree in geography and land economy from Cambridge University in the UK.

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Robin Varghese
Associate Director, Knowledge and Innovation, Economic Justice Program Open Society Foundations

An expert in political economy with decades of experience in economic and financial policy, strategy development, research design and implementation, grant making, and managing multi-stakeholder coalitions.

An expert in political economy with decades of experience in economic and financial policy, strategy development, research design and implementation, grant making, and managing multi-stakeholder coalitions.

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Justin Sylvester
Senior Program Officer, Southern Africa Ford Foundation

Justin Sylvester is a senior program officer based in the foundation’s Southern Africa office in Johannesburg. He is part of the Natural Resources & Climate Change team.

Justin has 15 years of experience in the democracy, governance, and human rights arena. His work focuses on public participation, accountability, social justice, and human rights. From 2011 until he joined Ford in 2015, he was based at the Open Society Foundation for South Africa, where he was the program manager for human rights and governance. He also managed the program in freedom of expression and was critical in building the private and public sector accountability program. Justin also served as a senior political researcher in Cape Town for the democracy think tank Idasa. He has a keen interest in the governance and human rights challenges faced by democracies in the Global South, especially those hosting large-scale extractive activities/industries and transitioning their energy systems.

Justin earned a bachelor of social science in governance and political studies and a master of social science in international relations from the University of Cape Town. He has also completed an advanced human rights course at the University of Pretoria, focusing on comparative African human rights systems and Executive Training on Extractive Industries and Sustainable Development at Columbia University.

Justin Sylvester is a senior program officer based in the foundation’s Southern Africa office in Johannesburg. He is part of the Natural Resources & Climate Change team.

Justin has 15 years of experience in the democracy, governance, and human rights arena. His work focuses on public participation, accountability, social justice, and human rights. From 2011 until he joined Ford in 2015, he was based at the Open Society Foundation for South Africa, where he was the program manager for human rights and governance. He also managed the program in freedom of expression and was critical in building the private and public sector accountability program. Justin also served as a senior political researcher in Cape Town for the democracy think tank Idasa. He has a keen interest in the governance and human rights challenges faced by democracies in the Global South, especially those hosting large-scale extractive activities/industries and transitioning their energy systems.

Justin earned a bachelor of social science in governance and political studies and a master of social science in international relations from the University of Cape Town. He has also completed an advanced human rights course at the University of Pretoria, focusing on comparative African human rights systems and Executive Training on Extractive Industries and Sustainable Development at Columbia University.

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Amira El-Sayed
Director, Global Programmes Luminate

Amira leads Luminate’s global Participation & Dissent work, focused on making political power more inclusive and ensuring those who challenge power can do so safely and effectively. She previously managed the foundation’s global Civic Empowerment grants and investments. 

Amira was previously Director of Programs and Strategy at Reboot, leading its New York-based Programs Team and working to advance civic participation and social action with a variety of philanthropic, government, and private sector partners. She also worked on Reboot’s theory of change and organisational strategy.

Prior to this Amira was a Programme Manager at Transparency International – Defence and Security. Amira first led the Africa Programme and later managed an initiative to develop global norms for responsible defence governance, as well as the Government Defence Anti-Corruption Index, TI’s flagship publication on defence and security. 

A former Tahrir Square activist, Amira started her career in non-profit organisations in Egypt. 

Amira leads Luminate’s global Participation & Dissent work, focused on making political power more inclusive and ensuring those who challenge power can do so safely and effectively. She previously managed the foundation’s global Civic Empowerment grants and investments. 

Amira was previously Director of Programs and Strategy at Reboot, leading its New York-based Programs Team and working to advance civic participation and social action with a variety of philanthropic, government, and private sector partners. She also worked on Reboot’s theory of change and organisational strategy.

Prior to this Amira was a Programme Manager at Transparency International – Defence and Security. Amira first led the Africa Programme and later managed an initiative to develop global norms for responsible defence governance, as well as the Government Defence Anti-Corruption Index, TI’s flagship publication on defence and security. 

A former Tahrir Square activist, Amira started her career in non-profit organisations in Egypt. 

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Jessica Fleuti
Principal, Skoll Foundation

As a Principal on the Skoll Foundation's Portfolio & Investments Team, Jessica seeks to better understand innovative models for impact and surface opportunities for Skoll engagement and investment. In particular, She explores solutions that will help advance healthier information ecosystems and mitigate the harms of mis/disinformation. 

Previously, Jessica led convening programming for the Skoll Foundation, including the Skoll World Forum, a convening platform for social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, artists, and other innovators. 
 

Jessica has extensive experience in program and experience design, strategy setting and execution, project management, partnership cultivation, and team leadership.

As a Principal on the Skoll Foundation's Portfolio & Investments Team, Jessica seeks to better understand innovative models for impact and surface opportunities for Skoll engagement and investment. In particular, She explores solutions that will help advance healthier information ecosystems and mitigate the harms of mis/disinformation. 

Previously, Jessica led convening programming for the Skoll Foundation, including the Skoll World Forum, a convening platform for social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, artists, and other innovators. 
 

Jessica has extensive experience in program and experience design, strategy setting and execution, project management, partnership cultivation, and team leadership.

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Toyin Akinniyi
Principal (Representative), Africa Luminate

Based in Nigeria, Toyin focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and managing grants for Luminate in Africa.

Toyin brings experience in international development with a focus on media development, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, civic engagement, and broad stakeholder capacity development to her position. 

Prior to joining Luminate, Toyin was Africa Program Officer at Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) where she helped develop and deliver initiatives aimed at advancing the organisation’s resource governance goals in Nigeria. She also served as NRGI’s Communications and Advocacy Officer for Anglophone Africa, managed media programs across the region, and contributed to the global media Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework and online platform.

Previously, Toyin helped improve Nigeria’s investigative journalism landscape through her work at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. 

Based in Nigeria, Toyin focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and managing grants for Luminate in Africa.

Toyin brings experience in international development with a focus on media development, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, civic engagement, and broad stakeholder capacity development to her position. 

Prior to joining Luminate, Toyin was Africa Program Officer at Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) where she helped develop and deliver initiatives aimed at advancing the organisation’s resource governance goals in Nigeria. She also served as NRGI’s Communications and Advocacy Officer for Anglophone Africa, managed media programs across the region, and contributed to the global media Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework and online platform.

Previously, Toyin helped improve Nigeria’s investigative journalism landscape through her work at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. 

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Alvin Mosioma
Division Director for Fiscal Justice at the Open Society Foundations, Global Programs.

Prior joining OSF, Alvin served as the founding Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, a Pan-African Advocacy and Research Network of 31 members in 16 African countries working on Tax Justice and curbing of international financial flows from Africa. Alvin, who served as the Chair of the Financial Transparency Coalition (FTC) is a leading voice on tax policy in Africa and has spear headed numerous civil society campaigns in Africa. Additionally, Alvin has also served as member of the steering committee Open Government Partnership and on the board of the coordinating committee of the Global Alliance for Tax Justice (GATJ).
He has published a number of articles and reports on fiscal policy in Africa and has also co-authored two books on taxation and development in Africa. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. His special interest areas include fiscal policy, international taxation, financial regulation and natural resource governance.

Prior joining OSF, Alvin served as the founding Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, a Pan-African Advocacy and Research Network of 31 members in 16 African countries working on Tax Justice and curbing of international financial flows from Africa. Alvin, who served as the Chair of the Financial Transparency Coalition (FTC) is a leading voice on tax policy in Africa and has spear headed numerous civil society campaigns in Africa. Additionally, Alvin has also served as member of the steering committee Open Government Partnership and on the board of the coordinating committee of the Global Alliance for Tax Justice (GATJ).
He has published a number of articles and reports on fiscal policy in Africa and has also co-authored two books on taxation and development in Africa. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. His special interest areas include fiscal policy, international taxation, financial regulation and natural resource governance.

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