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Benita Sumita
Consultant , International Development
Beijing, China
Published Peace and Conflict Analyst/Researcher with expertise in the fields human rights and forced displacement in Sri Lanka, India and the UK. And a Communication Specialist with over 10 years experience in the media, and with international and multilateral development organizations. Seeking a challenging opportunity to combine a diverse and dynamic range of skills.
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Area of Expertise:
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Communications, Media, Knowledge Management, Editor
  • Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
Professional Experience:
My work has always brought me closer to understanding the lives of the vulnerable and marginalised whether as a journalist, editor, researcher or communications officer. For instance, I have worked closely with those affected by armed conflicts while advocating for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. As UNDP India’s Communications Officer too, I worked with beneficiaries from socially and economically backward and marginalised communities. I ensured that my reports on projects reflected their voices as an empowerment-based approach to communication.

At UNDP India, I also conceptualised, edited and produced publications customised for various audiences such as donors, NGOs, government partners and the wider public. I drafted reports based on my field visits to the many UNDP India project sites. These reports documented project progress and success stories. My reports also fed into donor reports and online and social media content. My responsibilities also included drafting, editing, verifying facts and finalising research papers, field reports and stories, factsheets, brochures, information leaflets and other communication products. I also took the lead on researching various development issues.

A crucial aspect of my job involved planning outreach strategies for publications and projects through press releases, organising conferences, workshops and more. At an advocacy level, I have led and supported the communications team in conceptualising, planning and organising campaigns and events around poverty and development issues through street plays, social media campaigns and other media strategies.

Prior to working for UNDP, I was a Researcher and Programme Manager at the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES) in Sri Lanka researching, monitoring and analysing the country’s human rights situation and conflict dynamics. Here, I was deeply involved in the internal and external debates over the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ leading up to and following a lecture by Gareth Evans at ICES. My work involved conceptualizing, planning and implementing various projects within the thematic areas of peacebuilding; ethnicity; and rights and justice.

I began my career as a journalist in some of the best television news channels in India. As Assistant Producer I managed and directed a team of colleagues and technicians in producing live bulletins and news-based shows. My media expertise also extends to training journalism students in India in international relations and international human rights law. This is part of a journalism course I am designing for the Manorama School of Communication, Kerala, one of the leading journalism schools in India.

My experience has taught me that “if you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it; if you don’t ask, the answer is always no; and if you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” This quote by Nora Roberts is my motto.
Education:
- Doctoral Candidate in Peace Studies: Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford, UK

- MSc. in Violence, Conflict and Development: September 2005-2006, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, UK

- Certificate in Genocide Studies: July-August 2006, Centre for African Studies, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

- PG Diploma in Journalism: August 2000-July 2001, Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, India

- Bachelor of Commerce: 1997-2000, University of Kerala, India
Affiliations and Achievements:
Memberships:
- Political Studies Association, UK
- British International Studies Association, UK
- International Association of Genocide Scholars, USA
- Academic Council on the United Nations System, USA

Volunteering Experience:
- President, Student Action for Refugees (STAR), Bradford, United Kingdom: January 2010-September 2011
- Volunteer Teacher, Student Action for Refugees (STAR), London, United Kingdom: September 2005-2006

Available for:
  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Being headhunted – make me an offer

    Years of Experience:
    10-15 years
    Highest Qualification:
    Masters
    Languages:
    English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil
    Nationality:
    India
    LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/benitasumita
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