|
Social scientist with field experience in Ghana researching governance, decentralization and corruption prevention. Has implemented surveys with international and local partners, and also well-practiced in qualitative research. Available June 2016, and particularly interested in positions near Washington, DC. |
 Contact Joseph Luna
|
|
|
Area of Expertise: |
-
Agriculture, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural
-
Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
-
Government, Governance, Reforms
-
Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
-
Social, Education, Gender, Youth, Child
|
|
Professional Experience: |
Since 2008, I have collaborated on research projects in Ghana with partners from Harvard, Duke University, IPRE Group and Cadbury Cocoa Partnership, amongst others. These projects have addressed important questions in ethnic politics, transparency in natural-resources policy and the impact of agricultural interventions on rural livelihoods. I have designed several questionnaires and have worked closely with local universities and consulting firms to hire and train research assistants.
Starting in 2013, I have led my own research project examining the financing of local politics in Ghana. I find a strong connection between political financing and public procurement that is underpinned by the incentives of politicians, bureaucrats and political parties. To gather data, I spent a year living in 11 district capitals across Ghana where I personally interviewed 150+ government officials, gathered archival data on 5000+ development projects and observed each district's policy-implementation and M&E processes.
I will bring rich knowledge of the political and bureaucratic challenges facing local governments to your organization. I am a resilient traveler that embraces complex problems with creativity, humor and a continued willingness to learn. I am adept at building relationships with local partners, and am skillful at conducting interviews and implementing innovative survey techniques. I am a strong writer, and have delivered several talks to academic and policy audiences.
As a teacher, I have taught African politics to undergraduates. To ensure that students with varied abilities and experiences thrive, I incorporated field-research anecdotes, simulations and active-learning techniques to complement discussion. I enjoy finding creative ways to explain concepts to different audiences.
|
|
Education: |
Harvard University
PhD in Political Science, May 2016
Dissertation: Political Finance in Developing States
Harvard University
MA in Political Science, May 2013
Harvard University
BA in Economics, cum laude, June 2009
Minors in Political Science and Spanish
Thesis: Play Your Cards Wisely: Revisiting Situational Ethnicity in Ghana
|
|
Affiliations and Achievements: |
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, 2011-2016.
National Science Foundation GRFP Experienced Resource Person, Harvard University.
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Summer Research Fellow, 2012.
Harvard Committee on African Studies Research Fellow, 2012.
National Merit Scholar, 2005-2009.
Eagle Scout.
|
|
|
Available for: |
- Job opportunities
- Being headhunted – make me an offer
|
Years of Experience:
5-10 years |
Highest Qualification:
Doctorate |
Languages:
English, French, Spanish, Akan |
Nationality:
United States
|
|
LinkedIn Profile:
linkedin.com/in/jluna87
|
|