Ian Richards

About

An international relations professional who has served in numerous public sector roles as a national and international civil servant and diplomat in Africa, Asia and Europe. Considerable experience working in commercial relations, in international development issues, and in management roles. Culturally and linguistically versatile, fits particularly into an organisation or company with an international profile.

Experience

• Policy Officer, Oceania Team at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  May 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (1 yr 3 mos)
  • Acting British High Commissioner to Samoa
    Feb 2021 - Jan 2022 · 1 yr

  • Joint Head of International Agreement Programme
    Nov 2020 - Feb 2021 · 4 mos

    Overseeing transition of 175 treaties and agreements following Brexit

• Senior Resilience Officer at Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  Jan 2020 - Oct 2020 · 10 mos

  Senior management and policy support to Consul General during political and Covid crisis period.

• Foreign and Commonwealth Office (On-site)
  • British Ambassador to the State of Eritrea
    Jul 2015 - Apr 2019 · 3 yrs 10 mos

  • Senior diplomatic posts, in West Africa, Venezuela, Turkmenistan and London
    Sep 2011 - Jun 2015 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Leading British efforts to control the Ebola epidemic in Guinea, in close coordination with international partners. Representing broader British interests in the country, including planning for the post Ebola economic recovery.

• Special Adviser at Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  May 2005 - Aug 2011 · 6 yrs 4 mos

  Special Adviser to the second in command at an international organisation of 500 staff. Engaged in a wide range of policy issues (disarmament/international political) and resource/organisational management, including organisation's budget and human resourcing.