Musa F.M. Wullarie
Freetown,Sierra Leone
Summary
Dedicated Community Development Specialist with extensive experience in leading community-based research, managing cross-cultural teams, and advocating for inclusive, sustainable development. Proven track record in empowering local communities through strategic planning, capacity building, and innovative solutions in water management, education, and disaster resilience. Skilled in leveraging technical tools and methodologies to drive data-driven decision-making and policy development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Researcher
Water for All
01.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with the Primary Investigator (PI) on the overall project design, addressing technological limitations, defining requirements, and selecting optimal locations for data collection and interventions.
- Led the organization of surveyors, ensuring efficient distribution of payments and provision of field standards, transportation, and mobile data plans for all researchers.
- Co-authored the survey instrument, ensuring effective design and implementation using KoboCollect for reliable data collection.
- Developed and implemented a QGIS technique to map and inventory water sources within communities, providing valuable insights for resource management and planning.
- Consulted on collected data, offering context and expert interpretations to guide decision-making and policy recommendations.
Community Engagement Specialist
The Federation of Urban and Rural Poor (FEDURP)
05.2017 - Current
- Participated in more than 20 projects including: Women for Water and Peace, Freetown Treetown, AT-2030 Project, Community Disaster Management Team, Community Savings Group Training
- Performed the role of Community Representative for Cockle Bay, ensuring community concerns were addressed and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
- Led and coordinated teams of researchers within communities, ensuring effective data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Acted as a liaison between community members, city leaders, and international experts to facilitate collaboration and communication on development initiatives.
- Managed finances, payroll, and team logistics to maintain budget compliance and operational efficiency.
- Designed and organized community engagement events, effectively coordinating resources and provisions to maximize attendance and outreach.
- Facilitated the identification and empowerment of women-led groups for sustainable water ownership and management, fostering community leadership.
- Conducted urban mapping and community needs assessments through survey consultation and implementation to inform development strategies.
- Monitored environmental conditions and project progress to ensure sustainable impact and continuous improvement.
- Trained and supported local community groups in establishing and managing savings groups, enhancing financial security and self-sufficiency.
- Strengthened disaster response and resilience efforts by training and leading disaster management teams, improving community preparedness.
- Advocated for and integrated individuals with disabilities into community programs, promoting inclusive and equitable development practices.
Community Researcher
The Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC)
08.2020 - 11.2023
- Participated in six research projects including: Community Action Area Plans (CAAP), Knowledge and Action for Urban Equality (KNOW) Project, Accountability and Responsiveness in Informal Settlements for Equity (ARISE)
- Acted as a facilitator between international researchers and community groups, including University College London (UCL), Njala University, Massachusets Institute of Technology (MIT), and University of Illinois (UIUC)
- Conducted community mapping, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and community consultations to gather insights and drive community-centric urban planning.
- Consulted on and collected data for rapid response surveys, large-scale surveys, and longitudinal surveys to generate comprehensive and timely data on urban and social issues.
- Carried out extensive research across 34 informal settlements in Freetown, gaining in-depth understanding of urban dynamics and challenges.
- Acted as an interpreter and guide, bridging cultural and language gaps to facilitate effective communication and understanding between local communities and international stakeholders.
- Developed and implemented evidence-based urban strategies aligned with the needs and aspirations of informal settlement residents.
- Facilitated capacity-building initiatives to empower local organizations and community members with the knowledge and tools for sustainable urban resilience.
- Organized and led community forums and public engagement sessions, promoting participatory approaches to urban development and policy advocacy.
Community Youth Leader
Mafangbeh, Cockle Bay
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Advocated for the needs and interests of over 1,000 youths within the community, acting as their representative in local decision-making processes.
- Continued to address longstanding community concerns with WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) by building new water sources, constructing toilets, and organizing regular community cleanings.
- Prioritized education, which led to the founding of the Foundation for the Future (FFF). The foundation successfully raised funds to support the education of girls, orphans, and children whose parents suffer from addiction.
- Coordinated and managed programs aimed at youth empowerment, skill development, and community engagement.
- Built strategic partnerships with local leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to address challenges faced by the youth in Mafengbeh.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Sector Management
Institute of Public Administration And Management
Freetown, Sierra Leone05-2026
GED -
Zuliaka Modern Academy Senior Secondary School
Freetown, Sierra Leone05-2022
Skills
- Project Management
- Leadership & Team Management
- Research design
- Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research
- Survey Design & Implementation
- Technical Skills: GIS (QGIS), KoboCollect
- Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Community Organization & Leadership
- Capacity Building & Training
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Strategic Planning & Policy Development
Certification
Certificate in Development and Planning in African Cities MOOC, UCL - Feb 2019
Certificate from Participatory Spatial Research Methods workshop, ASF-UK - Jan 2019
Certificate from Mobilising Resources Workshop, SLURC/UCL - Oct 2018
Certificate in Change by Design, ASF-UK - Sep 2017
Certificate in Computer Software Packages, Forum of Sierra Leonean Youth Network – Nov 2009
Languages
English
Krio
Kuronka
Mandingo
Timeline
Lead Researcher
Water for All
01.2021 - Current
Community Researcher
The Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC)
08.2020 - 11.2023
Community Youth Leader
Mafangbeh, Cockle Bay
11.2018 - 11.2021
Community Engagement Specialist
The Federation of Urban and Rural Poor (FEDURP)
05.2017 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Public Sector Management
Institute of Public Administration And Management
GED -
Zuliaka Modern Academy Senior Secondary School
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