Curriculum Vitae
UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE (USIP), DECEMBER 2020–PRESENT
Senior Advisor, Disruptive Technologies—Washington DC
January 2024—Present
Lead USIP’s Disruptive Technologies Program, which addresses the rapid advancement of technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), that are reshaping conflict and creating new threats to peace & security.
Develop coherent approaches for analyzing and addressing emerging security risks, including cyberattacks and information warfare.
Convene and lead policy discussions by overseeing applied research, publications, and external partnerships
Provide technical support for regional peace and security programs and advise on program design that integrates disruptive technology issues into USIP’s core practice areas.
Senior Advisor/Senior Expert, Global Policy—Washington DC
August 2021—Present
Publish legal and policy analysis of geopolitical security developments, focusing on multilateral institutions and the role of the “Global South” and “Middle Powers” within the emerging multipolar order.
Support development of strategic approaches for conflict prevention and stability, notably in Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, and Haiti.
Provided expert analysis of international law and multilateral issues related to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Advised on U.S. conflict prevention/stabilization efforts in Haiti, Libya, Mozambique & Papua New Guinea.
Supported the USIP President in strategic communications, external relations, and thought leadership.
Led a scenario planning exercise on the conflict in Sudan in partnership with the State Department; served as a lead negotiator during the Sudan evacuation in April 2023.
Member of the USIP Criminal Accountability Working Group Executive Secretariat.
Senior Consultant—Tripoli, Libya, Tunis, Tunisia and Washington, DC
December 2020—November 2021
Strengthened the US Government’s peace and security programs in Libya by integrating them within national and international transitional justice and election security efforts.
Enhanced the existing USIP Libya country plan and authored proposals for new projects on community dialogue, election security, and transitional justice.
Led a team during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation, resulting in the successful evacuation of 248 people.
Collaborated with the USIP Executive Office and the Overseas Safety and Security team in designing a new security and political risk management system.
Developed program strategies and proposals for flagship initiatives on organizational priorities.
Designed a comprehensive, Institute-wide strategic communications plan.
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES, OCTOBER 2021—PRESENT
Non-Resident Fellow (Peace and Security)—Home based (Washington DC)
Advise on academic research, education programs and practical initiatives that help reduce violence and improve international relations.
SYMPODIUM INSTITUTE, MAY 2024—PRESENT
Senior Fellow (Conflict Resolution)—Home based (Washington DC)
Contribute to research and instruction related to navigating complex geopolitical challenges and amplify the impact of international interventions through strategic communications.
ANDREW CHEATHAM, ATTORNEY (PART-TIME SOLO PRACTITIONER), JUNE 2024—PRESENT
Pro-bono Attorney—Washington, DC
Maintained a limited public interest legal practice since 2010.
Specialized in immigration and housing law, dedicated to serving underprivileged communities.
Managed the daily affairs of the practice, from client consultation to case resolution, ensuring comprehensive legal support for those in need.
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP), NOVEMBER 2017—FEBRUARY 2022
Conflict Prevention Advisor, Local Elections—London, UK and Tunis, Tunisia
February 2021—February 2022
Advised UN Leadership, the diplomatic community, Libyan Central Committee for Municipal Council Elections, and Libyan Ministry of Interior on strategies for peaceful, inclusive elections.
Assisted newly elected councils in preventing post-election violence at the municipal level.
Project Manager—Tunis, Tunisia; Tripoli, Libya
July 2019—December 2020
Led all programmatic and analytical efforts for UNDP’s implementation of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, which resulted in a permanent ceasefire and the successful formation of the current government.
Managed and provided legal advice for UNDP Libya’s portfolios on Transitional Justice, National Reconciliation, Social Cohesion, and Political Dialogue.
Led a team of 20 staff and coordinated with over 100 implementing partners to secure psychosocial support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Stabilization Specialist—Tripoli, Libya
April 2018—July 2019
Core team member of the Stabilization Facility for Libya project, focusing on reconciliation, rehabilitation, and government capacity-building in law and justice.
Launched targeted initiatives to help transition local areas from crisis to sustainable development.
External Relations Advisor—Baghdad, Iraq
November 2017—April 2018
Special advisor on issues related to religious minorities (Christians and Yazidis) in Iraq; instrumental in renegotiating a $250 million U.S. contribution to the UNDP Funding Facility for Stabilization in Iraq.
Provided strategic analysis and programmatic support to the 75-country Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State.
Management Specialist/Strategic Communications Specialist—Baghdad, Iraq
August 2015–August 2016
Established the stabilization strategy for areas in Iraq previously under Islamic State control.
Coordinated projects in Anbar Province, promoting human rights, human security, transitional justice, civic infrastructure rehabilitation, local economic revival, and government capacity enhancement.
Provided technical advice to the Governor of Anbar Province on international law, strategic planning for de-mining, and strategic communications.
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES, FEBRUARUY 2021—AUGUST 2021
Strategic Planning Consultant for Iraq Programming—London, UK
Advised on strategic planning for Iraq-based initiatives as part of the Peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) program.
ARAB GULF PROGRAMME FOR DEVELOPMENT (AGFUND), FEBRUARY 2021
Consultant: Libya Solidarity Fund (LSF)—London, UK
Designed and drafted the foundational documents for $500 million Libya Solidarity Fund, launched in 2022.
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP), NOVEMBER 2017–DECEMBER 2020
Project Manager—Tunis, Tunisia; Tripoli, Libya
July 2019—December 2020
Head of UNDP Libya’s Transitional Justice (including psychosocial support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence), National Reconciliation, Social Cohesion and Political Dialogue portfolio; directly managing a team of 20 with over 100 on-call volunteer implementing partners.
Donor Relations Specialist—Tripoli, Libya
April 2018—July 2019
Member of the Stabilization Facility for Libya (SFL) project core team; working on reconciliation, rehabilitation and government capacity-building initiatives to bridge from political, economic and security crises and the initial humanitarian relief to longer-term development support.
External Relations Advisor—Baghdad, Iraq
November 2017—April 2018
Special Advisor for minorities issues for a contribution from the United States ($250 Million) under the UNDP Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) in Iraq to help the Government and the 82-partner “Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh” (also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and stabilize liberated cities and districts.
AKTIS STRATEGY LTD, APRIL 2017–NOVEMBER 2017
Project Director—Tripoli, Libya
August—November 2017
Managed a team of nine to gather data, conduct conflict analyses, needs assessments and consultation workshops for the cities of Tripoli and Bani Walid on behalf of the UNDP Stabilization Facility for Libya (SFL).
Project Manager/Early Recovery Advisor—Mogadishu, Somalia
April—August 2017
Implemented the United Kingdom’s Early Recovery Initiative (ERI) with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Managed a team of five international and local staff as we engaged in stabilization activities in areas recently recovered from Al-Shabaab. Mentored and advised AMISOM civilian and military units on technical aspects of early recovery crisis response activities.
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PROJECT SERVICES (UNOPS), APRIL 2015—SEPTEMBER 2015
UN Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Officer—Baghdad, Iraq
Technical advisor for the UNDP Iraq programme. Worked inside the Iraqi Parliament, the Iraqi Council of Ministers and many civil society organizations. Mapped parliamentary committees for selection of participants in the project and developed a study tour for members of the Iraqi Parliamentary staff to train participants in legislative processes.
UNITED NATIONS, APRIL 2011—SEPTEMBER 2015
Management Officer/Special Assistant —Baghdad, Iraq
February 2015—September 2015
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), advising the newly appointed Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Ms. Lise Grande), Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC) on strategic communications, operational policies and practices.
Management Officer/Legal Advisor to the SRSG—Baghdad, Iraq
June 2014—February 2015
During the security and political crisis caused by the rapid advance of ISIL, moved to advise the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Mr. Nickolay Mladenov) directly on a wide range of matters involving Iraqi Constitutional Law, public international law, and UN requirements.
Management Officer, Office of the Chief of Mission Support—Baghdad, Iraq
July 2013—June 2014
Provided legal advice to the Chief of Mission Support (CMS) on a range of issues related to international law and UN administrative law. Member of the Local Contracts Committee, which reviewed all locally negotiated procurement contracts for compliance with all relevant UN rules and regulations. Member of the Local Claims Review Committee for contract claims from UN vendors. Led negotiations to release UN staff and vehicles from seizure by Iraqi military authorities, ensuring adherence to international conventions.
Principal Legal Assistant, Office of the UN Legal Counsel—New York, NY
December 2011—July 2013
Worked with the UN Headquarters War Crimes Tribunals team for International Criminal Tribunals in the Hague, Arusha and Phnom Penh. Provided legal advice on a range of issues related to public international law. Oversaw the key components of the Secretary General’s cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), including work on the proceedings against Radovan Karadžić and Ratko Mladić. Conducted criminal accountability review for United Nations staff and supported legal assessments of Headquarters procurement contracts.
Team Assistant, Office of the United Nations Legal Counsel—New York, NY
April 2011—December 2011
Conducted study to address sexual violence against women in the mandates of all UN peacekeeping missions. Drafted a report on the good offices of the UN in Cyprus: 1975-2011. Planned, organized and facilitated the 2011 UN headquarters visit of International Court of Justice (ICJ) delegation for the United Nations Legal Counsel (Ms. Patricia O’Brien).
ROTTENSTREICH & ETTINGER, SEPTEMBER 2010—FEBRUARY 2011
Matrimonial and Family Law Firm
Associate Attorney—New York, NY
Worked as a family and matrimonial law litigator, including advocacy in cases concerning international child abduction covered by the Hague Convention. Prenuptial agreements governing large premarital estates and extensive document review.
NEW YORK COUNTY SUPREME COURT, JANUARY 2010—SEPTEMBER 2010
Manhattan Trial Courts
Support Attorney—New York, NY
Researched and drafted memoranda of law that served as the basis for Judge Kaplan’s and Judge Silver’s decisions and orders on a broad range of matrimonial and civil law issues.
ROSE PALERMO, ATTORNEY AT LAW, JULY 2009—SEPTEMBER 2010
Matrimonial and Family Law Attorney
Associate Attorney—Nashville, TN
Drafted motions, conducted legal research and wrote legal memoranda. Appeared in court pro hac vice and assisted in trial proceedings by conferencing with clients prior to trial and organized exhibits in preparation for trials.
BATTERED WOMEN’S RIGHTS CLINIC, CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW, SEPTEMBER 2008—MAY 2009
Legal Support for Survivors of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
Intern—Queens, NY
Litigated (in court under student practice orders) and advocated for survivors of domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence (including transgender youth).
Academia
KING’S COLLEGE LONDON, FALL 2018—FALL 2021
Guest Lecturer—London, UK
Lectured the MA classes (2018-2021) of King's College Department of War Studies Centre for Strategic Communications on the strategic communications of international organizations, in the context of the Yazidi atrocities in Iraq and the current political, security, economic, reconciliation, transitional justice and COVID-19 related issues in Libya.
SETON HALL CENTER FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES, OCTOBER 2021—PRESENT
Non-Resident Fellow—(Home Based, Washington DC)
Enhancing program design for international organizations, and analyzing U.S. Foreign policy, including policies on community-based mediation and national peace processes.
SYMPODIUM INSTITUTE, MAY 2024—PRESENT
Senior Fellow (Conflict Resolution)—Home based (Washington DC)
Contributing to research and instruction on how to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and amplify the impact of international interventions through strategic communications.
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE—FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, JUNE 2024
Guest Lecturer—Washington DC
Lectured diplomats on the role of the United Nations in Libya from 2011 to present.
Education
King’s College London: MA War Studies: Terrorism Security and Society, graduated with Distinction 2017
City University New York, School of Law: Juris Doctor 2009
Boston University: BSc Communications, History Minor 2001
Harvard Law School: Certificate—Master Class in Negotiation 2018
Harvard Law School: Certificate—Program on Negotiation 2018
Professional Membership
New York State Bar: 2010—Present
Washington DC Bar: 2024—Present
Awards
Anbar Province Iraq Governor’s Service Award: July 2016
United States Institute of Peace Afghanistan Crisis Management Team Board of Directors Service Award: January 2022