Chris Saunders

Chris Saunders has been on the Board of Directors since the formation of Conflict Dynamics in 2004. His service is an extension of his passion for alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations throughout Africa and the Middle East, and around the world. Chris first encountered Gerard and the seed of the idea that would become Conflict Dynamics when Gerard was supporting Save the Children’s work on Iraq.

 

Chris has been a long serving practitioner in the humanitarian field, focusing specifically on improving the conditions of life of children with disabilities in difficult environments. He has served extensively in the field of research and academia in various positions including research officer, senior lecturer, and assistant professor at institutions including the Institute of Education London University, University of Jos Nigeria, Wall Hall College of Higher Education, and the University of Calgary. Chris has also occupied a variety of field-based positions for Save the Children UK including Global Disability Adviser, Head of Southern Africa Regional Office Mozambique, Country Program Director Zimbabwe, and Programme Officer Middle East and Iraq. Following his time at Save the Children, Chris served as the Chief Executive Officer for Transaid.

 

Chris holds a joint degree in psychology and sociology. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2004 for his work with Save the Children on disability. In addition to Conflict Dynamics, he was also a co-opted Trustee of the National Deaf Children’s Society. He resides in the UK where he continues independently working in the humanitarian field.