MY RESUME...

Chinedu N. Onyegbula
E-mail: conyegbula@msn.com

Objective
Bi-lingual and resourceful individual seeking employment in the area of international development, administration, and coordination of international programs/services

Profile
· More than 6 years experience conducting international research on power and energy management in developing countries.
· 5 years program management experience including the grant seeking process and budget implementation
· Contributory writer and speaker to various international development and policy organizations
· Excellent research, writing and leadership skills
· High level multi-tasking capabilities
· Energetic and collaborative team player

Education
M.A, Public Administration, Southeastern University, Washington DC. May 2008

B.Sc., Electrical Engineering, Howard University, Washington DC. Dec 2004

Employment
Summer Intern and Graduate Fellow, Center for American Progress , Washington, DC
· Conducted research on technology development and investment of bio-fuels (Jatropha, ethanol, etc) in Africa especially by the non-oil producing countries.
· Performed a SWOT analysis on the impact of bio-fuel investment on the African economy.
· Studied and analyzed investments in energy development and its impact on climate change in developing nations especially India and China.
· Analyzed and compiled data on U.S. Energy investments in R&D based in FY 2006 accessing the impact of climate change.
· Attended seminars sponsored by the center and compiled notes for publication.
· Presented research findings and analysis to center experts and principal investigators.
· Assisted in preparing briefings and newsletters for publication and presentation at events.
· Undertook administrative projects including preparing for events and large meetings.

Administrative Intern, The Podesta Group, Washington DC (July 2007-September 2007)
· Collaborated with interns to analyze key legislative and policy initiatives by attending hearings by the U.S. Congress on drug regulation and healthcare.
· Compiled and summarized notes from hearings for internal publication and presentation.
· Supported in managing and organizing database entries of various lobby group accounts with the firm.
· Assisted in implementing key fundraising activities for congressional members.
· Provided administrative support for effective and efficient office operation.

Research Associate, Howard University Center for Energy Systems and Control (CESAC), Washington DC (January 2007-May 2007)
· Conducted research on the effective management and control of photo-voltaic, a form of renewable energy on a dynamic power system network.
· Performed a cost-benefit analysis of the importance of renewable energy in developing countries as well as a study of its relevant ethical and safety issues.
· Assisted in writing proposals and soliciting grants for funding research projects, workshops, and youth mentorship program for the center
· Assisted in writing and editing CESAC publications and presentations on power system operation and management using state of the art simulation and analytical tools.
· Presented research findings and technical expertise on best practices in power and energy management at conferences in developing countries.

Administrative Assistant (January 2001-August 2006)
· Supervised the activities of 3 interns which included assigning relevant tasks/projects and conducting performance assessments.
· Worked under the direction of the principal investigator to manage the entire operations of the center including administer budget, hiring staff, process payroll, schedule meetings and appointments, and develop presentation materials.
· Assisted in planning and organizing workshops and conferences worldwide.
· Organized youth mentorship programs for pre-freshmen engineering students.

Professional/ Community Affiliations
*Member, American Society of Public Administration (Member, SICA Section)
*Member, Young Professional International Committee of UNA-NCA
*Coordinator, Nigeria Community Youth Group US
*Graduate Fellow, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (2007)
*Graduate, IHS Summer Seminar on Poverty and Prosperity (2007)
*Community Volunteer, RCCG Jesus House DC

Languages
English- Fluent (Oral and Written)
Igbo- Fluent (Oral and Written)
French- Basic Conversant (Oral and Written)

Skills
Microsoft Office; Windows OS; SPSS; Matlab; Simulink; PSPICE; Adobe, Digital Audio/Video Editing, Website/Blog Design, Internet/Library Research.

Published April 7th 2009

My Political Ideology (Summary)

My political ideology follows the path of Traditional Conservative. As a Traditional Conservative, I believe in preserving our rich cultural heritage passed down by our founding fathers, a heritage based on liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, certain inalienable rights. I believe that as a Traditional Conservative the good morals of society must be upheld, and it begins with a strong family foundation, self-discipline, and civility. I also believe that our religious tradition must be respected and honored, never as a guise to separate or divide, but to remind us of the principles of what our constitution was based on. As a Traditional Conservative, I believe government should not over-meddle in people’s personal lives but provide policies and opportunities that enhance and lead to economic enhancement, social growth, fiscal growth, a robust economy, strong and secure defense strategy, social welfare, a global leader in espousing and developing freedom through foreign relations. Government can do these by providing tax incentives, education empowerment through vouchers, faith-based initiative programs, strong monetary and fiscal policies, fair and responsible foreign trade negotiations, actively encouraging good governance and democracy around the world, and promoting economic development around the world, as well as others.

I believe the best opportunity for failing schools to improve and for underprivileged children to be empowered is to give them access to the best education, both schools and the children are challenged, schools change and adapt to be better, and the children get an opportunity to a good education. The government needs to invest and manage Social Security funds, and Social Security will go bankrupt in a few years. I believe empowering people to invest their money gives them confidence in ensuring it is being invested properly.

Published October 21st, 2008

Potential and Opportunities for Economic Growth in Africa...

Very little credit has been given to Africa for the immense growth and development that has taken place especially in the area of use and adaptation of modern technology in development, enhanced and sustainable financial market in capital investment and development opportunity, increased political independence and responsibility with regards the rule of law, and flow of free market enterprise that has transformed and elavated the economic system and standards of the continent. Nigeria for example has grown by tremendous leaps and bounds from its colonial years to date, recovering slowly from the misfortunes of it and on pace to become one of the 20 most vibrant economies by 2020. This immense growth and development has happened in a short period of time as a result of a renewed resilience by Africans to take responsibility and hold themselves accountable for the change they desire and not relegate that responsibility and duty to foreign influence. Given, the bruises and scars from colonialism and subsequently foreign domination of the development, implementation, and regulation of policy actions that relate to economic, social, and political development remain, the lessons have served as the motivation and impetus to reverse and change what used to be our accepted norm to an enhanced realization and understanding of what our hope and expectation for our future is. A future where every citizen has equal right and access to fair representation in the polity; has equal and fair access to the opportunity of an education; has equal right and access to invest and create opportunity for human capacity building through developing innovative ideas and solutions to society's problems and challenges without fear or intimidation; and above all knowledge ability is recognized and channeled properly, talent potential and ability revered and respected, creativity and ingenuity challenged and developed, and visionary attitude embraced and enhanced.

In a free society where people are able to actively participate, contribute, and add value to the growth and development of economic principles, ideas, concepts, and opinions on enhancing human capacity development, social responsibility, academic knowledge and understanding, professional development, and political empowerment, a strong public policy agenda that supports these issues is critical. For any free society, the establishment and existence of institutions that encourage investment, free enterprise, and networks that enhance and encourage private sector development, as well as public sector accountability and responsibility is essential. 

Coming from a country that is widely considered a developing country but has made great strides in adjusting and shifting to a free market enterprise, changes in the public and private sector has provided immense opportunities for the common man to participate and contribute to the growth and development of the free market. By free market, I mean a situation where private enterprise is allowed to be established, work and operate, and develop in a society where the public sector provides the support mechanism in terms of policy framework and security to assure that investments are safe, exchange of knowledge and ideas freely is encouraged, fear and intimidation in the implementation of services is minimal, competition for goods and services are available, private and public capital are easily tapped into and developed, human capacity are readily available, tools and resources for the growth and development of the economy are continually enhanced through sheer innovation and talent acquisition, and most of all the Rule of Law is adhered to and respected. 

Based on my experience, it is a long way from there in Nigeria but it on a more positive path as of before. With the growth and development in the Telecommunications Industry which is essential for any developing country to advance and move from poverty to prosperity, to the modernization and rapid advancement in the banking sector that has recorded the biggest investments by private citizens both foreign and home as assets, to the growth in the technology and methodology for agricultural harvesting, to development of natural resources and manufacturing of commodity goods for import and general consumption by the people at market competitive prices, among others. These opportunities have provided professional employment for people, personal security for the future, and a knowledge database to develop and build on the understanding of what works, how it works, and how best to optimize it for great efficiency and productive performance.

I visited Nigeria in 2002, it had been 5 years prior since I left to further my studies in the United States. I was surprised at the level of growth and development, ingenuity, and courage and determination of the average Nigerian to use common sense motivated with a vision of the knowledge and understanding of solving a problem or overcoming a limitation that presents itself in society using their passion to succeed for themselves. It reminds me that these is no shortage of talent or ideas or solutions to solve our problems in Nigeria just an ignorant and incorrect admission to the limitation we place on ourselves or we allow others to place on us. I was surprised to see...

Written December 2008