Arol Isaac Dut
Birmingham,United Kingdom
Summary
Arol Dut is a development professional and community leader with over six years of experience in governance research, gender empowerment, and organisational development. He is completing an MSc in Development Policy and Politics at the University of Birmingham as the sole 2024 recipient of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship, selected from over 15,000 applicants. At GSDRC, he contributes to FCDO-funded research and has co-authored two publications and three policy blogs on governance in fragile states. While at Kush Bank PLC, he played a leading role in initiatives that supported 9 women-led businesses and provided skills training to over 120 women and girls, contributing to the Bank’s recognition in two international finance awards. He co-founded the South Sudan Reading Society, which now has over 150 members, 38% of whom are women. Arol graduated top of his class at Riara University, receiving three awards for academic and leadership excellence.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work history
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Governance and Social Development Research Centre (GSDRC)
Birmingham, West Midlands
05.2025 - 06.2025
- Designed stakeholder engagement matrix to strategically map and strengthen GSDRC’s collaborations across government, multilateral agencies, NGOs, and research institutions.
- Supports FCDO-funded 'Knowledge for Development and Diplomacy (K4DD)' initiative by producing high-quality rapid evidence reviews that inform UK development and diplomatic strategies in fragile and conflict-affected states.
- Conducts editorial and copyright assessments of research outputs to ensure compliance with open-access standards and GSDRC’s publishing guidelines.
- Authored three evidence-based policy blogs and co-authored two publications, synthesising academic research into actionable insights for policy and development stakeholders.
- Leads usability and visibility assessment of GSDRC website, providing actionable recommendations that improve accessibility and content relevance for global development audiences.
- Manages content updates for GSDRC website, ensuring timely dissemination of research findings and alignment with ongoing policy debates.
- Provides subject matter contributions on governance in fragile contexts, women’s empowerment, and institutional development, enriching research outputs with insights drawn from African political and development dynamics.
CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
South Sudan Reading Society (SSRS)
Juba, South Sudan
08.2017 - 06.2025
- Co-founded Society with objective of building highly literate and educated South Sudan, guided by vision of 'Nurturing an Intelligent Society by 2045.'
- Expanded the scope of the Society's membership to over 150 members with 38% women's participation.
- Oversaw the process of legalisation of Society’s operations in Kenya.
- Facilitate monthly book discussions. Every month, the Society selects a book and shares soft copy with its members. After 30 days, members meet to discuss their understanding of the book.
- Organised mentorship programs. Notably, the Society held a mentorship program in 2019 titled 'Literacy Space in South Sudan and the Future of Young Authors' at American Corner in Nairobi. Event was graced by academics and authors, policy-makers, and business leaders.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CEO
Kush Bank PLC
Juba, South Sudan
08.2022 - 09.2024
- Managed complex projects and initiatives targeted at enhancing economic empowerment and development of women and youth. This included developing tailored banking products for women and youth-led SMEs such as Mara Gidam ('woman ahead') Account, Kush Youth Account, and Women Enterprise Window.
- Coordinated Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives with Konetta Hub (which provides digital skills training to girls) and Scenius Hub (a business ideation hub for women and youth business owners).
- Managed resources channelled to Konetta Hub and Scenius Hub initiatives and tracked their progress against key milestones.
- Conducted research and analysis on key issues affecting Bank’s clients (women and youth-led businesses that bank with Kush Bank).
- Provided recommendations to Executive team on how to address key issues affecting Bank’s clients. For example, as result of findings, the Bank organised financial clinics for its clients on cash management, understanding banking products and services and resources management. 38 school headteachers and over 600 students participated in financial literacy activities organised so far.
- Played key role in Kush Bank PLC winning two of The European – Global Banking & Finance Awards 2023 as the: 1. Best SME Partner Bank – South Sudan 2023; and 2. Most Innovative Digital Transformation Bank – South Sudan 2023 (https://the-european.eu/global-business-awards-2023-2)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Flex Holdings Group Ltd
Juba, South Sudan
12.2021 - 07.2022
- Conducted 3 market opportunity assessments and made investment recommendations. This led to Flex investing equity in 2 women-led businesses, and through this investment and subsequent expansion, over 26 employment opportunities were created for women and youth.
- Served as liaison for all inter- and intra-organizational communication and collaborations. Assessed all CSR requests and prioritised those initiatives that sought to empower women and girls.
ADMIN & HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Nation Savings Microfinance Co. Ltd (NASAM)
Juba, South Sudan
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Drafted first company profile and subsequently conducted Market Opportunity Assessment.
- Actively involved in drafting Human Resources Manual.
- Formalised employment and recruited 6 additional staff, four of whom were women.
- Wrote concept note for 'A Deposit a day Grows a Business' initiative that targeted women-led small businesses in Cueibet County of Lakes State, South Sudan, where business owners had access to micro financing and in return were required to make daily deposits of SSP. 3,440 ($8 at the FX rate of that time) until repayment was complete. Twenty-nine (29) business owners benefited.
- Prepared reports and presentations on Administration and Human Resources-related matters and kept company files.
SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL
South Sudanese Students’ Association in Kenya (SSSAK)
Nairobi
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Moderated council debates, made rulings on procedures, ensured compliance with by-laws and mandate of the Council; and settled disputes among council members.
- I initiated and requested on behalf of the Association for a group of 20 students to be hosted by the then-Turkish Ambassador to Kenya, Deniz Eke, at the embassy. The mentorship program was titled 'The Role of Youth in Nation-building.'
- Resolved disputes among South Sudanese students in Kenyan colleges and universities.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Reformed Church of East Africa
Kawangware
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Tutored basic English language grammar in Saturday adult classes at the Church. The church had a program of 47 people who were mostly South Sudanese women.
- Helped draft correspondences.
CHAIRPERSON
Riara University Independent Electoral Commission (RUIEC)
Nairobi
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Provided critical leadership for the members of the committee in servicing the student body.
- Led the creation and amendment of electoral regulations in line with the Universities (Amendment) Act 2016 as amended by the Kenya National Assembly.
- Resolved electoral disputes on campus; processed inquiries and responded promptly.
- Drafted and worked with the Dean of Students on the 2018 electoral budget.
INTERN
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan
Nairobi
11.2017 - 02.2018
- Assisted in writing diplomatic letters and helped the Department of Immigration process and issue travel documents to South Sudanese and foreign nationals.
- Helped embassy staff write reports, gather information, conduct data analysis, and prepare diplomatic documents.
- Attended diplomatic meetings as an assistant to the First Secretary.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations & Diplomacy
Riara University
Nairobi, Kenya 01.2018 - 07.2020
Master of Science - Development Policy and Politics
University of Birmingham
Birmingham 09.2024 -
Diploma of Higher Education - International Relations & Diplomacy
Riara University
Nairobi, Kenya 01.2016 - 03.2018
Skills
- Independent researching
- Policy Research and Analysis
- Organisational Development
- Proposal and Report Writing
- Exceptional Communication Skills
- Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution
Accomplishments
- Co-led a debate-winning team, called Afrikoko, in the Now Generation Network Debate Competition
- Vice Chancellor's Roll of Honour
- Vice Chancellor's Letter of Commendation
- Excellence in Leadership Award
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Governance and Social Development Research Centre (GSDRC)
05.2025 - 06.2025
Master of Science - Development Policy and Politics
University of Birmingham
09.2024 -
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CEO
Kush Bank PLC
08.2022 - 09.2024
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Flex Holdings Group Ltd
12.2021 - 07.2022
ADMIN & HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Nation Savings Microfinance Co. Ltd (NASAM)
10.2020 - 06.2021
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Reformed Church of East Africa
09.2019 - 12.2019
CHAIRPERSON
Riara University Independent Electoral Commission (RUIEC)
09.2018 - 09.2019
SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL
South Sudanese Students’ Association in Kenya (SSSAK)
08.2018 - 08.2020
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations & Diplomacy
Riara University
01.2018 - 07.2020
INTERN
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan
11.2017 - 02.2018
CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
South Sudan Reading Society (SSRS)
08.2017 - 06.2025
Diploma of Higher Education - International Relations & Diplomacy
Riara University
01.2016 - 03.2018
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