Julia replaces Douglas Melville, who stepped down at the end of last year having completed two terms as a Non-States Commissioner, serving as JOA Vice-Chair since 2019.
With over two decades’ experience as a senior lawyer and executive leader, the role of JOA non-States Commissioner aligns closely with Julia's personal and professional passion for humanitarian and social impact initiatives. In recent years, Julia has advised the Government of Ghana on their energy sector reform, and has built relationships with the Governments of Rwanda and Malawi, among others. Julia has a personal interest in international development and social impact – she is a Trustee at the GUBA Foundation which supports initiatives that promote sustainable development and social impact in economically disadvantaged parts of Africa. Previously Julia was on the Women’s Advisory Board of Children in Crisis, focused on partnering with local organisations and communities to improve education, healthcare and child protection in the most challenging places affected by conflict or political instability.
“I am truly honoured to join Jersey Overseas Aid as a Non-States Commissioner and excited to work alongside the dedicated team driving its important mission forward. Jersey Overseas Aid has a remarkable track record of delivering impactful humanitarian and development programs, empowering communities, and providing life-changing opportunities in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Its commitment to sustainable development, emergency relief, and poverty reduction reflects the very best of Jersey’s global contribution. I look forward to supporting JOA’s efforts to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that Jersey’s influence as a force for good continues to grow on the international stage,” said Julia.
Speaking of the appointment, JOA Chair and Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey, said “I am delighted to welcome Julia to the JOA Commission, she brings with her exceptional experience and international insight that will enhance and compliment the organisation.” Julia’s expertise in both governance and financial and risk management, as well as her passion for international development and humanitarian work, make her a superb appointee and I very much look forward to working with her.”
On Douglas Melville’s service to the Commission, Deputy Carolyn Labey added: “I’d also like to thank our outgoing board member Douglas Melville. Doug’s term of office has come to an end, in accordance with governance best practice, after serving nine years on the JOA Commission, six of these in the role of Vice Chair. Doug will be sorely missed by all at JOA, and the Commission would like to pay tribute to his enormous contribution over the years.”
Since starting his international career with the Canadian International Development (CIDA) over 40 years ago, Doug has remained actively involved as a volunteer and board director with various NGOs. He led NGO field missions in Eritrea, Ethiopia and Kenya. Throughout his long career in financial services, Doug also participated in technical cooperation missions to Africa, Asia, Central Eurasia, and the Caribbean, including leading the emergency response planning to restore and recapitalise the Sri Lankan credit union system wiped out in the 2004 tsunami that devasted Sri Lanka’s coastal areas. Doug remains an active expert advisor to various governments, central banks, and regulators helping them to build effective frameworks for financial consumer protection, regulation and inclusion.
On his time as a JOA Commissioner, Doug said: “Contributing to JOA alongside the Chair and fellow Commissioners has been one of the true highlights of my transition from Canada to Jersey almost 10 years ago. The deliberate move to a more focused programme of development assistance activities, concentrating JOA’s efforts in six low-income countries and across three programming themes that resonate for Jersey, has given our small independent agency an enviable capability and reputation in which everyone in Jersey can be justly confident and proud.”
