ACSS Congratulates Veteran Staff Members on Promotions

By Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Updated: 10/26/2011

Kareem Oweiss Named New ACSS Director of Operations. The Africa Center is pleased to announce that Kareem Oweiss has been appointed the new Director of Operations of the organization. In this capacity, he manages and develops policy and overall guidelines affecting operational functions for ACSS. Kareem brings to the Africa Center a strong interest and significant professional experience in Africa. Kareem is a veteran of the organization, where he has held many positions, including Special Events Coordinator and Operations Officer. Most recently, Kareem served as Regional Operations Program Specialist at ACSS’ Regional Office for West Africa, in Dakar, Senegal from 2008 to 2011. 

Prior to coming to ACSS, Kareem worked as an aid coordination program officer at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Rwanda. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in culture and politics at Georgetown University and a Master of Arts (MA) in poverty reduction and development management from the UK’s University of Birmingham. 

Kareem is fluent in French and speaks conversational Arabic. In his spare time, he enjoys playing piano.

Claude Toze Appointed New Regional Operations Program Specialist in Dakar. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies is pleased to welcome Claude Toze as the new Regional Operations Program Specialist at the ACSS Regional Office for West Africa in Senegal. In this position, Claude will provide management support and coordinate ACSS activities throughout the sub-region. Claude is a veteran employee of the Africa Center, having recently celebrated his fifth anniversary with the center. In early October he transitioned from a contractor position as Contracts and Finance Manager to government service and will soon transfer to Dakar.

Claude brings to his new position a wealth of experience including thorough knowledge of the organization, an ability to predict needs and determine priorities, and excellent financial and budgetary skills. Claude’s prior international experience includes work as Program Officer for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Libreville, Gabon.

A native of Benin, Claude graduated from Benin National University in Economics and Finance before attending the MBA Bridge Program at the University of Utah. He is fluent in French and speaks four African dialects. In his spare time, Claude loves camping with his family. The Africa Center is excited to welcome Claude to the Regional Office West Africa team.