Name and position:

Kwame Owusu-Akyeampong, Finance Manager at the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF).

How long have you been at the APF?

I started at the APF as Finance Manager in 2008 – just over 13 years ago. I was very interested in the work of the APF, but thought it was just going to be a short stint. I didn’t imagine I would still be here 13 years later!

But I really love my role and have great respect for the work of our members in protecting and promoting human rights.

Could you tell us a bit about your role?

My role involves ensuring that the APF has systems in place to support and manage the monies that have been entrusted to APF, effectively, efficiently and responsibly. It means working collaboratively with my colleagues in the secretariat to support their work and achieve the mandate given to it by the APF Forum Councillors and to support our members to carry out their important human rights work.

A key part of my role is to provide relevant, timely and accurate financial reports to the key stakeholders of APF, internally and externally.

What do you love about your role?

Even though my role is more ‘isolated’ from the frontline work of our members, I feel very satisfied knowing that what I am doing contributes to the team at the secretariat and in a small way to support the work of National Human Rights Institutions. On the rare occasions that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some of our members, I have found it very fulfilling. I really enjoy meeting the people doing human rights work on the ground.

Human rights encompass dignity and respect for people, for supporting people as individuals. Being able to contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights is a real privilege.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your role?

Going through donor and external audits can be challenging, but it’s a necessary part of the role, and strengthens the work of the organisation. My role has also evolved over time, to include other aspects of APF including risk analysis, risk mitigation and human resources work, which is challenging, but also rewarding.

What is your proudest achievement?

Being part of an organisation which has grown so much in membership and its impact on the human rights community, has been rewarding and very good to see.

What is your favourite book?

My favourite book is the Bible, and I also enjoy reading autobiographies, and thriller fiction and non-fiction books.