Fionna Smyth

Where I am based: Bangor, Northern Ireland

What I do: As Director of Influence & Growth, I expand DI’s networks and influence and drive forwards our plans to build our presence in the Global South and influencing spaces. We will do this through new alliances and partnerships with governments, social movements and philanthropies. I help articulate DI’s value, increasing our brand and external profile with new and existing audiences, and ensuring DI’s impact is effectively communicated.

Previous experience: I’m a passionate internationalist and a development and human rights professional, with experience in strategic communications and advocacy. I’ve delivered effective multi-channel campaigns and public engagement resulting in significant policy change and campaign wins and shifting public opinion.

My previous roles include senior leadership positions at UN Women, Amnesty International, Oxfam and Christian Aid (at country, regional and global levels). Previous to these roles, I taught English Literature and Theory of Knowledge.

I have a postgraduate diploma in International Law and a Masters in Comparative Conflict from Queen’s University Belfast as well as a number of professional qualifications.