JOHN ADEFILA
Executive Administration Public Policy Government Relations Social Justice &
Program Support
Email: ******@****.*** Phone: +234********** Location: Ilorin, Nigeria Relocating to Maryland, USA (Fall 2026) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-adefila PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Mission-driven public administration professional with over nine years of experience providing executive-level administrative support, coordinating government programmes, managing stakeholder relationships, and supporting policy initiatives focused on equity, women’s rights, and child protection. Experienced in managing sensitive information, preparing executive communications, coordinating complex projects, and supporting leadership decision-making within government institutions.
Skilled in organizational operations, strategic coordination, project management, stakeholder engagement, research, report writing, and administrative systems. Strong commitment to advancing justice, inclusion, and institutional effectiveness through collaborative and equity-focused approaches. Incoming PhD student in Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), with research interests in governance, social policy, and institutional reform.
CORE COMPETENCIES
● Executive Administrative Support
● Confidential Information Management
● Calendar & Meeting Coordination
● Stakeholder Engagement
● Project Management
● Policy Research & Analysis
● Government Relations
● Strategic Communication
● Report Writing & Documentation
● Leadership Support
● Cross-Departmental Coordination
● Public Affairs Support
● Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy
● Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
● Zoom & Microsoft Teams
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Principal Administrative Officer (PAO)
Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs
January 2026 – Present
● Provide high-level administrative and operational support to government leadership in the implementation of programmes addressing women’s rights, child protection, and social welfare.
● Manage sensitive correspondence, reports, policy documents, and official communications requiring accuracy, confidentiality, and professional judgment.
● Support leadership decision-making by preparing briefing materials, programme updates, reports, and administrative documentation.
● Coordinate engagements between government officials, nonprofit organizations, community stakeholders, and development partners.
● Assist with planning, monitoring, and implementation of government initiatives promoting gender equity and protection of vulnerable populations.
● Maintain organized administrative systems to support effective programme delivery and institutional accountability.
Senior Administrative Officer (SAO)
Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs
January 2021 – December 2025
● Managed administrative operations supporting government programmes focused on women empowerment, child welfare, and social protection.
● Served as a liaison between government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and external stakeholders to strengthen programme partnerships.
● Prepared official correspondence, reports, meeting documentation, and programme records.
● Coordinated activities involving multiple stakeholders and supported implementation of strategic initiatives.
● Assisted leadership with tracking programme progress, identifying challenges, and supporting timely responses.
Selected Contributions:
● Supported initiatives addressing gender-based violence and protection of vulnerable groups.
● Contributed to the establishment of partnerships supporting women and children-focused interventions.
● Assisted in developing administrative structures that improved coordination of social programmes.
Administrative Officer I (AOI)
Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs
May 2017 – December 2020
● Managed communication between government offices, NGOs, and community partners on women and child protection initiatives.
● Drafted official letters, reports, memoranda, and administrative documents.
● Supported government responses to cases involving domestic violence, sexual violence, and child protection.
● Facilitated the establishment of two Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Kwara State to strengthen survivor support and justice pathways.
● Represented government interests in community-level engagements and supported coordination with justice and social service stakeholders.
● Assisted with programmes designed to improve access to protection services for vulnerable populations.
Administrative Officer II (AOII)
Kwara State Office of Head of Service
December 2016 – May 2017
● Provided administrative support within the state civil service system.
● Assisted with documentation, correspondence management, and coordination of government administrative activities.
● Supported initiatives related to employee welfare and institutional effectiveness.
● Maintained accurate records and supported internal administrative processes. SELECTED POLICY & SOCIAL JUSTICE EXPERIENCE
Government Representative – Community Justice Engagements
● Represented the Kwara State Government at mini courts and community justice forums addressing cases involving intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and violence against women.
● Supported coordination between government agencies, survivors, community actors, and justice stakeholders.
● Developed practical understanding of barriers affecting survivors’ access to justice, including institutional delays and social challenges. Child Rights Legislative Reform Committee Member
Kwara State Government
● Selected as a member of a 21-person committee responsible for domesticating the Child Rights Law in Kwara State.
● Contributed to legislative reform efforts aimed at strengthening protection mechanisms and accountability for offences against children aged 0–18.
● Supported efforts to align government policies with child protection and human rights principles.
EDUCATION
Doctoral Admission – Public Policy
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Incoming Student – Fall 2026
Research Interests:
● Public policy implementation
● Social justice systems
● Governance reform
● Policies affecting vulnerable populations
Master of Arts (M.A.) Peace and Development Studies University of Ilorin, Nigeria
2019 – 2022
Research Focus:
Governmental and Non-Governmental Mitigating Mechanisms Against Flood Disasters in Ilorin Metropolis
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) History and International Studies University of Ilorin, Nigeria
2011 – 2015
Research Focus:
Nigeria's Foreign Policy and Nation Building (1999–2007) RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant
Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin 2019
● Supported academic research through literature review, documentation, and policy analysis.
● Assisted with research activities related to governance, peace, and development. TECHNICAL SKILLS
● Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
● Google Workspace
● Data Analysis and Reporting
● Internet and Legislative Research
● Database Management
● Policy and Report Writing
● Virtual Collaboration Tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
● Document Management Systems
● Research & Data Organization Tools
PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
● High level of discretion and confidentiality
● Strong organizational ability
● Excellent written and verbal communication
● Ability to manage competing priorities
● Collaborative and relationship-focused approach
● Strong attention to detail
● Solutions-oriented problem solving
● Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Work Authorization: Authorized to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions as an international PhD student in the United States.