Team and Leadership
Meet the dedicated individuals leading CDDH's mission and activities
INTRODUCTION
Leadership with Integrity, Vision and Purpose
Effective leadership is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting change. At the Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH), leadership is founded on integrity, accountability, professionalism, and a shared commitment to advancing human rights, democratic governance, the rule of law, and sustainable development. Our leaders are entrusted with providing strategic direction, strengthening institutional excellence, promoting innovation, and ensuring that every programme, partnership, and initiative remains aligned with the mission, vision, and values of CDDH. Leadership at CDDH is based on service rather than authority. We believe that responsible leadership requires listening, collaboration, transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and respect for the dignity and diversity of every individual. These principles guide our engagement with colleagues, partners, institutions, and the communities we serve. As an independent international organisation, CDDH is committed to cultivating leaders who inspire trust, encourage collaboration, uphold the highest ethical standards, and work tirelessly to create sustainable and measurable impact. Through responsible leadership, we seek to strengthen institutions, empower people, and contribute to a more just, democratic, peaceful, and inclusive world.
OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Leading Through Service, Integrity and Collaboration
At the Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH), leadership is understood as a responsibility to serve, inspire, and create positive change. Our leadership philosophy is centred on the belief that effective institutions are built by leaders who demonstrate integrity, vision, humility, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the public interest. We believe that leadership is not defined by position or authority, but by the ability to guide others with purpose, make informed and ethical decisions, encourage collaboration, and uphold the values that define our organisation. Every leader within CDDH is expected to promote a culture of professionalism, respect, innovation, transparency, and continuous learning.
Our leadership philosophy is guided by the following principles:
- Purpose-Driven Leadership – Every decision supports our mission and long-term strategic vision.
- Integrity and Ethical Conduct – Leaders act honestly, independently, and in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
- Service to Others – Leadership exists to strengthen institutions, empower people, and advance the public good.
- Collaboration and Inclusion – Diverse perspectives and meaningful participation strengthen decisionmaking and institutional effectiveness.
- Accountability and Transparency – Leaders are responsible for their decisions, actions, and stewardship of organisational resources.
- Innovation and Learning – Continuous improvement, adaptability, and openness to new ideas are essential for long-term success.
Through this leadership philosophy, CDDH seeks to build a resilient institution where responsible leadership strengthens governance, inspires confidence, encourages collaboration, and delivers lasting impact in support of human rights, democracy, justice, and sustainable development.
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
A Leadership Structure Designed for Excellence
The Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH) is led through a governance and leadership structure designed to ensure strategic direction, institutional accountability, operational effectiveness, and sustainable growth. Our leadership model promotes clear responsibilities, collaborative decisionmaking, and effective oversight while safeguarding the organisation's independence and integrity. The leadership structure brings together individuals with diverse expertise, professional experience, and a shared commitment to advancing the mission of CDDH. Each leadership role contributes to the organisation's long-term vision by providing strategic guidance, strengthening institutional performance, supporting innovation, and ensuring that programmes and operations are implemented effectively
The CDDH leadership structure includes:
- Board of Directors – Providing strategic oversight, governance, and long-term institutional direction.
- Executive Leadership – Responsible for the day-to-day management, implementation of strategic priorities, and organisational development.
- Senior Management Team – Leading programmes, operations, administration, finance, communications, partnerships, and institutional services.
- Advisory Board – Offering independent expertise, strategic advice, and technical guidance to support institutional excellence.
- Programme and Technical Leadership – Coordinating specialised programmes, Centres of Excellence, research initiatives, and strategic projects.
This leadership framework promotes effective coordination, accountability, and collaboration across the organisation. It ensures that decisions are aligned with CDDH's mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives while enabling the organisation to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and global challenges. By combining strong governance with professional leadership, CDDH continues to build a resilient institution capable of creating meaningful impact and advancing human rights, democratic governance, and the rule of law at national, regional, and international levels.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Leading with Clear Roles and Shared Responsibility
The effectiveness of the Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH) depends on a leadership team with clearly defined roles, shared responsibilities, and a collective commitment to institutional excellence. Every leadership position contributes to the achievement of CDDH's mission while ensuring that the organisation operates with professionalism, integrity, transparency, and accountability. Our leadership is responsible for providing strategic direction, strengthening governance, promoting sound decision-making, and ensuring that the organisation's programmes, operations, partnerships, and resources are managed effectively and responsibly.
The principal responsibilities of CDDH's leadership include:
- Defining and implementing the organisation's strategic vision and long-term priorities.
- Safeguarding the mission, vision, values, and institutional independence of CDDH.
- Providing effective governance, oversight, and organisational stewardship.
- Ensuring responsible financial management and sustainable institutional growth.
- Strengthening organisational performance through innovation, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Building strategic partnerships and fostering constructive national, regional, and international cooperation.
- Promoting ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and compliance with institutional policies.
- Supporting staff, programme teams, and volunteers in achieving excellence across all areas of the organisation.
Leadership at CDDH is based on collaboration rather than hierarchy. Responsibilities are exercised collectively, with mutual respect, open communication, and shared accountability. This approach encourages informed decision-making, strengthens institutional resilience, and ensures that the organisation remains responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities. By clearly defining leadership roles and responsibilities, CDDH reinforces its commitment to good governance, organisational effectiveness, and the responsible delivery of its mission in service of human rights, democracy, justice, and sustainable development.
LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES
Principles That Guide Our Leaders
Leadership at the Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH) is guided by principles that promote responsible governance, ethical conduct, institutional excellence, and service to the public interest. These principles define the standards expected of every individual entrusted with a leadership responsibility within the organisation. Our leaders are expected to act with integrity, inspire confidence, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that every decision contributes to the long-term mission and strategic objectives of CDDH.
The leadership principles of CDDH include:
- Integrity – Acting honestly, ethically, and consistently in every decision and action.
- Accountability – Accepting responsibility for decisions, performance, and the responsible stewardship of organisational resources.
- Independence – Safeguarding the autonomy of CDDH and making decisions free from political, partisan, or undue external influence.
- Respect – Treating every individual with dignity, fairness, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
- Service – Placing the mission of the organisation and the public interest above personal interests.
- Collaboration – Encouraging teamwork, open dialogue, and meaningful participation across the organisation and with external partners.
- Innovation – Embracing new ideas, continuous learning, and creative approaches to emerging challenges.
- Excellence – Pursuing the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and institutional performance.
These principles are embedded in the culture of CDDH and serve as the foundation for effective leadership at every level of the organisation. By applying them consistently, our leaders strengthen institutional trust, promote responsible governance, and help build an organisation capable of creating lasting impact in the advancement of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development.
WORKING TOGETHER
Collaboration at the Heart of Leadership
At the Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH), leadership is a shared responsibility. We believe that the most effective decisions are achieved through collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and the collective contribution of individuals with diverse knowledge, expertise, and perspectives. Our leadership works closely with the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board, management, staff, programme teams, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that the organisation remains focused on its mission while responding effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.
This collaborative approach enables CDDH to:
- Strengthen strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Encourage innovation and the exchange of ideas.
- Foster a culture of trust, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
- Promote coordination across programmes, departments, and Centres of Excellence.
- Build stronger relationships with partners at national, regional, and international levels.
- Enhance institutional effectiveness through continuous learning and cooperation.
Working together also means listening. CDDH values constructive dialogue, welcomes diverse perspectives, and encourages meaningful participation in shaping the organisation's future. We believe that institutions become stronger when leadership is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the people and communities they serve. By embracing collaboration as a core leadership practice, CDDH strengthens its institutional resilience, promotes excellence, and creates an environment where people can work together effectively to advance human rights, democracy, justice, and sustainable development.
OUR COMMITMENT
A Commitment to Responsible Leadership
The Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH) is committed to fostering leadership that serves with integrity, acts with accountability, and remains firmly dedicated to the public interest. We recognise that effective leadership is essential to building a trusted institution capable of advancing human rights, strengthening democracy, promoting the rule of law, and supporting sustainable development.
Our leaders are committed to:
- Upholding the mission, vision, values, and guiding principles of CDDH.
- Protecting the independence, credibility, and integrity of the organisation.
- Leading with transparency, professionalism, and ethical responsibility.
- Making informed, evidence-based decisions that serve the long-term interests of the organisation and the communities we support.
- Promoting diversity, inclusion, respect, and equal opportunity throughout the organisation.
- Encouraging innovation, continuous learning, and institutional excellence.
- Building strong partnerships founded on trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
- Ensuring that every action contributes to meaningful, measurable, and lasting impact.
Leadership at CDDH is not measured by authority alone, but by the ability to inspire confidence, strengthen institutions, empower people, and create positive change. Our commitment extends beyond organisational success; it is a commitment to advancing universal human rights, democratic values, justice, accountability, and human dignity. As CDDH continues to grow, our leaders will remain guided by these commitments, ensuring that the organisation continues to serve as a trusted, independent, and internationally respected institution dedicated to creating a better future for present and future generations.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Leadership is one of the pillars of CDDH's institutional strength, but it is only one part of a broader framework that enables the organisation to fulfil its mission. We invite you to continue exploring how our governance, people, programmes, and partnerships work together to advance human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development.
Continue Exploring
Advisory Board
Discover how our Advisory Board provides independent expertise, strategic guidance, and specialised knowledge to strengthen the work and long-term development of CDDH.
Governance & Transparency
Learn about our governance framework, accountability mechanisms, ethical standards, and commitment to transparency.
Mission, Vision & Values
Explore the principles that guide our leadership, define our institutional identity, and shape every aspect of our work.
Our Work
Discover our strategic programmes, thematic priorities, and multidisciplinary approach to creating sustainable impact.
Centres of Excellence
Learn how our specialised centres advance research, education, innovation, policy development, and institutional capacity building.
Get Involved
Become part of the CDDH community by joining as a member, volunteering, partnering with us, or supporting our mission. Strong leadership creates strong institutions.
Together with our partners, supporters, and communities, we remain committed to building an organisation that leads with integrity, serves with purpose, and works tirelessly to promote human dignity, justice, democratic governance, and lasting positive change around the world.
Dedicated to Human Rights, Democracy, and Justice
The Confederation for Democracy and Human Rights (CDDH) is led by a diverse team of human rights defenders, professionals, researchers, and volunteers who share a common commitment to promoting human dignity, fundamental freedoms, and democratic values.
Our leadership and team bring together expertise in human rights advocacy, civil society engagement, research, communications, and international cooperation.
Leadership
Founder and Executive Director
Abdoul Aziz Goma
Founder and Executive Director
Abdoul Aziz Goma is a human rights defender of Irish nationality and Togolese origin, committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He has been actively engaged in documenting human rights violations, advocating for political prisoners, supporting victims of injustice, and promoting civic space and democratic governance.
As Founder and Executive Director of CDDH, he leads the organization's strategic vision, international advocacy initiatives, and partnerships with civil society organizations, governments, and international institutions.
His work focuses particularly on:
▪︎ Protection of political prisoners and human rights defenders;
▪︎ Civic space and fundamental freedoms;
▪︎ Democracy and the rule of law;
▪︎ International advocacy and accountability;
▪︎ Strengthening civil society and promoting human dignity.
He believes that respect for human rights, justice, and democratic principles is essential for sustainable peace and inclusive development.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides strategic guidance, oversight, and governance to ensure that CDDH remains faithful to its mission, values, and principles.
The Board supports the organization's efforts to:
- Promote accountability and transparency
- Strengthen institutional development
- Ensure effective governance
- Advance the organization's strategic priorities
Board member biographies will be published as appointments are confirmed.
Advisory Board
CDDH works with an international network of advisors and experts who provide technical expertise and strategic guidance on issues relating to human rights, democracy, governance, and international advocacy. Advisory Board members and biographies will be published in due course.
Our Team
Our team consists of dedicated professionals and volunteers working in various areas,
including:
▪︎ Human rights monitoring and documentation
▪︎ Research and policy analysis
▪︎ Communications and media
▪︎ Campaigns and advocacy
▪︎ Partnerships and outreach
▪︎ Administration and organizational development
Together, we strive to advance human rights and democratic values through collaboration, professionalism, and integrity
Volunteers and Partners
CDDH values the contribution of volunteers, supporters, and partner organizations whose commitment and solidarity strengthen our mission and impact. We welcome individuals and organizations that share our vision of a world founded on human dignity, freedom, equality, and justice.
Join Our Team
We are always looking for passionate and committed individuals to support our work. Opportunities to engage with CDDH include:
▪︎ Volunteering
▪︎ Internships
▪︎ Research collaborations
▪︎ Strategic partnerships
▪︎ Pro bono professional support
To learn more, please contact us at: careers@cddh.org
Our Commitment
The people behind CDDH are united by a shared conviction:
Every individual deserves to live in freedom, dignity, and justice, and every human rights violation deserves attention, accountability, and action.