Adaeaze Uzochukwu
Legal and Compliance Analyst
Our Gap Closer of the month, Adaeze Uzochukwu, Legal and Compliance Analyst speaks about her work at the Foundation and what she finds most rewarding about it. “The most rewarding part of my work is seeing beneficiaries of our flagship programmes and training participants put their knowledge into action. Witnessing their impact is incredibly gratifying,” she says.
Please share your educational and professional background.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in law from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and was called to the Nigerian Bar. I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators Conciliators (ICMC) and I am currently pursuing a qualification with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN). In addition, I hold certifications in Project Management and Data Analytics, and I am currently enhancing my expertise in Compliance and Risk Management.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the development sector?
I have always been passionate about making a difference and contributing to national development. Back in university, I hoped to intern with an NGO to gain real experience in giving back to society. So, when the opportunity to join the Foundation came, it was a prayer answered. The Foundation’s vision and mission align closely with my belief that a better Nigeria is possible, especially by strengthening the public sector and advocating for lasting reforms.
What do you do at the Foundation?
I work as a Compliance and Risk Analyst at the Foundation, where I ensure that all vendors and stakeholders we engage with meet regulatory and ethical standards. My role involves reviewing and managing agreements and contracts to ensure proper execution, overseeing tax compliance, and identifying potential risks to protect the Foundation’s reputation and maintain its status as a fully compliant organisation in Nigeria.
What does your typical day look like?
A typical day for me at the Foundation begins with checking and responding to emails, reviewing tasks from the previous day, and updating their status on Monday.com, reviewing documents, and ensuring its compliance with regulatory requirements.
What makes the work that we do at the Foundation unique?
At the Foundation, we focus on a unique area that is often overlooked;, transforming the public sector. What I find inspiring about our work is that we do not just talk about change, we put it to work. Our work is tech-driven and keeps up with modern trends, using digital tools and systems that make our operations more efficient and effective. Being part of the Foundation has exposed me to practical technology solutions that make work easier and more collaborative, the same kind of innovation we want to see adopted across the public sector.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
What I find most rewarding about my work is knowing that, even though I am not on the frontlines of our programmes, I play a vital role in keeping our operations running seamlessly, working behind the scenes to power the systems that make our impact possible.