Jersey Overseas Aid has confirmed the appointment of a new executive director.
Edward Lewis has been selected following a global recruitment process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission.
Mr Lewis previously served as interim executive director of the international aid charity.
He succeeds the executive director role from Simon Boas, who was in post for eight years before his death from throat cancer last year at the age of 46.
JOA operates numerous development projects in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities, including those affected by natural disaster or conflict.
Under three priority themes – Dairy for Development, Conservation Livelihoods, and Financial Inclusion – the charity offers grants and local volunteering opportunities to improve the health, economic ability, and sustainability of individuals and whole communities.
JOA said Mr Lewis “stood out” in an “excellent” field of candidates and the panel’s decision was “unanimous”.
In a statement, the charity said: “Edward’s interpersonal skills, professional and practical experience in the development sector, together with his commitment to delivering JOA’s mission stood out.”
Mr Lewis said he is honoured to lead an organisation that represents the “very best of Jersey”.
“I am incredibly excited at the prospect of building on the tremendous work of the Commission and that of my predecessor, Simon Boas, taking the organisation forward and enhancing its reputation as a world-class development donor,” he added.
Later this year, JOA will host a United Nations event, welcoming government representatives and officials from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
