Theo Murphy

Theo began his career in foreign affairs, managing emergency response missions for Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Sudan. Grappling with new challenges to humanitarianism encountered in these countries, he published/lectured on defending humanitarianism in the context of the greater war on terror. Following a masters’ degree in London, Theo took over Amnesty International’s Sudan work while also writing for the International Crisis Group.

From 2007-2011, Theo worked in conflict resolution/mediation with the United Nations and in the non-governmental sector in the Horn of Africa and Middle East with the Geneva based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue. He served as Expert Advisor to the AU/UN mediation team in Darfur in 2007-08. In 2011, Theo was appointed by the UN Secretary General to the Panel of Experts for Libya where he served in the post of Regional Expert. As a Course Director and Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Theo designed and led accredited training for diplomats, military, and multilateral staff on the topic of Engagement with Non-State Actors.

Working closely with the German MFA after relocating to Berlin, from 2012 to 2020, Theo oversaw mediation initiatives throughout the Horn of Africa. Amongst others, he negotiated an internationally recognized political agreement in Darfur and supported efforts towards creating a Red Sea Forum.

Most recently, Theo established the Africa Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). In a nod to Africa’s growing geopolitical relevance, Theo designed the Program around shared interests between the two continents: peace/security, trade, climate policy, renewable energy and critical raw materials, and exploration of a common approach to changing global order. 

Theo holds degrees from McGill University and the School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) London.