International Development Officer, Local Government Association (United Kingdom)
Originally from New Zealand, where he pioneered the country's first community radio show dedicated to Asia-Pacific international relations, Ivor has worked in UK local government for six years in two London Boroughs. He first joined Merton Council where he worked in housing policy and strategic development followed by the Mayor's office at Lewisham Council where he led on the organisation's international partnerships in Europe and Africa. More recently Ivor completed post graduate studies in international development at the Institute for Commonwealth Studies (University of London), where his research focused on the reform and democratisation of South African local government. As well as designing and leading on a number of local government projects with South Africa which have gained a national profile, he has also worked in an advisory capacity with the Local Government Leadership Centre in developing a leadership program for chief executives and senior politicians within an African context.