Patrick Fine, Chief Executive Officer of FHI 360, and Jason Olson, Managing Director of U.K.-based Konung International (KI), announced today that FHI 360 has acquired the programs, expertise and other assets of Konung International, a specialist international development consultancy delivering innovative governance and public financial management programs globally — including in fragile and conflict-affected environments.
“Today, FHI 360 has taken an important step in expanding our ability to address complex human development challenges around the globe, many of which are being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing our engagement with our U.K. development partners will allow us to expand and deepen our work to improve lives and eliminate extreme poverty,” said Fine. “KI’s expertise in adaptive programming, public finance and political economy analysis will add to our understanding of the political, economic and structural factors that influence development, enabling us to design and implement more effective and sustainable responses to the current crisis as well as development challenges well into the 2020s.”
KI conducts in-depth analyses of the circumstances surrounding a developmental challenge, taking into consideration not only the local political economy but also other factors that influence the success of response efforts — including conflict, culture, livelihoods, environment, gender, demographics and social exclusion.
“We are pleased to become part of the FHI 360 family,” says Olson. “Our locally driven focus and the way we think and work mirrors FHI 360’s values and approach, making this agreement ideal. FHI 360’s commitment to working with U.K. development partners will help us both better achieve our organizational goals.”
Aleta Williams, FHI 360’s Director of Business Development and Diversification, will serve as Acting Managing Director of KI, leading the integration of KI into FHI 360’s family of companies. Williams will oversee daily operations, and Olson will join FHI 360 as a senior technical director.
About FHI 360
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes leaders in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender equality, youth, research, technology, communication and social marketing — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories.
About Konung International
KI is a U.K.-based specialist international development consultancy co-founded in 2013 by several international development professionals to bring together their expertise and experience. Since its establishment, KI has implemented programs in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
