Jeremy Konyndyk

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) COVID-19 TASK FORCE AND SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE USAID ADMINISTRATOR, USA

Jeremy Konyndyk is the Executive Director of the USAID COVID-19 Task Force, which manages USAID’s COVID-19 response strategy, involvement with global response organisations including Gavi/COVAX, and United States relief efforts for countries suffering the devastating effects of the virus. Mr Konyndyk is also a current member of the Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Emergencies Programme (IOAC).

Mr Konyndyk began his appointment as the Director of USAID’s Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) in September 2013. As Director of the lead federal office responsible for coordinating the US Government’s response to international disasters, Mr Konyndyk oversaw OFDA’s global programs and responses to an average of 70 disasters in 50 countries every year. He led a global team of more than 470 people and oversaw annual resources of more than US$ 1.1 billion.

Prior to his appointment, Mr Konyndyk worked for Mercy Corps as its Director of Policy and Advocacy. From 2003 to 2008, he served as the American Refugee Committee’s Country Director in South Sudan, Uganda, and Guinea. Mr Konyndyk earlier served as a Refugee Officer with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. 

Mr Konyndyk holds a Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and a Master’s degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.