Paul Murphy has worked in international development cooperation for over thirty-five years, taking on a range of roles in response to humanitarian crises and supporting long-term recovery and stability. He spent over fifteen years in the Horn of Africa, working with national and international civil society organisations, the United Nations and as a freelance specialist focused on people-led approaches to food security, social cohesion and conflict transformation. This included an extended period in Sudan and South Sudan during a time of significant change and instability.

His long-term engagement in the region led to a deeper focus on the root causes of insecurity, conflict and the disruption of people’s lives. In 2008, Paul joined Saferworld, an organisation specialising in international conflict prevention and human security policy and practice across Africa and Asia, serving as its Director from 2012 to 2024. He continues to engage in conflict-related issues in the Horn of Africa, Sudan and South Sudan. Paul lives in the UK.