A former Llandeilo woman has been appointed to lead Welsh humanitarian links with Africa.

Catherine – known as Cat - Jones is to take up the role of head of the Wales Africa Partnership at the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA) from April.

The 37-year-old boats a wealth of experience in overseas and humanitarian work having previously held posts in Beirut, Norway and Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake of 2010.

Cat is currently employed by the Nike Foundation Girl Hub.

The Partnership is a three-year project which brings together the WCIA and four of Wales’ leading international and volunteering networks – Fair Trade Wales, Wales for Africa Health Links Network, Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel and Wales Council for Voluntary Action – into one programme.

The role will see her engaging a wide variety of individuals and organisations in work that is beneficial to Wales and Africa – including linking programmes, events, campaigns, volunteer support, and policy and advocacy work.

Cat said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Wales Africa Partnership and look forward to making the most of my international experiences in Wales.

“I think it’s vital that people throughout Wales, of all backgrounds and ages, have the opportunity to get involved in this work, whether through awareness raising, community campaigning, or development projects in Africa.

"By working together, the partner organisations have a real opportunity to take this programme to new heights of public engagement and impact in both Wales and Africa.”

I am delighted to be able to welcome Cat to the Wales Africa Partnership and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs,” said WCIA director Martin Pollard.

“It is great for us to have such a talented and experienced person as Cat joining the team to take this programme forward.

“She is going to be a massive benefit to the project.”