Karl Fickenscher

Karl Fickenscher is the USAID Chair/Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School of National Defense Management, National Defense University (NDU). He is a career U.S. Senior Foreign Service Officer (Minister Counselor) with extensive experience at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Prior to his faculty role, he served in senior USAID leadership positions, including Acting Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation (DDI), overseeing technical assistance globally. His career includes 20 years of overseas assignments, such as Deputy Coordinator for USAID's Power Africa initiative in South Africa and roles in Tanzania, Armenia, Kenya, and other African nations.

Education:

• J.D., Harvard Law School
• M.A., African Area Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
• M.Sc., International Relations (Rotary International fellowship), University of Zimbabwe
• B.A., Government and Politics (Soviet Studies), University of Maryland, College Park

Research Focus: His professional expertise centers on international development strategy, economic growth, energy policy, and private sector engagement in global development. His work integrates technical assistance, policy development, and public-private partnerships to address challenges in emerging economies. He has led initiatives in energy sector transformation (e.g., Power Africa) and institutional capacity-building across Africa and Eastern Europe.

Leadership & Experience: Advised the USAID Administrator on U.S. development finance agencies (DFC and MCC). Managed USAID's Private Sector Engagement Hub and Development Credit offices. His legal background in international business and intellectual property adds depth to his development work, alongside pro bono advocacy for nonprofits and marginalized communities.

Labs/Teams: Core contributor to USAID's Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation; led Power Africa's technical and transaction teams in South Africa; oversaw East and Southern Africa regional legal affairs for USAID.