<b>Relationship between risk assessment and performance of projects in non-government organizations in South Sudan.  A cross-sectional study.</b>

Background: The study aimed to determine the relationship between risk Assessment and performance of projects in NGOs in South Sudan. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population comprised 220 NGO staff, from which a sample of 136 respondents was selected using stratified, purposive, and simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, while secondary data were obtained from documents and literature. Instruments were pretested for validity and reliability, achieving acceptable Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.7. Data were analyzed using SPSS for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data, adhering to ethical standards Results: Out of 136 sampled respondents, 120 returned completed questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 88.89%, exceeding the recommended 70% threshold. Age analysis showed 40% were 31-40 years, 22% were 41-50 years, 24% were 20-30 years, 12% were above 50, and 2% below 20. Educationally, 67.5% held bachelor’s degrees, 20.83% postgraduate qualifications, 10% diplomas, and 1.67% secondary certificates. Regarding experience, 34% had worked 1-5 years, 33% 5-10 years, 21% over 10 years, and 13% less than one year. Project officers constituted 48% of respondents, followed by finance officers (18%) and supervisors (15%). Risk assessment affected project performance to a great extent (37%) and a very great extent (32%). Regression results showed risk prevention had a positive, significant effect on performance (β=0.175, t=3.712, p<0.001). Non-response accounted for 11.11%, while university and postgraduate respondents together represented 88.33% of the total sample population. Characteristics were consistent. Conclusion: Risk Assessment has a positive and significant effect on the performance of the projects. Recommendation: Project management should fully integrate systematic risk assessment practices into project implementation to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential risks early.