Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 16 years of professional experience, with more than 7 years dedicated to project management within the development sector, the expert is skilled in research and analysis, advocacy, policy influencing, and monitoring and evaluation. Career highlights include managing international initiatives, such as partnerships with Cordaid and Caritas for SRHR projects in Kenya. Notable achievements involve increasing donations by 20% for the Straight Talk Foundation and training coordinators across 15 counties. Responsibilities have included project planning, donor liaison, and strategic relationship management.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors like Cordaid and Caritas, focusing on health sector initiatives, specifically sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). The expert's role in these projects included organizing life skills camps for girls in Kenya, addressing critical issues like FGM, HIV/AIDS, and family planning. Additionally, the expert enhanced donations for the Straight Talk Foundation by 20% through effective relationship management with local, national, and international donors. These projects were primarily national in scope, targeting pastoralist communities in Kenya.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in gender and human rights, monitoring and evaluation, project management, and research and innovation, the expert has held roles such as SRHR Research Consultant and Programme Manager. Responsibilities have included project planning, donor liaison, and capacity building. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise covers advocacy, policy influencing, and poverty reduction, predominantly within Kenya. This experience includes cross-sectoral initiatives, such as integrating gender mainstreaming and youth development into health and education projects. The expert has developed a deep understanding of local governance and cultural dynamics within the Kenyan context.

Languages and education

The expert is proficient in English and Swahili, with native proficiency in Swahili. Additionally, the expert has basic proficiency in French (A1) and is currently learning Dutch and German. These language skills facilitate effective communication in diverse and multilingual environments, supporting collaboration in international development projects. The expert holds an M.A. in Development Studies from ISS - Erasmus University in the Netherlands, specializing in Social Policy for Development with a focus on Children and Youth Studies. Additionally, the expert earned a B.A. in Economics and Information Technology from Maseno University in Kenya.