Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 36 years of experience in environment and natural resources management, the expert specializes in water and energy issues. They have significant project experience with both local and international initiatives, collaborating with organizations like UNDP and UNEP. Key qualifications include teaching postgraduate courses in development impact evaluation and energy policy. Leadership roles have included coordinating the Master's Programme and chairing research committees at the University of Nairobi. Career highlights include leading Human Development Reports and contributing to policy-relevant research on China-Africa economic relations.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Commission, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD). Their involvement has included project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in areas like environment, natural resources management, and economic development. The projects have been regional and national in scope, primarily focused on East Africa, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in environment and climate, social development, and research and innovation, the expert has held roles such as senior research fellow, development economist, and environmental expert. Responsibilities have included project management, consultancy, and academic leadership. The expert possesses interdisciplinary expertise in areas like energy policy planning and natural resources management, with a geographic focus on East Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Their work often involves integrating environmental considerations into economic development initiatives.

The expert has extensive geographic experience in East Africa, having worked in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Djibouti. This experience includes deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, as well as regional development issues. The expert's work has often involved long-term assignments and recurring involvement in these countries, contributing to significant expertise in regional environmental and economic development.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, a key UN official language, and Swahili, the expert has utilized these language skills in professional contexts across East Africa, including in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, facilitating effective communication in multilingual teams and international collaborations.

They hold a PhD in Environment and Development from Roskilde University, Denmark, completed in 2002. They also undertook PhD coursework in Environmental Economics at Goteborg University, Sweden, in 1997. Additionally, they earned a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, in 1992, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the same institution in 1988.