Program Manager Climate Change

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CHEPNGETICH KOECH VALERIE

Tel: +254*********

E-mail: *****.*******@*****.***

Notable and passionate Environment & Climate Change Expert with over 10 years’ experience cumulatively in government, private sector and Consultancy with great interest for Climate change

,Risk assessment,Environmental Impact Assessment & Audits, Environment law and policy, Environment Governance, sustainability, and Air/Water quality, waste management,Biodiversity conservation and Research development on global environmental issues. Possesses strong experience integrating international MEAs to local viable environment and sustainability policies. I effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse team. EDUCATION BACKGROUND

ISO 14001-2015, ISO45001-2018,ISO9001/Risk Assessment- May to date

MSc Project planning &Management(2017-2022) University of Nairobi

Bachelor of Science Environmental Studies (2008-2012) Kenyatta University

Attained: Second class Honors

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education( 2003-2006) Moi Siongiroi Girls Secondary School Attained: B (Plain)

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Expert-NEMA

Climate Change and Human Rights-UNFCC/UNHR/GIZ

Sustainable Lake Management- UNEP/UNDP/CapNET

Climate Change and Human Health-UNITAR/WHO

Climate Change and Children-UNITAR/UNICEF

Cities and Climate Change- UNITAR/UN HABITAT

Project Management(4)-University of Nairobi

Member, Environment Institute of Kenya

Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air pollution- UNITAR/UNECE

Air Quality Science Training-Columbia University/Kenyatta University

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning(2) –University of Nairobi & USAID PUBLICATIONS

I have researched and published ‘Influence of stakeholders participation on implementation of off grid micro hydropower projects in Kenya; a case of Iriamaina micro hydropower in Bomet county’ in November 2022 at the University of Nairobi repository.

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Presented and published ‘Influence of stakeholders participation on implementation of off grid micro hydropower projects in Kenya; a case of Iriamaina micro hydropower in Bomet county’ during the 4th annual international conference of project planning and management at the University of Nairobi research week 2022 on https://researchweek.uonbi.ac.ke/session/4th-annual-international-conference-on-project - planning-and-management/

Presented a research paper ‘Influence of political factors on M & E of off grid hydropower projects in Kenya: a case of Iriamaina micro hydropower in Bomet county’ in the 1st annual international conference of monitoring and evaluation 2022/23 by the University of Nairobi in partnership with the Annual African Conference of Monitoring

& Evaluation (AAFCME).

Frequent contribution on environmental governance issues and knowledge transfer of the same on media.

Key report writing officer in the department on behalf of the county Government of Bomet during my tenure.

Currently working on research papers at my current role in the academia. SKILLS AND COMPETENCE

Research: Data collection, ethical consideration in research, interpretation and presentation

Project planning procedures: preparation and customization of principles and concepts of project planning to a particular project with focus on cost, schedule and results.

Project management procedures: actual knowledge and experience on planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling of a project.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning: Experience in analyzing output, effects and impacts of a project or program in target population.

Proposal writing: Skilled in writing winning proposals.

Data analysis: skilled in data entry and interpretation through Microsoft excel and analysis through SPSS tool.

Environmental Impact Assessment &Audit: experience on identifying(high/medium/low risk) and mitigating risk of projects through an ESMP.

Environmental Regulations & Licensing: Experience with local environmental laws and policies and international multilateral environmental agreements.

Communication skills: Excellent communication skills in Kiswahili and English with the ability to engage with people from all backgrounds and create professional relationship with both my colleagues and superiors. I poses excellent negotiation skills. Also Moderator and Rapporteur skills.

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Technical Reporting: Organizational reports on performance, environmental reporting and Environmental impact assessment and audit reports.

ICT/Computer skills: proficient in computer operations with more practice in Microsoft office (Data entry, analysis and presentation, reporting) Microsoft excel, word, PowerPoint, email etiquette.

Conflict Resolution & Mental Health

Mediation Skills

WORK HISTORY

Strathmore University, March 2024-to date-Associate Researcher-Centre for Biodiversity Information Centre (Part Time role)

Duties and responsibilities

Research development for the variety of life forms in ecosystems, aiming to understand their distribution, interactions, and importance for ecosystem health. They investigate the factors influencing biodiversity, such as habitat loss, climate change, and human activities, and explore strategies for conservation and sustainable management. Through fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration with other scientists and stakeholders, biodiversity researchers contribute to our understanding of the natural world and work to preserve its richness for future generations. Environment Projects Specialist/Consultancy at Environment Institute of Kenya

(Part Time)

January 2015 –March 2024

Duties and responsibilities and Achievement in the role

Managed and coordinated environment Impact Assessment & Audit for projects from inception to completion, overseeing all phases of project implementation, including planning, execution, and evaluation.

Support with setting emission reduction targets and defining strategies for transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Monitoring and Reporting by engaging in collecting and reporting data on environment and climate change indicators.

Building Local Capacities through provisions for capacity building, education, and public awareness to enhance local understanding of Climate change and triple planetary crisis issues and foster community participation, aligning with the goals of international agreements.

Integration of national Climate change laws into development Planning

Legal Compliance and Enforcement of national legal frameworks 4

Engaging Local Stakeholders such as local communities, indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders in decision-making processes around understanding and integration of Multilateral Environmental agreement.

Support the implementation of International Commitments by translating Global Goals into Local Action using regional and national laws

Customize to Local Contexts by tailoring strategies

Conduct thorough assessments to identify and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects. This involves studying the project's scope, location, design, and potential interactions with the environment.

Collect relevant data on various environmental parameters such as air quality, water resources, biodiversity, soil conditions, and socio-economic factors. They analyze this data to assess the potential impacts on ecosystems, communities, and natural resources.

Ensure that proposed projects comply with environmental regulations and standards set by local, national, and international authorities. They stay updated with relevant laws and guidelines to ensure that assessments meet regulatory requirements.

Engage with stakeholders including government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and project developers to gather input, address concerns, and incorporate feedback into the assessment process. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential in this aspect of the role.

Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate or minimize adverse environmental impacts. This may involve recommending alternative project designs, implementing mitigation measures, or proposing monitoring plans to track and manage environmental impacts over time.

Prepare comprehensive reports documenting the findings of the environmental assessment, including potential impacts, mitigation measures, and recommendations. These reports are submitted to regulatory agencies for review and approval.

Monitoring the implementation of mitigation measures and ensuring ongoing compliance with environmental regulations. They may conduct periodic site inspections, environmental audits, and assessments to verify that the project is meeting its environmental obligations.

Senior Environment Officer- County Government of Bomet, January 2015- January2018

Supported Nile Basin Initiative conservation Projects within Kenya Mau Forest in partnership with Government of Kenya.

Supported East Africa Community through Lake Victoria Basin Commission Mara River conservation Project which cuts across the East Africa countries in partnership with the EAC.

Represented the stakeholders meetings between NGOs (World Vision Kenya and The Kenya Red cross, World Wildlife Fund for nature (WWF) on water and sanitation, climate change and biodiversity partnership programs.

Led the development of county’s inaugural environmental policies and development plans.

Carried out monitoring, evaluation and learning of water,sanitation and climate 5

change projects worth over USD 200,000 undertaken by the county government through integrated development plans especially done by The Kenya Red cross and USAID and World vision in the county.

Collaborated with departmental colleagues on resource mobilization for county environment and conservation projects.

Developed annual resource mobilization plan to substitute the department annual budget for every financial year.

Together with colleagues in other departments, took lead in design of new projects and programs to fit the needs of the communities in Bomet County.

Provided primary project/programs progress reports to the Director of Environment and Natural Resources for strategic decision making

Supervised 30 sub-county environmental officers to ensure adherence to environmental work plans

Provided timely and actionable reports to the Director of Environment and Natural Resources

Ensured all projects undertaken by the county are compliant with CAP 387

(Laws of Kenya) by establishing feedback channels with all departments of the county government

Served as the contact person for National Environment Management Authority on Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit reports for projects.

Enforced devolved environmental protection laws through license issuance and revocation

Took lead on environment promotion days both locally and internationally representing the county at different levels.

Participated in county and national efforts to Conserve forest cover in the Mau forest region

Designed and implemented climate change adaptation programs and projects in the county

Participated actively in environmental law and policy on the implementation of Environmental Management and Coordination Act amendment (2016)

Designed, developed and implemented environmental compliance and protection programs

Provided technical contribution of biodiversity conservation in partnership with EAC / Lake Victoria Basin Commission on annual agreements on conservation and protection of Mau forest and river which is a transboundary resource.

Coordinated strategic communication development in the department and other departments and even outside the county through the proper channels.

Ensured activities for the department were technically current and relevant and ensured development of monitoring, evaluation & learning to ensure best management practices.

Travelled within the country and out of the country for representation of the government on work related matters.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP OFFICER

Smart Applications International Ltd Jan 2013 – 2015 Duties and responsibilities and Achievement in the role

Established a pleasant first point of contact for existing and prospective clients critical for client acquisition and retention

Proactive client advice to mitigate anticipated challenges. 6

Acquired new business worth USD 100,000 for the company

Carried out installations and training of user management systems for clients

Generated timely medical scheme reports and analysis.

Ensured monitoring, evaluation and learning for systems with clients for business development.

Developed risk management guidance materials, controls, policies and procedures. SELECTED TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS

Private sector training workshop on REDD+ and Carbon Markets held on 12th to 14th March 2024 by Conservation International at Naivasha, Kenya.

International Panelist on Circular Economy & MSMEs Conference held in Kolkata, India on 9th February 2024.

Data Driven Cities for the Urban Common Good conference facilitated by Federal Government of Germany and Kenya’s Ministry of Telecommunications and Broadcasting, in Nairobi, Kenya between 12th & 13th February 2024.

Africa Queen of Energy Award & Ministry of Energy, Kenya Nominee (finalist) for Research Award on my Research on renewable energy project as Clean Development Mechanism towards National Determined Contribution of climate change

Validation workshop on Continental Study on effects of Climate Change on the rights of African child held in Africa Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between 3rd to 4th November 2023.

Research Presenter and Rapporteur during the University of Nairobi Research week

(23rd to 27th October 2023).

UN Convention on Biological Diversity –SBSTTA 25 – side events 14th -20th October 2023 held at UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya.

Intergovernmental consultations on Nature Based Solution Meeting 9th-13th October held in UNEP, Gigiri, Kenya.

Investment Summit 2023 by Kenya Investment climate Innovation Center conference held between 4th & 6th October 2023 at The Edge Convention Centre in South C.

Climate U East Africa Final Dissemination Event at the KUCC, Kenyatta University Main Campus on 21st September 2023.

Annual World Water Quality Alliance Conference held on 18th to 20th September 2023 at UN Complex, Nairobi, Kenya hosted by UNEP/Science Division.

Innovation and Knowledge sharing conference presentation with ADMIR Africa company hosted by Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA)at their Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Africa Climate Week held in Nairobi, Kenya during and after Africa Climate Summit, facilitated by UNFCCC in partnership with African Union. 7

Africa Climate Summit from 4th to 6th September 2023 held in Nairobi, Kenya convened by African Union before the COP28 2023 in Dubai.

Africa Youth Climate Assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya from 1st September to 3rd September 2023facilitated by the UNFCCC and African Union preparation conference for Africa Climate Summit.

East Africa Air quality and Science training funded by US Department of State in partnership with Columbia University hosted by Kenyatta University on 14th August 2023 to 18th August 2023.

NEMA National Validation workshop on Draft Air Quality Regulation (2023) at the Panari Hotel on 11th July 2023.

NEMA regional Public participation workshop on Draft Air Quality Regulation (2023) at the Panari Hotel on 4th July 2023.

Africa Energy Forum (20th -23rd June 2023 hosted by KENGEN at the KICC, Nairobi, Kenya.

University of Nairobi annual conference of monitoring and evaluation in partnership with Annual African conference of monitoring and evaluation (AAFCME) 2022/2023.

University of Nairobi 4th annual international research conference on Project Management 23rd October to 28th October 2022

USAID training to County government officers on monitoring and evaluation (02/06/2015 to 04/06/2015).

Training on Public Policy development to county Management officers in September 2015.

East Africa Community (LVBC) Mara River protection workshop held in Musoma, Tanzania in August 2015.

Ecosystem Based Adaptation for food security workshop held at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi, in September 2015.

Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Agribusiness Incubator workshop, KICC Nairobi, 2015.

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa workshop on Climate Change CCDA in October 2015, held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. LEADERSHIP ROLE

Active Member of UNEP-World Water Quality Alliance

Active Member of Circular Economy working group,Kenya

Executive Board Advisor - Iriamaina Cooperative Society (A community-Based Organization with over 1500 people membership).

Elected Executive Secretary of HSG Residents Association Availability: Immediately

Referees: Available when needed.

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