Open to opportunities

Eric Waweru

@ericwaweru

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Governance and public policy specialist with 13 years of experience.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration and drives impactful governance reforms.

I am a Governance and Operations Leader with over 13 years of experience in strengthening public institutions and managing board governance across Africa. My expertise lies in project management, multi-stakeholder coordination, and strategic planning, where I have successfully influenced national reform agendas and fostered trust-based partnerships aligned with intersectional gender justice.

Throughout my career, I have held key positions, including Deputy Country Director at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where I managed a $2.5M budget and ensured 100% regulatory compliance. I have a proven track record of delivering impactful governance reforms, enhancing program delivery efficiency, and supporting significant funding mobilization efforts, such as the Africa Climate Summit. My commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment has driven my work at UN Women, where I led initiatives across 13 African countries, integrating gender-responsive strategies into regional policies.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Deputy Country Director

Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI)

Jan 2023 - Jul 2024 (1 year 6 months)

Advised senior government leaders on digital governance and economic policy, influencing national reform agendas across public service, tax, and SME sectors. Led institutional governance alignment across national programs and climate portfolios, managing a $2.5M budget and ensuring 100% regulatory compliance.

Governance Budget Management Regulatory Compliance Strategic Planning Digital Transformation Blended Finance

Regional Program Coordinator

UN Women – East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO)

Sep 2021 - Sep 2022 (1 year)

Led gender equality and economic empowerment efforts across 13 African countries, integrating gender-responsive strategies into regional policies, governance frameworks, and public sector reforms. Coordinated operations and governance of a regional economic empowerment program across 13 countries.

Gender Equality Governance Program Coordination Inclusive Gender Policies Programmatic Work Planning Donor Reporting

Senior Gender Advisor

UN Women Kenya Country Office

Jul 2017 - Aug 2021 (4 years 1 month)

Collaborated with the Government of Kenya to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment through strengthened policy, legislation, and institutional mainstreaming. Led advisory to parliamentary boards and sectoral working groups on budget transparency, financial inclusion, and climate governance.

Gender Equality Women'S Economic Empowerment Policy Development Legislative Support Institutional Mainstreaming Government Relations Financial Inclusion Climate Governance

Program Officer, Democracy and Governance

National Democratic Institute (NDI)

Jun 2010 - Aug 2015 (5 years 2 months)

Managed program logistics, quarterly donor reporting, and political advisory for inclusive governance initiatives. Facilitated advisory group meetings, drafted governance reports, and implemented civic education campaigns.

Program Management Donor Reporting Civic Education Legislative Participation Political Dialogue

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Sheffield

Master of Arts, Governance and Public Policy

2015 - 2017

Activities and societies: Chevening Scholar

Completed a Master of Arts in Governance and Public Policy, focusing on advanced concepts and practices in public administration and policy formulation. Awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship during this period.

United States International University – Africa

Bachelor of Arts, International Relations

2006 - 2009

Undertook a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a minor in Environmental Studies. Gained a comprehensive understanding of global political dynamics and environmental issues.