Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
AGROFORESTRY & CLIMATE ENGAGEMENT
BOARD & LEADERSHIP ROLES
Hobbies
Timeline
Generic
Alvas Onguru

Alvas Onguru

Nairobi

Summary

Seasoned communications and development executive with 25+ years’ experience leading strategic campaigns, cross-sector partnerships, and behaviour change initiatives across Africa. Expert in nature-based climate solutions, regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. Former Global Head of Communications for Justdiggit Foundation and practicing food forestry farmer in Kendu Bay, Kenya. Adept at stakeholder engagement, carbon programme communications, and scaling field-based solutions with measurable impact.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Global Head of Communications & Partnerships

Justdiggit Foundation
01.2024 - 12.2024
  • Led global campaigns on ecosystem restoration, including agroforestry and carbon financing.
  • Coordinated storytelling and partnerships across NGOs, governments, and scientific institutions.
  • Designed integrated communication strategies to support VERRA carbon programme compliance.

Chief Creative Officer & Founder

OG+A
06.2012 - 12.2023
  • Led communications strategy and creative direction for development, government, and private sector clients.
  • Designed advocacy campaigns focused on agriculture, conservation, and public health.

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

Fireworks Advertising (Havas Kenya Affiliate)
01.2010 - 05.2012
  • Launched Havas’ presence in East Africa, leading integrated communications for multinational clients.
  • Directed campaigns on sustainable development, food security, and market access.

Creative Director Roles

Ogilvy
01.2008 - 01.2009

Regional Executive Creative Director

ZK Advertising International
06.2004 - 12.2007
  • Directed strategy and campaigns for brands across 16 African countries.
  • Oversaw teams developing cross-market messaging on infrastructure, telecom, and agriculture.

Creative Director Roles

TBWA\Worldwide
01.2002 - 01.2004

Creative Director Roles

DDB
01.2001 - 01.2002
  • Developed Kenya’s “Magical Kenya” campaign

Creative Director Roles

McCann and Saatchi & Saatchi
01.1995 - 01.2001

Education

MBA - Creative Leadership

Berlin School of Creative Leadership
01.2008 - 1 2021

Bachelor of Education - undefined

Moi University
01.1990 - 1 1994

Skills

Agroforestry Communications

Awards

Grand Prix, Kenya Advertising Awards (1998), 6× Gold, 2× Craft, 1× Silver – Kenya Advertising Awards (1998–2001)

AGROFORESTRY & CLIMATE ENGAGEMENT

  • Food Forestry Farmer – Kendu Bay, Kenya (since 2021): Managing a regenerative food forest with indigenous trees and diversified crops.
  • Justdiggit Campaigns – Led continent-wide storytelling on land restoration and carbon benefits.
  • Active contributor to regional dialogue on sustainable timber, biodiversity credits, and carbon permanence.

BOARD & LEADERSHIP ROLES

  • Board Member & Chair, Strategy & Publicity Committee, Institute of Directors Kenya – 2019–Present
  • Board Member, Mwamba Rugby Football Ltd – 2023–Present
  • Founder, ProSports Marketing, 2018–2024 – Built sponsorship pipelines for African sports ecosystems

Hobbies

Fishing, Boats, Sports

Timeline

Global Head of Communications & Partnerships

Justdiggit Foundation
01.2024 - 12.2024

Chief Creative Officer & Founder

OG+A
06.2012 - 12.2023

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

Fireworks Advertising (Havas Kenya Affiliate)
01.2010 - 05.2012

Creative Director Roles

Ogilvy
01.2008 - 01.2009

MBA - Creative Leadership

Berlin School of Creative Leadership
01.2008 - 1 2021

Regional Executive Creative Director

ZK Advertising International
06.2004 - 12.2007

Creative Director Roles

TBWA\Worldwide
01.2002 - 01.2004

Creative Director Roles

DDB
01.2001 - 01.2002

Creative Director Roles

McCann and Saatchi & Saatchi
01.1995 - 01.2001

Bachelor of Education - undefined

Moi University
01.1990 - 1 1994

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Alvas Onguru