Hi, I’m
Evans George Onyiego
Maralal,Rift Valley
Summary
Accomplished and values-driven Development, Peacebuilding, and Humanitarian professional with over 20 years of strategic leadership experience across fragile and conflict-affected contexts in East Africa. I bring a proven track record in designing and delivering transformative, community-centered programs in resilience, governance, conflict transformation, and humanitarian response. In my last assignment, I served as Partnerships and Networks Coordination Lead under USAID’s Resilience Learning Activity. I have successfully directed multisectoral initiatives across Kenya, Somalia, and the Horn of Africa—demonstrating strong capabilities in adaptive management, systems thinking, and evidence-based learning. My leadership is grounded in inclusivity, integrity, and impact. As Field Director for the USAID Nawiri Program under Mercy Corps, I led a high-performing team of over 100 staff and 270 community volunteers to implement a complex, multi-million-dollar, multisectoral initiative to sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition in Northern Kenya. My leadership was instrumental in managing a broad and ambitious program portfolio that integrated nutrition, health, WASH, food security, livelihoods, and systems strengthening in a complex setting. Over two years, I spearheaded an intensive research and learning phase to uncover chronic malnutrition's root causes across 14 key thematic areas. This included deep engagement with communities, local governments, and technical partners to identify malnutrition's social, economic, environmental, and systemic drivers. I coordinated qualitative and quantitative studies, stakeholder consultations, and participatory assessments that provided a holistic understanding of nutrition vulnerabilities in arid and semi-arid areas. Using this evidence base, I led the design of an innovative, locally contextualized, multisectoral program strategy to close critical nutrition gaps. This included interventions across household income, maternal and child health, gender dynamics, food systems, and governance structures. My leadership ensured that the program aligned with USAID guidelines while being rooted in community needs and systems resilience. This experience sharpened my ability to lead large-scale, evidence-driven programs in challenging contexts, while building strategic partnerships and ensuring program quality, accountability, and systemic change.
Overview
20
years of professional experience
29
Certifications
Work History
Arid and Semi-Arid Resilience Integrated Development (ASRID)
Chief Executive Officer
04.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Forged strategic partnerships with government, donors, and private sector, expanding program reach and influence in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Mobilized multi-year funding from bilateral, multilateral, and philanthropic sources, enabling large-scale climate resilience and livelihood programs.
- Represented the organization in high-level policy forums, securing visibility and shaping national and regional resilience agendas.
- Led the design and delivery of innovative, evidence-based programs in food security, climate adaptation, and community empowerment.
- Influenced policy and resource allocation through targeted advocacy and collaboration with decision-makers.
- Strengthened institutional systems, governance, and accountability, aligning operations with global development standards.
RLA – ACDI VOCA
PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS COORDINATION LEAD
10.2024 - 03.2025
Job overview
- I have forged strong partnerships with governments, civil society, faith-based organizations, the private sector, and donor institutions throughout my career. My leadership within the PREG and SEK coordination platforms (covering nine counties in the Arid and semi-arid counties in Kenya) under RLA exemplifies my ability to align multiple stakeholders toward shared development outcomes. I have led high-level forums and negotiation processes with USAID, county governments, national governments and implementing partners, resulting in effective co-creation and implementation of joint development strategies while ensuring strong SLI.
- I spearheaded joint work planning processes, aligning activities with county and national strategies, and facilitated adaptive management through evidence-based learning. My leadership has consistently delivered on objectives while fostering accountability, inclusiveness, and learning
- Key Achievements:
- Spearheaded the planning, implementation, and monitoring of USAID-funded resilience and learning initiatives across Kenya, Somalia, and the HoRN region, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Strengthened multi-stakeholder coordination through the Partnership for Resilience and Economic Growth (PREG) and Southeastern Kenya (SEK) mechanisms, fostering collaboration among USAID, government agencies, and implementing partners.
- Led strategic planning and adaptive learning efforts, designing joint work plans and facilitating high-level engagements to address implementation challenges and enhance program effectiveness.
- Oversaw monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting, ensuring data-driven decision-making and compliance with USAID reporting requirements.
- Provided technical leadership in developing and disseminating learning products, policy briefs, and communication materials to enhance knowledge-sharing and program visibility.
- Managed partnerships with government agencies, private sector actors, and community organizations, driving coordinated responses and sustainable impact.
- Supervised and mentored field coordination teams, optimizing program delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Led the facilitation of national and county-level forums, strengthening institutional capacity and multi-sectoral integration for resilience programming.
- Ensured the integration of conflict sensitivity, Do No Harm principles, and best practices into program implementation, contributing to effective and sustainable interventions.
RLA – ACDI VOCA
PREG Coordination Manager, Samburu and Turkana Counties
08.2024 - 09.2024
Job overview
- I provided technical support to RLA program in Samburu and Turkana Counties. The following are some of the outlined achievements:
- Led coordination of USAID PREG implementing partners and county officials, driving joint investment strategies for collective impact.
- Engaged with county governments, local organizations, and communities to assess needs, identify gaps, and provide targeted technical support.
- Managed county-level implementation of joint investment initiatives, overseeing logistics for workshops, meetings, webinars, and capacity-building activities.
- Strengthened knowledge management and strategic communications by capturing critical updates on county-level shocks, stresses, and learning insights.
- Enhanced M&E and data analytics processes, supporting data collection, performance monitoring, and reporting for RLA-funded initiatives.
- Systematized feedback loops through strategic reviews, after-action assessments, and participatory learning sessions to improve program outcomes.
- Led county joint work planning and monitoring to align stakeholders with agreed programmatic priorities and strategic learning initiatives (SLI).
- Supervised subgrantees in assigned counties, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and effective implementation of program activities.
- Represented the program at county and national forums, serving as a key liaison for stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
- Contributed to USAID Mission updates and authored biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to inform program strategy and decision-making.
Mercy Corps (USAID Nawiri)
Field Director/ Head of the office
04.2020 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Orchestrated a dynamic team comprising 103 staff and over 270 volunteers within a consortium framework with six partners, driving the successful execution of a multisectoral nutrition project funded by USAID under the acclaimed USAID–Nawiri program.
- Championing collaborative leadership in strategy development, equipping the team with enhanced skills and expertise, overseeing flawless strategy implementation, and fostering robust partnerships between project units and stakeholders for maximum impact.
- Elevated Mercy Corps' profile and the program's influence by representing both entities at the apex of county government, forging strategic alliances and ensuring alignment with overarching development priorities.
- Cultivating a culture of continuous learning, systemic thinking, and rigorous analysis, nurturing a high-performance environment conducive to innovation and adaptive management.
- Streamlined operations by coordinating county-level NAWIRI staff, ensuring the prompt delivery of meticulously crafted program reports, work plans, and budgets, thereby optimizing resource allocation and program effectiveness.
- Pioneered the application of cutting-edge principles, methodologies, and tools to orchestrate the development, scheduling, coordination, and management of program activities and resources, driving operational excellence and impact maximization.
- Overseeing the seamless execution of daily office and program activities, fostering a cohesive and efficient working environment conducive to achieving program objectives.
- Ensuring unwavering adherence to Mercy Corps' administrative protocols and stringent compliance with security procedures and policies, safeguarding the organization's reputation and operational integrity.
Catholic Diocese of Maralal
Caritas Director
10.2012 - 02.2020
Job overview
- Orchestrated seamless collaboration between partners and the Catholic Diocese of Maralal - Caritas Office, ensuring cohesive alignment and fostering synergistic relationships for impactful community development initiatives.
- Drove the efficient functioning of the Caritas Board of Management by providing adept secretarial support, facilitating informed decision-making, and enhancing governance practices.
- Spearheaded the formulation, review, and implementation of progressive policies, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development and organizational growth.
- Exercised astute stewardship in overseeing the comprehensive execution of projects, meticulously aligning activities with approved proposals, budgets, and timelines to achieve exceptional outcomes.
- Cultivated robust partnerships with implementing teams, providing strategic guidance and empowering them to realize their full potential, thereby amplifying project effectiveness and community impact.
- Ensured seamless integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion into project frameworks, enhancing their relevance and resonance within the community.
- Produced insightful program status reports, offering stakeholders transparent insights into project progress, achievements, and challenges, fostering accountability and informed decision-making.
- Pioneered the design of innovative program phases, leveraging forward-thinking approaches and creative solutions to address evolving community needs and aspirations.
- Successfully secured funding through the development of compelling project proposals, leveraging strategic partnerships and demonstrating the organization's commitment to sustainable development.
University of Open Learning UK
RTC Senior Peace Advisor
01.2013 - 12.2017
Job overview
- Spearheaded the refinement of academic papers, enhancing their relevance and rigor to advance the discourse in peace studies.
- Authored practitioner-focused articles, providing actionable insights and strategies to address contemporary challenges in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
- Generated comprehensive reports, meticulously assessing the transformative effects of project engagement on stakeholders and communities, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable outcomes.
- Played a pivotal role as the primary liaison and knowledge hub between Responding to Conflict - UK and stakeholders in Kenya, facilitating effective collaboration and the exchange of expertise to catalyze impactful peace initiatives.
- Part time position
Catholic Diocese of Maralal
Acting Caritas Director / Justice and Peace Executive Secretary
10.2010 - 10.2012
Job overview
- Successfully balanced dual roles as both Caritas Director and Executive Secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission, effectively leveraging synergies between the two entities to advance holistic community development and social justice initiatives.
- Acted as a pivotal bridge between partners and the Catholic Diocese of Maralal -Caritas Office, fostering robust collaborations and partnerships to drive sustainable change and impact at the grassroots level.
- Provided adept secretarial support to the Caritas Board of Management, facilitating transparent governance processes and enabling strategic decision-making to further organizational objectives.
- Led the formulation, review, and implementation of progressive policies, fostering an enabling environment for social justice, peacebuilding, and community development efforts.
- Orchestrated the seamless management of project implementation, meticulously aligning activities with approved proposals, budgets, and timelines to achieve tangible and sustainable outcomes.
- Cultivated trust-based relationships with implementing teams, offering strategic guidance and support to empower them in achieving project goals and maximizing community impact.
- Ensured the comprehensive integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion into project frameworks.
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission Catholic Diocese of Maralal
Executive Secretary
06.2005 - 10.2010
Job overview
- Led the transformation of the diocesan Justice and Peace project, implementing strategic initiatives that empowered communities and fostered lasting peace and social justice.
- Took immediate responsibility for overseeing donor-funded projects within the Justice and Peace program, ensuring their efficient execution and alignment with organizational objectives and donor expectations.
- Initiated innovative strategies within the Catholic Diocese of Maralal, guiding the conceptualization, development, and implementation of impactful governance and human rights interventions tailored to local contexts.
- Championed awareness and advocacy for human rights issues across the Diocese, cultivating a culture of dignity, respect, and inclusivity among its diverse population.
- Advanced the Diocese's commitment to promoting dignity and respect for all individuals, embodying the principles of social justice and compassion inherent in Catholic teachings.
- Deepened the dissemination and understanding of the church's social doctrine, translating its principles into practical initiatives and tangible outcomes that enriched community life.
- Established robust networks and fostered strategic collaborations with like-minded agencies, amplifying the influence of Justice and Peace initiatives and fostering unity in pursuit of common goals.
- Conducted regular analyses of conflict contexts, providing timely insights and facilitating informed decision-making to address underlying tensions and promote peaceful resolutions.
Education
Masinde Muliru University
MSC from Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response
12.2022
University Overview
Ongoing
Laikipia University
Bachelor of Science Degree from Community Development
12.2016
PREMESE Development Institute
Diploma from Community Development and Project Management
12.2007
Maralal High School
Certificate from Kenya Secondary Education (KCSE)
12.1997
Skills
Facilitation expertise: Skilled in guiding groups through discussions, decision-making processes, and workshops
Dynamic presentation skills: Proficient in delivering engaging and impactful presentations
Proficient in report writing: Experienced in producing comprehensive and concise reports that effectively communicate project progress, findings, and recommendations
Strong negotiation abilities: Capable of navigating complex negotiations with stakeholders
Skilled in participatory approaches & methodologies: Knowledgeable in utilizing participatory techniques to engage communities in project design, implementation, and evaluation
Effective resource mobilization: Experienced in identifying and securing funding and other resources to support project implementation, partnerships, and sustainability
Community-managed disaster risk reduction knowledge: Familiar with approaches to empower communities to identify, mitigate, and manage disaster risks
Radio presentation proficiency: Skilled in delivering engaging and informative content for radio broadcasts, utilizing effective storytelling and communication techniques to reach diverse audiences
Digital literacy: Comfortable with using a variety of digital tools and platforms for communication, research, and information management, including email, web browsers, and office productivity software
Coordination: Skilled in coordination of different forums enhancing sequencing layering and Integration Supported the PREG forum in Samburu County and the different county technical working groups I also managed a consortium comprising of over 8 international and national organisations
Budget Management: Managed a $3,083,512 annual budget for the Nawiri program ensuring efficient allocation of resources and achieving efficient budget use
Community-managed disaster risk reduction knowledge: Familiar with approaches to empower communities to identify, mitigate, and manage disaster risks
Radio presentation proficiency: Skilled in delivering engaging and informative content for radio broadcasts, utilizing effective storytelling and communication techniques to reach diverse audiences
Digital literacy: Comfortable with using a variety of digital tools and platforms for communication, research, and information management, including email, web browsers, and office productivity software
Coordination: Skilled in coordination of different forums enhancing sequencing layering and Integration Supported the PREG forum in Samburu County and the different county technical working groups I also managed a consortium comprising of over 8 international and national organisations
Budget Management: Managed a $3,083,512 annual budget for the Nawiri program ensuring efficient allocation of resources and achieving efficient budget use
Certification
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) – Mercy Corps Global Security – Aug 2022.
References
Peter, Musau, Financial Administrator, mptah@yahoo.com, 0723897772, Catholic Diocese of Maralal
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Arid and Semi-Arid Resilience Integrated Development (ASRID)
04.2025 - Current
PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS COORDINATION LEAD
RLA – ACDI VOCA
10.2024 - 03.2025
PREG Coordination Manager, Samburu and Turkana Counties
RLA – ACDI VOCA
08.2024 - 09.2024
Field Director/ Head of the office
Mercy Corps (USAID Nawiri)
04.2020 - 06.2024
RTC Senior Peace Advisor
University of Open Learning UK
01.2013 - 12.2017
Caritas Director
Catholic Diocese of Maralal
10.2012 - 02.2020
Acting Caritas Director / Justice and Peace Executive Secretary
Catholic Diocese of Maralal
10.2010 - 10.2012
Executive Secretary
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission Catholic Diocese of Maralal
06.2005 - 10.2010
Laikipia University
Bachelor of Science Degree from Community Development
PREMESE Development Institute
Diploma from Community Development and Project Management
Maralal High School
Certificate from Kenya Secondary Education (KCSE)
Masinde Muliru University
MSC from Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response