Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Josephine Njambi Wambugu

Josephine Njambi Wambugu

Diplomat/ Foreign Service Officer

Summary

Professional with track record of fostering international relations and navigating complex diplomatic environments. Skilled in cross-cultural communication, policy analysis, and conflict resolution. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently dependable. Effective in strategic planning, negotiation, and representing national interests on global stage.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages

Work History

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
10.2024 - Current


Portfolio & Geographical Jurisdiction: Asia & the Pacific- South- East Asia


  • Facilitate interagency cooperation for more efficient and effective execution of foreign policy objectives.
  • Liaise with government officials, international organizations and public media.
  • Strengthen diplomatic relationships by effectively representing Kenya in international negotiations and policy discussions.
  • Coordinate development assistance projects aimed at improving kenyans livelihoods while fostering goodwill towards the donors.
  • Enhance cultural understanding with targeted public diplomacy efforts, promoting a positive image of Kenya
  • Built productive partnerships with foreign missions based in Nairobi ,government officials and other diplomats to advance shared goals and mutual interests.
  • Assist in visits of high-level delegations by organizing meetings with key stakeholders and providing logistical support during official visits.
  • Negotiate bilateral agreements on various ares of mutual interest between Kenya and other countries. .
  • Develop forecasts on international policies and trends.
  • Provide expert advice on local customs and cultural sensitivities, ensuring respectful diplomatic engagement with foreign counterparts.
  • Advise senior State Department officials on critical issues affecting bilateral relationships between Kenya and foreign nations.
  • Develop comprehensive country analyses to better understand regional dynamics and guide foreign policy decision-making processes.
  • Research on latest market trends and analyze data to develop public relations strategies and tactics.
  • Draft speeches for leadership executives of the Government of Kenya and advised on media talking points.

Diplomat

Kenya Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium
10.2020 - 10.2024

Portfolio: The European Union, The Kingdom of Belgium, the Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States, World Customs Organization


  • Company Overview: https://kenyabrussels.com/
  • Lead the elaboration, management, and implementation follow-up of the Kenya Embassy's strategic plan, aligning with the European Union Desk's objectives
  • Advised senior State Department officials on critical issues affecting bilateral relationships between the United States and host nations.
  • Coordinated development negotiation of development assistance projects between donors and various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
  • Facilitated interagency cooperation for more efficient and effective execution of foreign policy objectives.
  • Assisted visiting high-level delegations by organizing meetings with key stakeholders and providing logistical support during official visits.
  • Negotiated bilateral agreements on issues such as the Kenya- EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
  • Enhanced cultural understanding with targeted public diplomacy efforts, promoting a positive image of the Kenya abroad.
  • Organized high-profile events showcasing Kenyan culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding between Kenya and host country.
  • Developed forecasts on international policies and trends.
  • Strengthened diplomatic relationships by effectively representing the Kenya s in international negotiations and policy discussions (through the Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States -OACPS and the Group pf African Ambassadors in Brussels- Technical Working Group)
  • Improved embassy efficiency through streamlined administrative procedures, contributing to a well-functioning mission environment.
  • Oversaw social media presence and aligned posts to include branding and trending ideas.
  • Drafted Presidential and Ambassadorial speeches as well as for Senior Government Executives and advised on media talking points.
  • Coordinated tasks and activities related to the strategic plan and annual Implementation Plans, contributing to the Embassy's overarching mission
  • Actively contributed to the formulation of the Embassy's Strategic Plan by analyzing and coordinating input from various Directorate levels, ensuring a harmonized organizational approach to the plan.
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential challenges and proactively develop strategies to mitigate risks in the strategic plan
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that the strategic plan is seamlessly integrated into daily operations, fostering a cohesive and unified organizational approach
  • Playing a pivotal role in developing and updating Key Performance Indicators, ensuring a sound assessment of the Embassy's performance concerning its strategic content
  • Navigating the complexities of economic diplomacy by interpreting economic indicators, trade patterns, and policy changes to inform strategic decision-making
  • Monitoring and reporting on developments related to the completion of activities included in the Embassy's strategic plan, producing reports for internal communication and communication with stakeholders
  • Monitoring and tracking the developments related to the completion of activities outlined in the Embassy's strategic plan
  • Maintaining liaison with Secretariat teams to ensure their due achievement and producing dedicated reports and statistical material for internal and external communication
  • Producing comprehensive research and foresight material on the evolving role of Kenya within the European Union
  • This contributes to the formulation of a strategic path forward, aligning with the Embassy's mission
  • Assisting in drafting and following up on miscellaneous correspondence sent to international organizations, ensuring effective communication in alignment with the Embassy's mission
  • Authoring and editing Web articles and press releases, showcasing the Embassy's engagements, and arranging for their publication on the official website
  • Assisting in drafting and following up on various correspondences sent to Members, international organizations, and the private sector
  • Playing a role in maintaining effective communication aligned with the Embassy's objectives
  • Providing essential support in the follow-up of regional priorities, aligning the Embassy's activities with regional objectives
  • Assisting in monitoring Audit Committee activities, especially concerning risk mapping, and Finance Committee activities related to the Embassy's Strategic Plan
  • Innovating diplomatic protocols to ensure relevance and adaptability in a rapidly changing diplomatic landscape, incorporating digital communication tools and unconventional approaches
  • Https://kenyabrussels.com/

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs
11.2016 - 10.2020

Portfolio: Protocol, United Nations & Multilateral Affairs, Africa and African Union Affairs, Political & Diplomatic Affairs, UN Security Council Campaigns


  • Company Overview: https://mfa.go.ke/
  • Uphold and enforce diplomatic protocols and etiquette, ensuring that diplomatic functions and events are conducted with the appropriate level of formality and adherence to international norms
  • Successfully served in various departments, including the Protocol Department, United Nations & Multilateral Directorate, Africa & Africa Union Department (Desk officer for AU, Botswana, Mauritius & Cameroon), Office of the Political & Diplomatic Secretary, and the Office of the Special Envoy for Kenya's Bid for the UN Security Council 2021-2022
  • Serve as a key diplomatic representative, implementing the government's foreign policy objectives through effective communication, coordination, and administration
  • Orchestrated and effectively coordinated the Kenya-Botswana State Visit, ensuring the smooth execution of diplomatic engagements and fostering positive bilateral relations
  • Led the coordination of communications for the United Nations Security Council Membership campaign for the term 2021-2022, contributing to Kenya's successful bid
  • Played a crucial role in supporting and coordinating the inaugural conference of African Women Foreign Affairs Ministers on COVID-19, facilitating collaborative efforts in addressing the global health crisis
  • Successfully organized the Youth Side Event at the Global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference, providing a platform for youth engagement and participation in sustainable practices
  • Organized and managed the Youth & Women Forum during the 9th Summit of the Organization of African Caribbean & Pacific States, fostering discussions and initiatives for the empowerment of youth and women
  • Https://mfa.go.ke/

Administrative Manager

Ripples Creative Media
01.2016 - 11.2016
  • Company Overview: https://ripples.media/
  • Streamlined and managed daily administrative operations to improve efficiency and productivity across the organization
  • Provided essential support and fostered collaboration among different teams to facilitate effective project execution
  • Identified opportunities for process improvement and implemented strategies to optimize administrative workflows
  • Collaborated with relevant departments to monitor and manage budgets associated with administrative functions
  • Managed relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely procurement of necessary goods and services
  • Served as a central point for communication between departments, management, and external stakeholders
  • Ensured compliance with relevant regulations and maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation related to administrative processes
  • Https://ripples.media/

Conference Chair/ Volunteer

Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa
01.2014 - 08.2015
  • Company Overview: https://www.yaldafrica.org/
  • Successfully mobilized and organized volunteers and delegates from various countries across the continent, including Botswana, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Kenya, fostering a diverse and inclusive conference environment
  • Implemented initiatives to ensure diversity and inclusion, making the conference accessible and appealing to participants from various backgrounds and demographics
  • Mobilized and acquired funds and grants from corporate entities, demonstrating effective fundraising and sponsorship acquisition skills to support the conference's financial needs
  • Drafted impactful publicity publications to promote the conference, contributing to increased awareness and participation
  • Developed comprehensive conference concept notes, providing a clear vision and framework for the event, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives
  • Fostered strategic partnerships with organizations and institutions relevant to the conference theme, expanding the network of collaborators for future events
  • Https://www.yaldafrica.org/

Intern

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
05.2013 - 12.2013
  • Company Overview: https://mfa.go.ke/
  • Aptly assisted the secretariat during the 9th extraordinary summit of the ICGLR, contributing to the seamless execution of the conference
  • Actively participated in the negotiation of the ministerial work plan for the period 2013-2014, demonstrating diplomatic and negotiation skills
  • Part of the technical team responsible for drafting the ministerial strategic plan for the period 2013-2017, contributing to the long-term vision and goals of the ministry
  • Skilfully executed accreditation and protocol duties during the Kenya at50 Celebrations, ensuring smooth diplomatic protocols for the significant national event
  • Effectively assisted in daily administrative duties of the Central Planning and Project Monitoring Division, including taking minutes in meetings, and drafting memos, and briefs
  • Participated in capacity-building initiatives within the division, such as training programs or workshops, to enhance professional development and knowledge in international affairs
  • Contributed to strategic communication efforts, including drafting communication materials, press releases, or social media content to enhance the ministry's public image
  • Collaborated with other departments within the ministry on joint initiatives or projects, fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared goals
  • Https://mfa.go.ke/

Intern

United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
04.2012 - 09.2012
  • Company Overview: https://www.un.org/en/desa
  • Developed parliamentary dossiers, providing comprehensive and organized documentation on legislative matters, enhancing the program's knowledge base
  • Compiled model legislations from different parliaments globally, covering various thematic topics
  • This effort contributed to the exchange of best practices and the enhancement of legislative frameworks
  • Interacted with the Bungeni 2.0 program to upload different African Parliaments' hansards (official reports of parliamentary proceedings), ensuring accessibility and sharing of vital parliamentary information
  • Contributed content and insights to program publications, reports, or research papers, showcasing the intern's expertise and commitment to the goals of the Africa i-Parliament Action Plan Programme
  • Developed educational resources or materials aimed at promoting understanding and awareness of parliamentary processes and the significance of legislative activities
  • Contributed to exploring and implementing digital innovations within the Africa i-Parliament Action Plan Programme, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in parliamentary activities
  • Https://www.un.org/en/desa

Education

Master of Arts - IR-Diplomacy And Foreign Policy

Unites States International University- Africa
Kenya
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations

United States International University- Africa
Kenya
04.2001 -

Skills

Document management

Timeline

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
10.2024 - Current

Diplomat

Kenya Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium
10.2020 - 10.2024

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs
11.2016 - 10.2020

Administrative Manager

Ripples Creative Media
01.2016 - 11.2016

Conference Chair/ Volunteer

Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa
01.2014 - 08.2015

Intern

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
05.2013 - 12.2013

Intern

United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
04.2012 - 09.2012

Master of Arts - IR-Diplomacy And Foreign Policy

Unites States International University- Africa
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations

United States International University- Africa
04.2001 -
Josephine Njambi WambuguDiplomat/ Foreign Service Officer