Phoebe Mukunga
External Engagement | Public Policy | Media Relations | Strategic Partnerships | Government Relations | Donor Cultivation And Relations | Climate Financing | Programme Management | Communication And Coordination
Nairobi
Summary
Seasoned development and humanitarian professional with 15+ years of leadership experience in fragile, conflict-affected, and climate-stressed contexts across Africa and Europe. Skilled in directing large-scale, multi-country programs that bridge humanitarian response, climate resilience, and long-term solutions. Proven expertise in program strategy, results-based management, and team leadership, managing portfolios exceeding USD 40M and supervising multidisciplinary teams across geographies. Adept at mobilizing innovative climate financing—with a track record of advancing multi-million USD proposals to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), African Development Bank (AfDB), and International Climate Initiative (IKI), as well as leveraging anticipatory action funding through CERF, ARC Replica, and partnerships with the REAP Secretariat. Experienced in accessing resources from the World Bank Crisis Response Window and other vertical funds to strengthen protection, nature-based solutions, and locally led resilience initiatives. Recognized for influencing policy and forging high-level partnerships with governments, donors, private sector actors, and multilateral institutions to drive systemic change. Committed to evidence-based programming, leveraging foresight, monitoring and evaluation, and geospatial data to ensure accountability, learning, and sustainable impact in restoration and resilience efforts.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
14
14
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Head of External Engagement
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
12.2022 - Current
- Institutional lead for Climate Action, including on programme strategy development of multi-sectorial protection and climate-resilient solutions for displacement -affected populations, aligning with national priorities ( Solutions Pathways action plan, NDCs, NAP).
- Forged partnerships with GCF-accredited agencies (FAO, UNDP, AFDB, UNEP) in the absence of UNHCR accreditation, ensuring inclusion of refugees and IDP needs in nationally led adaptation and resilience proposals.
- Coordinate cross-organizational initiatives with UNHCR HQ, Regional Bureaus,and field offices, embedding anticipatory action and resilience into humanitarian programming.
- Oversee donor reporting and fundraising, developing six-and seven figure proposals to AFDB, CERF ; mobilized more than $25M in climate and stabilization funding.
- Advances outcome-based financing, including the design of innovative monitoring approaches, including ARC Replica Parametric insurance and forecast-based displacement trend analysis.
- Forge high-level partnerships with governments, UN agencies, and private sectors leaders (Hormuud Telecom, Qatar Charity, Silatech) to expand community driven climate smart restoration and livelihoods
- Leads strategic partnerships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to sustain funding for Somalia operations.
- Develop advocacy briefs, donor packages and targeted communication tool to influence policy on displacement, protection and resilience.
- Coordinate high-level donor missions and field visits, ensuring accurate representation of operational priorities and showcasing programmatic results and impact on affected communities.
- Develops external relations strategies to address complex humanitarian challenges using data-driven insights.
- Maintains close collaboration with government ministries, UN Country Team partners, and humanitarian clusters, reinforcing UNHCR’s positioning within broader resilience and development frameworks.
- Support cross-border response planning related to Returnees, including coordination with Yemen, Kenya, Ethiopia operations to ensure protection sensitive approaches in mixed-movements.
- Support cross-sectoral planning and policy dialogues, contributing to collective advocacy efforts on durable solutions, protection, and inclusive recovery.
- Lead internal capacity-strengthening efforts to ensure consistent quality and alignment in external communication, advocacy, and donor engagement.
- Contribute to inter-agency coordination on joint appeals, pooled fund applications, and cross-border response planning, facilitating unified approaches in complex emergency settings.
- Identify new funding opportunities, including non-traditional donors, and supports concept note and proposal development in coordination with HQ and field teams.
- Integrate foresight and scenario analysis into donor engagement strategies to anticipate shifts in the humanitarian landscape and donor landscape.
External Relations, Reporting, Inter-Agency Coordination
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
07.2022 - 11.2022
- Deployed to Bulgaria during the Ukraine Refugee Crisis to manage high pressure external relations, donor coordination and advocacy in a rapidly evolving displacement context.
- Produced real-time reports and analysis, shaping advocacy and funding appeals to meet urgent protection needs.
- Cultivated strong working relationships with government counterparts, UN agencies, and NGOs to align emergency response efforts and streamline communication.
- Supported the establishment of cross-border coordination mechanisms and emergency information flows, ensuring timely and consistent messaging across stakeholders.
- Developed advocacy briefs that influenced policy discussions on refugee protection, border management, and access to services.
- Through interagency coordination, prepared the Refugee Response Plan including the Winterization Plan for the operation.
Head of External Engagement
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Nairobi
03.2019 - 06.2022
- Designed and implemented donor engagement plans, aligned with UNHCR’s global resource mobilization strategy and Somalia protection and solutions priorities.
- Supported external communication across UNHCR’s Somalia operation, ensuring timely dissemination of strategic content to donors and partners.
- Collaborated with programme and protection units to prepare high-quality reports, appeals, and talking points, strengthening the link between field-level results and donor expectations.
- Maintained real-time tracking of donor contributions, funding gaps, and reporting schedules, ensuring timely responses to donor requirements.
- Coordinated advocacy and visibility for underfunded sectors, resulting in diversified donor support.
- Assisted senior leadership in inter-agency fora and donor meetings, drafting briefing notes and positioning papers aligned with country priorities.
Donor Relations Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
11.2018 - 02.2019
- Managed donor reporting and information-sharing across all Somalia offices, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and narrative coherence.
- Developed and maintained a repository of donor intelligence, including funding landscapes, donor priorities, and engagement history.
- Drafted donor updates and talking points used in strategic bilateral meetings, contributing to strengthened partnerships.
- Supported the design of funding proposals and concept notes in response to emerging crises and sectoral gaps.
Head of Programmes
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Oversaw the implementation of multisectoral protection and assistance programs embracing International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights principles.
- Conducted risk assessments, scenario planning, and partner performance reviews to improve program delivery and financial accountability in volatile contexts.
- Supported the development of Somalia’s Multi-Year Protection and Solutions Strategy (MYPS), integrating gender, age and diversity considerations.
- Strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems, including indicator tracking and results analysis for strategic decision-making.
- Fostered partnerships with line ministries, UN agencies, and NGOs to ensure cohesive, locally-led program implementation.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Evaluated program performance through comprehensive data analysis, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to secure resources necessary for program sustainability and success.
- Negotiated program contracts and agreements to obtain cost-effective pricing.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Coordinated budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
- Established strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative problemsolving.
- Established program policies and procedures to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote program awareness and participation.
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Promoted an inclusive environment by actively engaging diverse populations in all aspects of programming.
- Consistently exceeded key performance indicators by adapting quickly to changes in program needs.
Deputy Head of Programmes
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
01.2016 - 03.2018
- Contributed to annual planning and programming processes, ensuring alignment with protection priorities and operational realities.
- Facilitated the selection and management of implementing partners, including budget negotiations, performance monitoring, and audits.
- Led periodic programme reviews and capacity-building initiatives for partners to enhance project quality and compliance.
- Supported the operationalization of new policies and frameworks, including the Results-Based Management (RBM) approach.
Project Control Associate
UNHCR
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Oversaw financial accountability for multi-million USD projects, ensuring donor confidence and operational integrity.
- Supported the review and clearance of financial reports, budget amendments, and expenditure justifications.
- Conducted on-site financial monitoring and verification of partner activities, reducing risk exposure and enhancing trust with donors.
Programme Associate
UNHCR
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Provided key support in budgeting, procurement planning, and operational coordination across Somalia field offices.
- Liaised with cross-functional teams and external partners to streamline program workflows and enhance reporting consistency.
- Supported the rollout of tools and templates that improved data collection, reporting timelines, and alignment with strategic priorities.
Office Manager
Homeboyz Entertainment Ltd.
02.2003 - 12.2009
- Oversaw day-to-day operations, logistics, and team coordination for a dynamic creative company, supporting events, talent development, and the Music Technology Academy in a high-energy environment.
- Managed administrative operations and vendor relationships, ensuring smooth office functionality and resource availability.
- Supported the coordination and logistics of training sessions at the Music Technology Academy, including equipment handling and instructor scheduling.
- Oversaw deployment logistics for the Homeboyz Activate Team, ensuring timely mobilization for nationwide events and activations.
- Maintained sound equipment inventory, supervised usage and maintenance, and organized repairs or replacements.
- Provided HR support through onboarding, recordkeeping, and coordination of internal events and activities.
Market Research Executive
Steadman Research (now IPSOS)
01.2001 - 12.2002
- Supported the design and execution of customized market research projects, providing clients with actionable insights to inform strategic brand and customer experience decisions.
- Collaborated with project leads to define research objectives, customer journey touchpoints, and study methodologies tailored to client needs.
- Coordinated end-to-end project implementation, including survey design, sampling, fieldwork logistics, and data collection oversight.
- Designed and administered phone-based surveys, ensuring demographic accuracy and data quality across multiple consumer segments.
- Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data to generate clear, impactful reports with insights and recommendations for business improvement.
- Presented findings to clients, identifying pain points and areas for service enhancement across customer touchpoints.
- Trained and supervised enumerators, ensuring adherence to ethical data collection practices and survey protocols.
- Maintained strong communication with field supervisors to ensure timely, reliable, and high-quality data delivery.
Education
Master of Science - Public Policy and Management
SOAS University of London
London01.2021
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) - undefined
Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA)
Durban01.2019
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
SMC Business School
Zug01.2016
Skills
- Fragility, Conflict & Violence (FCV) Operations: In-depth experience managing programs in volatile environments, aligning humanitarian response with long-term development strategies and resilience frameworks
- Protection & Solutions Programming: Proven ability to design and oversee multi-year protection and solutions strategies for refugees, IDPs and stateless populations, ensuring inclusion, gender sensitivity and legal protection in line with International Humanitarian Law
- Strategic Operations Management: Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional operations from design to delivery in alignment with institutional priorities and field-level realities
- Interagency & Government Coordination: Strong record of engaging in UN Country Team structures, cluster coordination, and policy dialogues with host governments and regional bodies
- Political Economy & Stakeholder Analysis: Expertise in navigating complex political dynamics and institutional landscapes to inform decision-making and strategic planning in FCV contexts
- Risk-Informed Program Design: Pioneered country-level enterprise risk management initiatives, integrating foresight and scenario planning into operational and strategic frameworks
- Innovation & Systems Thinking: Committed to scalable approaches that address root causes of fragility and displacement
- Program Strategy & Results-Based Management: Proven ability to design and oversee complex, multi-country strategies and workplans, integrating results-based management (RBM), foresight, and adaptive learning frameworks to drive measurable impact in fragile and climate-stressed contexts
- Team Leadership & Capacity Building: Extensive experience leading and mentoring multidisciplinary teams across geographies, strengthening institutional capacity, nurturing talent, and fostering inclusive and high-performance cultures in demanding operational environments
- Resource Mobilization, Fundraising & Climate/Restoration Finance: Demonstrated success in mobilizing and managing portfolios exceeding USD 40M annually, cultivating donor and investor partnerships, and securing high-value grants and innovative financing for resilience, protection, and nature-based solutions
- Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Influence: Skilled at convening governments, civil society, private sector, and multilateral partners around shared agendas, influencing policy processes, and advancing solutions that integrate protection, restoration, and climate resilience
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)Strong expertise in planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks, combining data-driven insights, geospatial tools, and scenario analysis to ensure accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making
Certification
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), UNHCR – 2025-04-03 & 2017-07-04
Referees
Charles Mballa, Representative, UNHCR Somalia, mballa@unhcr.org
Caroline Van Buren, Representative, UNHCR Kenya, vanburen@unhcr.org
Jennifer Chuwa, Senior Programme Officer, UNHCR Somalia, chuwa@unhcr.org
Timeline
Head of External Engagement
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
12.2022 - Current
External Relations, Reporting, Inter-Agency Coordination
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
07.2022 - 11.2022
Head of External Engagement
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
03.2019 - 06.2022
Donor Relations Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
11.2018 - 02.2019
Head of Programmes
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
04.2018 - 10.2018
Deputy Head of Programmes
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
01.2016 - 03.2018
Project Control Associate
UNHCR
01.2014 - 12.2015
Programme Associate
UNHCR
01.2010 - 12.2013
Office Manager
Homeboyz Entertainment Ltd.
02.2003 - 12.2009
Market Research Executive
Steadman Research (now IPSOS)
01.2001 - 12.2002
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) - undefined
Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA)
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
SMC Business School
Master of Science - Public Policy and Management
SOAS University of London
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