REUBEN LESSO
Homa Bay
Summary
Environmental professional with comprehensive background in environmental planning & management and sustainability initiatives. Skilled in regulatory compliance, environmental impact assessments, waste management, land use planning and climate change response actions. Strong collaborator known for driving team success and adapting to evolving project requirements. Known for analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and results-driven approach.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environment Officer
Homa Bay County Government- Directorate of Climate Change & Environment
11.2018 - Current
- Contribute to development and implementation of policies and strategies to promote sustainability
- Environmental Monitoring through collecting and analyzing data on various environmental parameters such as noise levels, and waste management using monitoring equipment, conducting field surveys, and interpreting data to identify trends and potential issues.
- Engage with stakeholders by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to raise awareness, builds partnerships, and mobilize action on climate change initiatives.
- Participate in Climate Action Planning by contributing to development and implementation of climate action plans by identifying priority actions, and allocating resources effectively
- Develop comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments, supporting informed decision-making for project approvals
- Improve environmental awareness by developing and implementing educational programs for community
- Support climate change adaptation planning efforts by providing expert advice on potential impacts related to regional environmental changes on operations or infrastructure vulnerability assessments
- Develop and implement effective waste management strategies, reducing disposal costs and minimizing environmental impact
Research Assistant
World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF)
05.2021 - 01.2023
- Supported field attendants in planning and implementation of the full Asset Based Community-driven Development (ABCD) cycle in the ‘ABCD in Re-greening’ project in Homa Bay County
- Supported ABCD staff in planning, implementation, documentation of ABCD training implementation
- Data collection and additional field work.
- Assisted in collection of data through surveys, interviews, or observation
- Assisted in writing and editing of research reports, and presentations
- Conducted participatory monitoring and evaluation
- Maintained up-to-date records of research activities and results for future reference.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
Intern
National Environment Management Authority
11.2017 - 02.2018
- Received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit (EA) reports
- Assisted in review and evaluation of over 10 EIA and EA reports per day
- Conducted inspection of various institutions and ongoing development projects and prepared inspection reports
- Participated in number of stakeholder meetings
- Assisted in processing of various licenses e.g., Effluent discharge licenses.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database
- Streamlined office processes for improved efficiency and time management through regular organization and filing
Intern
Homa Bay Water Sewerage and Sanitation Company
05.2017 - 07.2017
- Collected samples of sewer effluent for testing
- Conducted specific tests on sewer water samples
- Prepared monthly reports.
- Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
Attaché
Kenya Urban Roads Authority
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Assisted in conducting Environmental Audits of roads within the capital
- Conducted site inspection visits for roads under construction
- Participation in resettlement activities e.g., carrying out public consultation meetings to sensitize Project Affected Persons (PAPs)
- Attending to grievance redresses issued by PAPs.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Environmental Planning And Management -
Kenyatta University
11.2016
Certificate - Asset Based Citizen-led Development
St. Francis Xavier University
07.2021
Certificate - Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Audit Study
University of Eldoret
09.2017
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - KCSE
St. Joseph's High School Rapogi Boys
11.2011
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education - KCPE
St. Joseph's Combined Academy
11.2007
Skills
- Analysis of environmental data sets
- Remote sensing analysis
- Climate change adaptation
- Land use planning
- Environmental policy development
- Waste management
Accomplishments
- Assisted in formulation of Homa Bay County Climate Change Act 2021 and Climate Change Policy 2022.
- Contributed towards the success of the Asset Based Citizen-Led Development Project by ICRAF in Homa Bay County
- Collaborated with team of experts in the development of the Homa Bay Municipality People's Led Physical & Land Use Adaptation Plan 2025
Affiliations
Environment Institute of Kenya
Certification
- Licensed Environmental Social Impact Assessment/ Environmental Audit Expert - 2018- to date
Timeline
Research Assistant
World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF)
05.2021 - 01.2023
Environment Officer
Homa Bay County Government- Directorate of Climate Change & Environment
11.2018 - Current
Intern
National Environment Management Authority
11.2017 - 02.2018
Intern
Homa Bay Water Sewerage and Sanitation Company
05.2017 - 07.2017
Attaché
Kenya Urban Roads Authority
05.2015 - 08.2015
Certificate - Asset Based Citizen-led Development
St. Francis Xavier University
Certificate - Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Audit Study
University of Eldoret
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - KCSE
St. Joseph's High School Rapogi Boys
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education - KCPE
St. Joseph's Combined Academy
Bachelor of Environmental Planning And Management -
Kenyatta University
References
- Donald Christopher Oyugi, Ogweno, Chief Officer, donogweno@gmail.com, 0722789110, Department of Water, Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, Homa Bay County Government, Homa Bay, P. O BOX 4-40300, Homa Bay
- John, Maniafu, County Director Environment, maniafujohn@gmail.com, homabay@nema.go.ke, 0724430437, National Environment Management Authority, Homa Bay, P.O. BOX 40300-300, Homa Bay
- Seth Omondi, Odero, Manager Environment, sodero@kura.go.ke, 0726061505, Kenya Urban Roads Authority, NAIROBI, P.O Box 6292 City Square
Interests
Swimming, Playing Chess, Playing Football, Reading journals/magazines/newspapers on topical issues,
Conference
Contributed to the success of the Fourteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development held in Nairobi Kenya from 17th to 22nd July 2016
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