Susan Adongo

With over 12 years of progressive work experience across various sectors, including government, NGOs, private companies, and international organizations, I bring a wealth of expertise as a highly skilled and experienced Professional Project Manager and Planner. Specializing in physical planning, project planning and implementation, wildlife conservation, blue economy strategy, disaster risk reduction, mitigation and management, research, monitoring and evaluation, training mentorship, capacity building, and public administration. Holding a master's degree in Project Planning and Management, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning. Consistently delivering projects that exceed stakeholder expectations throughout my career. Strong analytical thinking, organizational skills, and excellent communication abilities enable effective relationship building with stakeholders and team leadership. Committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest advancements in relevant fields, making me a valuable asset to any organization.

• Leadership in Women's Economic Empowerment Strategy for Blue Economy at Go Blue(GIZ/EU-2023), Led a team of experts in the development of a Women's Economic Empowerment strategy for Blue Economy value chains across six counties in Kenya, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta, and Lamu. This strategy aimed to promote gender equality and inclusivity within the Blue Economy sector.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Negotiations, Successfully built strategic partnerships with various stakeholders in conservation efforts nationwide. Played a key role in negotiating complex issues related to human-wildlife conflict, approval or rejection of compensation claims arising from such conflicts, wildlife policy, and land use planning. Collaborated with technical teams and committees in Nairobi County on wildlife-related matters.
• Climate and Disaster Risk Management, Planned, developed, and executed projects, programs, and strategies in Climate Risk Management (CRM), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Disaster Recovery, and Sustainable Livelihoods at SOFADECCA. Provided vital capacity-building support to youth and marginalized communities in arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs) and flood-prone regions across Kenya.
• Youth Empowerment and Mentorship, Founded 'Great Minds Mentorship,' an organization dedicated to directly empowering over 200 women and youth since 2016. Through mentorship and guidance, contributed to the personal development of individuals.
• International Program Management, Managed logistical support and oversaw programs across the African continent for YouthSpark Pan Africa organization. Ensured the successful execution of initiatives aimed at empowering youth and fostering positive change.
• Community Service and Volunteer Coordination, Successfully placed, managed, supervised, and supported a team of 40 volunteers paired from Kenya and the United Kingdom to engage in community service projects in Migori and Kisumu, Kenya. These initiatives focused on providing essential services and opportunities to youth, including income-generating activities, skill development, and HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
• Contributions to Regional Planning, Actively participated in the bid process for the preparation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Regional Spatial Planning concept. Played a role in shaping the future urban development and spatial planning of the Nairobi metropolitan region. Participated in the Kenya National Slum Upgrading Program (KENSUP) under the ministry of housing.

• Advanced excel certificate, National Industrial Training Authority, 2023
• Training of Trainers certificate, National Industrial Training Authority, 2022
• Drivers competency certificate, HELTZ Driving Academy, 2003
• Entry level GIS course using Quantum GIS, JapakGIS, 2012
• Payroll Management and Administration, Brainstorm Management Consultants Ltd, 2010
• Member of Kenya Association of project Managers (KAPM), 2022
• Member of Kenya Institute of Planners, 2018

• Team lead in development of Women Economic Empowerment Strategy for Blue Economy in the 6 coastal counties Kenya through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) | 06/2023 - 10/2023
• Part time coworker at International Cultural Youth Exchange program Kenya | 08/2004 – 07/2008
• Intern Planner at Ministry of local Government (Urban Development Department) | 07/2007 - 10/2007
• Intern Housing officer at Ministry of Housing (KENSUP) | 06/2006 - October 2006
• Founder of Great Minds Mentorship
• Voluntary Program Manager at YouthSpark Pan Africa
• Mentor at Emerging Leaders Foundation
• Part time Research Assistant International Project Planning and Management Consultants Ltd/Waaki Associates/BCEOM 08/2005-
• Part-time data entry Assistant at French Institute for Research Africa
• Examinations invigilator at Kenya Institute of Management

• Dr. Charles OKwany, Director, HACT International, P.O Box 21757-00100, Nairobi Kenya, owuorokwany@gmail.com, 0724424841
• Dr. Wilberforce Wasike, Director, BOCA, P.O Box 356-00100, Nairobi Kenya, info@basketoneconsulting.co.ke, 0722451808
• Brenda Nduta Kibiku, TVET Technical Advisor- GoBlue, Sustainable Economic Development Cluster, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, P.O. Box 41607-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, brenda.kibiku@giz.de, 700469841
• Mr. Renson Mbwagwa, Principal Consultant, CURP, P.O Box 2908—00100, Nairobi Kenya, rmbwagwa@yahoo.com, 0722363049

I have a deep passion for both writing and traveling, as these pursuits have significantly contributed to my professional and personal development. Over the past six years, I have created comprehensive training manuals  for prominent organizations in Kenya, including the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC), Global King Project Management, and Basket One Consulting. These materials, covering topics such as project planning, monitoring and evaluation, project administration, property management, and data analytics (with a focus on advanced Excel), have been utilized to train professionals across various corporations throughout the African region. Notable clients include the Malawi AIDS Council, KEMRI Kisumu, GIZ (Somalia & Ethiopia), Kenya Ports Authority Pension Scheme, UDL Rwanda, and Acorn Construction Kenya. I have also drafted strategic and business Plans  for organizations. My work has helped these organizations improve their operational efficiency and enhance decision-making processes.

In addition to writing, I have had the privilege and fun of traveling extensively across East and Central Africa, empowering young African leaders and building capacity in entrepreneurship and life skills. Through these travels, I have conducted numerous workshops and mentorship programs, equipping African youth with essential skills and leadership tools. This experience has allowed me to engage deeply with diverse communities and witness the transformative power of education and empowerment in developing resilient, capable future leaders. My travels have enriched my appreciation for cultural diversity and provided invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Africa's next generation.