Irina Wandera

At Emerging, Irina is working as Policy Manager. Irina strongly believes multistakeholder policy processes have great promise in delivering win-win policy solutions that work for people and planet. For over ten years, she has worked with different constituents, from grassroot communities to private sector players, to actively participate in policy processes ensuring public policies are shaped by multiple stakeholders. Her experience runs across various sectors including food, agriculture, environment, community conservation and health.

Prior to joining Emerging, Irina worked at The Wildlife Foundation in Kenya and the Friends of Nairobi National Park, helping implement Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Irina is a Rotarian and has served on several secretariats including the Rotary Leadership Institute and Rotary Day at the UN.

A Kenyan national, Irina has lived, worked, volunteered, and studied in Kenya, Tanzania, Canada, Uganda, and Burundi. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science from Kenyatta University in Kenya; Certificates in Policy Advocacy and Research Skills, and NGO Management from MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation in Arusha, Tanzania, and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Professional Development Certificate from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.