Grace Muthoni Kihara

GRACE M. KIHARA Tel: - | Email:-| Location: Nairobi, Kenya PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Highly motivated and results-driven humanitarian professional with over 9 years of experience in program management, training, and refugee resettlement. Adept at coordinating multi-stakeholder projects, developing and delivering training programs, and ensuring compliance with operational policies. Strong background in curriculum development, program monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Passionate about making a tangible impact through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and operational efficiency. KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES             Training & Capacity Building – Expertise in developing and delivering training programs tailored to diverse audiences, including refugees, humanitarian staff, and community-based organizations. Curriculum Development – Skilled in designing, reviewing, and updating training materials and methodologies for effective knowledge transfer. Program Monitoring & Evaluation – Conducting field visits, assessing program effectiveness, and developing evaluation tools to measure impact. Project & Program Management – Strong experience in planning, executing, and overseeing humanitarian programs to ensure efficiency and sustainability. Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy – Fostering collaboration with UNHCR, IOM, government agencies, NGOs, and other partners to support refugee resettlement, social justice, and SGBV response initiatives. Administrative Support & Processes – Proficient in managing operational processes, expense approvals, scheduling, and supporting team members with tools and systems to enhance organizational effectiveness. Contract & Grant Management – Assisting in drafting contracts and grant agreements, processing invoices, and securing approvals to ensure smooth financial operations. Data Management & Compliance – Ensuring accuracy in refugee processing systems, managing records, and maintaining confidentiality in handling sensitive data. Strategic Planning & Implementation – Formulating and executing operational strategies for humanitarian programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Financial Planning & Resource Optimization – Managing budgets, tracking expenditures, and optimizing available resources for maximum impact. Event & Travel Coordination – Organizing logistics for team retreats, member meetings, and international travel arrangements. Inter-Agency Collaboration – Building strong networks with international and local partners to enhance service delivery and advocacy efforts. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Learning and Development Specialist (Program Development & Quality) CWS/RSC Africa, Nairobi, Kenya Feb 2023 – Present        Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for refugees and humanitarian staff across Sub-Saharan Africa. Led curriculum development initiatives, ensuring training materials align with evolving refugee needs and institutional goals. Conducted impact assessments and field visits to evaluate program effectiveness and develop evidence-based recommendations. Developed and facilitated bi-annual job knowledge training for cultural orientation teams. Strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including PRM, UNHCR, IOM, and domestic resettlement agencies. Created refugee training resources such as workbooks, visual aids, and digital learning materials. Supported administrative processes, including drafting reports, managing training logistics, and coordinating evaluation feedback. Cultural Orientation Trainer CWS/RSC Africa, Nairobi, Kenya Sep 2021 – Jan 2023      Delivered cultural orientation training to urban and camp-based refugees in multiple countries. Designed lesson plans and utilized adult learning principles for effective training delivery. Conducted post-training assessments to evaluate knowledge retention and satisfaction. Collaborated with partner organizations for seamless field missions and logistics management. Assisted in onboarding and training new cultural orientation trainers, ensuring consistency in curriculum delivery. Cultural Orientation Program Assistant CWS/RSC Africa, Nairobi, Kenya Jun 2019 – Aug 2021      Maintained accurate refugee data entries in the Worldwide Refugee Admissions Processing System. Audited and updated training materials to align with approved curriculum guidelines. Coordinated logistics for interpreters, contractors, and field training activities. Facilitated procurement of training materials in collaboration with internal teams. Supported the processing of expense claims, securing approvals, and maintaining financial records. Field Processing Caseworker CWS/RSC Africa, Nairobi, Kenya Jan 2016 – May 2019      Conducted refugee interviews and case assessments for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Reviewed complex refugee cases in consultation with management. Assisted in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Provided training and mentorship for new caseworkers. Conducted legal research and case analysis to support refugee adjudication. Project Officer (SGBV) Women’s Empowerment Link, Kenya Sep 2013 – Dec 2015      Developed and facilitated training programs on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response. Coordinated community awareness forums and advocacy campaigns, including the 16 Days of Activism against GBV. Provided basic legal aid and counseling services for SGBV survivors. Supported economic empowerment programs, assisting survivors in vocational training and income-generating activities. Drafted funding proposals and donor reports to support project sustainability. EDUCATION Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Kampala International University | 2011 Certifications     Human Resources Management – Kenya Institute of Management Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) – Corporate Staffing Services Managing Theories of Change – Switchboard Courses Project Management for Development Professionals – Humanitarian Leadership Academy AWARDS & RECOGNITION  Employee Choice Award 2023 – Recognized for being the most supportive staff within the department. REFERENCES Available upon request.