Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Documentary Productions
Membership
Publications
References
Education And Professional Training
Professional Objectives And Interest
Timeline
Generic

Belinda A. O. Ochiel

Cordova

Summary

Senior Program Officer at Ford Foundation with strong expertise in grant and project management, strategic planning, and evaluation. Led initiatives that increased funding for social justice and democracy programs by 25%, facilitating significant policy and practice changes. Demonstrated capability in managing large teams, fostering partnerships, and driving change through analytical thinking and effective communication. Skilled in technology governance, DEI, mediation, capacity building, and youth leadership development.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Program Officer/Strategist

Ford Foundation
01.2017 - 04.2025
  • Driving Democratic Resilience and Global Impact: Led the strategic management of diverse grant portfolios to combat global governance crises, including democratic backsliding and the erosion of civic space. My work has strengthened civic engagement and protected human rights and social, economic, and climate justice.
  • Strategic Planning and Adaptation: Spearheaded strategic planning initiatives that sharpened strategic analysis and enhanced organizational capacity for adaptation, learning, and impact. This has resulted in more agile and effective strategies across the Foundation.
  • Impact Investing and Collaborative Networks: Led funder collaboratives and networks for impact investing, driving significant economic and social justice advancements and technology governance. My efforts have fostered impactful partnerships and networks, amplifying our reach and influence.
  • Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Provided essential technical assistance and capacity-building support to grantees, promoting civic engagement, accountable governance, and economic and social justice. This has strengthened the overall impact and sustainability of our initiatives.
  • Organizational Resilience and Financial Management: Established and contributed to leadership teams focused on implementing resilience systems across organizational functions. Strengthened grants compliance processes and strategic financial management, leading to improved operating reserves, investment strategies, and revenue diversification.
  • Institutional System Enhancement: Led the enhancement of institutional systems, including HR, compensation, organizational structure, and security frameworks. Improved the Ford Foundation’s management system, Fluxx, by enhancing coding, data stories, and upmetrics, showcasing strong technical and analytical skills.
  • Program-Related Investments: Contributed to shaping program-related investments, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability. My strategic input has been crucial in aligning investments with organizational goals.
  • Communication and Representation: Developed robust internal and external communication systems, ensuring effective information flow and organizational coherence. Represented the Foundation at high-profile conferences, advancing global governance, social justice, and freedoms.
  • Grant Evaluation and Learning Facilitation: Evaluated grants and facilitated learning from grant-making activities, forming communities of practice that enhance collective knowledge and impact.
  • Partnership Cultivation: Cultivated strategic partnerships and networks for democracy, governance, and economic and social justice at national, regional, and global levels, significantly expanding the reach and influence of our initiatives.
  • Pioneered initiatives exploring the intersection of technology for public good and the evolving landscape of the future of work, ensuring these critical areas contribute to a more just and democratic world.

Commissioner

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC)
01.2015 - 04.2017
  • Influenced National Policy and Governance: Directly advised the President and Parliament of Kenya on cohesion, integration, and good governance principles, contributing to the shaping of national policy frameworks.
  • Enhanced Board Governance and Organizational Effectiveness: Implemented best practices and strategic frameworks that demonstrably improved board decision-making, accountability, and strategic alignment, resulting in a documented increase in organizational effectiveness.
  • Reduced Polarization and Inequality through Policy Leadership: Directed the development and implementation of anti-discrimination and hate speech policies, demonstrably reducing instances of polarization and leading 2% decrease in reported hate speech incidents.
  • Empowered State and Non-State Actors for Economic Justice: Oversaw capacity-building programs that equipped state and non-state actors with the tools and knowledge to advance economic justice and strengthen national identity and values.
  • Advanced Economic Inclusion through Research and Knowledge Management: Led research initiatives that directly contributed to developing strategies aimed at poverty and inequality reduction, fostering economic inclusion and shared prosperity.
  • Secured Strategic Partnerships and Resources for National Cohesion: Successfully managed partnerships and resource mobilization efforts, securing significant funding and support for initiatives aimed at reducing polarization and promoting ethnic and social cohesion.
  • Resolved Resource-Based, Ethnic, and Political Conflicts through Mediation: Successfully mediated seven ethnic and politically motivated conflicts, leading to reduced violence in affected Northern Eastern, Western, and Rift Valley Provinces of Kenya.

Director, Policy and Advocacy

Office of the Ombudsman
01.2012 - 12.2014
  • Program Impact through Strategic Design and Evaluation: Developed and implemented program strategies, learning, and evaluation plans that demonstrably improved program effectiveness and impact, resulting in a 10% increase in administrative justice program reach.
  • Strategic Advocacy for Administrative Justice and Good Governance: Spearheaded the development and execution of business action plans and campaigns that effectively advanced administrative justice and good governance. These efforts led to significant policy changes and heightened public awareness, exemplified by the successful promotion and implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, the Data Privacy Act, and the Public Benefit Organizations Act.
  • Enhanced Organizational Coherence and Communication Effectiveness: Designed and implemented robust internal and external communication systems, improving information flow, stakeholder engagement, and organizational coherence.
  • Maximized Transformative Outcomes through Strategic Financial Alignment: Aligned financial strategies with organizational goals, resulting in enhanced resource allocation and measurable progress towards mission-driven outcomes, resulting in a 2% increase in funding allocated to core program areas.
  • Advanced Evidence-Based Advocacy for Administrative Justice: Led compliance, policy research, and analysis initiatives that provided critical evidence for advocacy efforts, leading to measurable advancements in administrative justice.
  • Elevated Public Recognition of Human Rights and Democracy: Designed and executed the Annual Human Rights and Democracy and Public Service Awards, raising public awareness and recognition of exemplary contributions to these fields.
  • Strengthened Institutional Capacity and Operational Efficiency: Led the enhancement of institutional systems, including HR, compensation, organizational structure, and security frameworks, resulting in improved operational efficiency and organizational resilience.
  • Cultivated Financial Innovation and Resilience for Long-Term Sustainability: Spearheaded initiatives that fostered financial innovation and resilience, demonstrably enhancing financial stability and ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

Advocacy Officer

Open Society Foundations (OSF)
09.2008 - 12.2011
  • Constitutional and Institutional Reform, Transitional Justice, and Accountability through Expert Policy Analysis and Strategic Advocacy: Conducted in-depth policy analyses and spearheaded impactful advocacy campaigns, resulting in the successful passage of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, as well as advancing transitional justice and accountability for the 2007 human rights violations.
  • Strategically Directed Regional Impact through Visionary Program Design: I designed and implemented OSF's East Africa communications and advocacy strategy that demonstrably advanced democracy, good governance, and social justice. This strategy prioritized the implementation of Kenya's 2010 Constitution and resulted in a 25% increase in funding allocated to democracy-strengthening initiatives.
  • Improved civil society agency, capacity, and solidarity through comprehensive advocacy and strategic communications training, empowering partners to lead impactful campaigns. Specifically, I led a series of workshops for a coalition of women's rights organizations, equipping them with the skills to lobby for the passage of gender equality legislation effectively. This resulted in a measurable increase in their ability to engage with policymakers and amplify their voices in national debates.
  • Developed and delivered tailored training programs for investigative journalists, focusing on data-driven reporting and strategic communications. These trainings directly contributed to the publication of several high-profile investigative reports that exposed corruption and human rights abuses, leading to increased public awareness and accountability.
  • Supported regional advocacy for transitional justice by strategically supporting Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice. My leadership enabled the coalition to advocate for accountability following the Kenyan post-election violence effectively and to secure vital protection for witnesses at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • Established the Open Society Initiative for East Africa's Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights Journal, Amplifying Voices, a vital tool for amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering public discourse. Coupled with the production of compelling documentaries, this initiative exposed corruption and human rights violations, compelling political accountability.

Principal Human Rights Officer

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
01.2005 - 08.2008
  • Securing International Justice through Rigorous Human Rights Documentation: Led a team of human rights investigators in the documentation of the 2007-2008 Kenyan post-election violence. This critical work provided the evidence base that directly led to the indictment of top leaders by the International Criminal Court (ICC), demonstrating a commitment to international justice and accountability.
  • Championing Human Rights Protection and Accountability: Directed strategic human rights documentation and reporting initiatives that significantly enhanced the protection and prevention of violations. This work fostered political accountability, facilitated access to justice, and secured reparations for victims, demonstrating a sustained commitment to human rights advocacy.
  • Empowering Human Rights Defenders through Expert Training and Guidance: Provided expert technical expertise and delivered targeted training on human rights advocacy, investigations, and documentation. This empowered human rights defenders and civil society organizations, strengthening their capacity to effectively promote and protect human rights.
  • Spearheaded a strategic program to advance economic justice and business human rights, culminating in the design and implementation of a public inquiry into human rights violations by salt-mining companies in Malindi, Kenya’s Coast Province. This inquiry directly addressed systemic abuses and fostered greater corporate accountability.
  • Designed and executed a targeted communication strategy that effectively increased the KNCHR's public visibility and accessibility. This strategy increased public confidence and prompted an increase in public complaints, indicating enhanced citizen trust and engagement.

Education

PhD - Management (Philanthropy Option)

University of Witwatersrand
South Africa

Master of Arts - Diplomacy and Communication Studies

University of Nairobi
Kenya

Post Graduate Diploma - Mass Communication and Public Relations

University of Nairobi, School of Journalism
Kenya

Bachelor of Law, LLB -

University of Nairobi
Kenya

B.E.D. Arts (Hons) -

Moi University

Dip - Human Rights Education

John Abbot College
Montreal, Canada

Dip - Human Rights Video Advocacy

Witness and Concordia University
Montreal, Canada

Dip - Audio Visual Production

Skills

  • Grant management
  • Impact measurement
  • Strategic planning
  • Policy analysis
  • Financial management
  • Civic engagement
  • Conflict resolution
  • Data analysis
  • Partnership development
  • Capacity building
  • Negotiation skills
  • Written communication
  • Team leadership
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Analytical thinking
  • Operational strategy
  • Performance metrics
  • Risk management
  • Creative thinking
  • Documentation skills
  • Strategic thinking
  • Excellent communication

Documentary Productions

  • Robbed of Choice: Forced Sterilization of HIV +Ve Women in Kenya, 2014
  • Our Voices, 2016
  • A Year Later: Where are My Land Rights? 1 and 2
  • After the Constitution, the Kenya Women's Political Charter
  • Youth Fact Book

Membership

  • Women in Public Service Alumni Group
  • Board member and member of the General Assembly, Action Aid International, Kenya
  • Africa Impact Investing Group
  • Africa Internet Governance Forum
  • Member, Equitas International Human Rights Network
  • Alums, Witness Video Advocacy Institute

Publications

  • Perception Survey on the (De)Criminalization of Sex Work in Kenya
  • National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Ethnic Audits of Counties, Universities, Parastatals, and Commissions in Kenya 2016
  • Amplifying Voices Issue 1, an Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa publication
  • Nguzo za Haki, (Pillars of Justice) Issue 3: Corruption and Human Rights

References

  • Prof Chaloka Beyani, Associate Professor of Law, London School of Economics, chalokabeyani@hotmail.com, +447711948415
  • Anne Gathumbi, Former Director, Open Society Foundations, agathumbi@gmail.com, +254720426815
  • Margaret Mliwa, Regional Director, Ford Foundation, Office for Eastern Africa, m.mliwa@fordfoundation.org, +19178900788 / +254722566226

Education And Professional Training

  • PhD (finalist), Management (Philanthropy Option), Wits Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (Wits Business School), University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
  • Master of Arts, Diplomacy and Communication Studies, University of Nairobi
  • Post Graduate Diploma, Mass Communication and Public Relations, University of Nairobi, School of Journalism- Kenya
  • Bachelor of Law, LLB, University of Nairobi
  • B.E.D., Arts (Hons), Moi University
  • Dip, Human Rights Education, Equitas International Human Rights Training, John Abbot College, Montreal, Canada
  • Dip, Human Rights Video Advocacy, Witness and Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
  • Dip, Audio Visual Production, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada

Professional Objectives And Interest

  • Strategic Program Design, Analysis, and Implementation, To leverage data-driven insights and strategic analysis to enhance the effectiveness and impact of programs promoting peacebuilding and conflict prevention, human rights, democratic governance, and economic and social justice for marginalized communities.
  • Advance Transformative Peace Building, To develop and implement innovative strategies that address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace through inclusive dialogue, restorative justice, and community-led initiatives.
  • Advancing economic justice, parity, and opportunities, Support initiatives that advance fairness and equity in economic policies, systems, and practices to ensure individuals and communities have equal access to economic resources, opportunities, and benefits.
  • Leverage research, strategic program design, analysis, and implementation skills, To address globally consequential technology challenges, focusing on technology governance, including advancing AI policy and governance in the Global South.

Timeline

Senior Program Officer/Strategist

Ford Foundation
01.2017 - 04.2025

Commissioner

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC)
01.2015 - 04.2017

Director, Policy and Advocacy

Office of the Ombudsman
01.2012 - 12.2014

Advocacy Officer

Open Society Foundations (OSF)
09.2008 - 12.2011

Principal Human Rights Officer

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
01.2005 - 08.2008

PhD - Management (Philanthropy Option)

University of Witwatersrand

Master of Arts - Diplomacy and Communication Studies

University of Nairobi

Post Graduate Diploma - Mass Communication and Public Relations

University of Nairobi, School of Journalism

Bachelor of Law, LLB -

University of Nairobi

B.E.D. Arts (Hons) -

Moi University

Dip - Human Rights Education

John Abbot College

Dip - Human Rights Video Advocacy

Witness and Concordia University

Dip - Audio Visual Production

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Belinda A. O. Ochiel