Edward Kunyanga
Frederick,USA
Summary
Executive with 20+ years of experience in managing donor-funded programs globally, specializing in strategy and program design. Demonstrated expertise in health systems strengthening and building cross-sector partnerships in health and education. Proven track record in resource mobilization and data-driven decision-making aligned with government priorities and SDGs. Recognized for strong analytical and problem-solving skills, fostering relationships that drive impactful results.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Strategy, MEL, and Program Evaluation
Independent Consultant
07.2024 - Current
- Advising INGOs and governments on equitable, climate-resilient public health and nutrition strategies.
- Designing adaptive MEL systems aligned with national frameworks and donor requirements.
- Supporting proposal development and strategic positioning for bilateral and foundation funding.
Director / Team Leader – Global Health Programs
ICF
Rockville, USA
01.2016 - 07.2024
- Directed a $5 million annual global portfolio on maternal health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and education.
- Led over 10 multi-country projects, including Global Fund LTAs, UNICEF LTAs, USAID IDIQs, and CDC Projects.
- Provided strategic leadership to boost win rates and expand portfolio growth.
- Mentored senior managers and multidisciplinary teams, improving project execution.
- Represented ICF at global forums to enhance thought leadership in MERL.
- Advanced donor engagement strategies through technical design expertise.
Chief of Party – MEASURE Evaluation PIMA Project (USAID)
ICF
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Provided technical and managerial leadership for flagship health systems monitoring and evaluation project in Kenya.
- Strengthened HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and family planning/maternal child health systems across over 30 counties.
- Directed strategic planning, compliance, and financial oversight in accordance with USAID regulations.
- Partnered with Ministry of Health to institutionalize data utilization and decentralize service delivery.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support informed decision-making processes.
- Developed functional solutions to enhance team performance, achieving cost savings.
- Resolved issues to promote high customer satisfaction through knowledgeable service.
- Contributed innovative ideas to improve project outcomes and operational efficiency.
Country Director / Chief of Party – USAID & CDC Programs
ICF
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Oversaw technical, operational, and financial portfolio exceeding $50M in Kenya.
- Established partnerships with MOH, NGOs, and USG agencies to align programs with national strategies.
- Strengthened local capacity for effective program delivery, compliance, and results reporting.
- Advanced health information systems to promote gender equity and resilience in service delivery.
- Managed cross-functional teams for project alignment and operational efficiency.
- Directed budget management and resource allocation for diverse initiatives.
- Formed stakeholder partnerships to enhance program impact and delivery.
- Monitored project progress against objectives to ensure compliance with donor requirements.
Chief of Party – APHIA II Evaluation Project (USAID)
ICF
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Evaluated HIV/AIDS service delivery programs to inform evidence-based policy decisions.
- Managed multi-disciplinary teams and complex partnerships to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, enhancing satisfaction through knowledgeable service.
- Collaborated effectively with diverse coworkers to meet objectives and address product-related challenges.
M&E Specialist – FAM Project
Georgetown University / MACRO International
Washington, USA
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Advised over 10 country teams on USAID monitoring and evaluation system design for family planning and reproductive health.
- Developed monitoring and evaluation frameworks for various programs at Georgetown University.
- Collaborated with teams to create data collection tools and methodologies for research projects.
- Analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
- Facilitated training sessions on monitoring and evaluation best practices and reporting standards.
- Prepared comprehensive reports detailing findings for stakeholders and funding agencies.
- Coordinated evaluations with external partners to improve program quality and impact.
- Conducted workshops with stakeholders to review findings from monitoring and evaluation analyses.
Senior Technical Specialist, M&E – MEASURE Evaluation
Georgetown University / MACRO International
Calverton, USA
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Led capacity building initiatives for national M&E systems within global health programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Developed training tools and performance frameworks to enhance evidence-based planning.
- Conducted research on innovative technologies and products to meet customer needs.
- Created comprehensive reports detailing project progress, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
M&E Technical Advisor – HIV/AIDS Impact Project
FHI 360
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Designed and managed HIV prevention and maternal health monitoring and evaluation systems aligned with national indicators.
- Provided technical guidance on project implementation, emphasizing best practices.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create innovative solutions for health challenges.
- Reviewed project progress and delivered strategic advice for improvement initiatives.
Country Planning & M&E Advisor
Plan International
Nairobi, Kenya
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Established national MEL frameworks for multi-sectoral programs to enhance accountability.
- Pioneered gender-sensitive, community-driven evaluations integrated into national planning cycles.
- Guided development and implementation of community-based initiatives to address local needs.
- Advised on best practices for child protection and gender equality strategies.
- Analyzed program data to inform decision-making and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Engaged with local communities to assess needs and gather regular feedback.
Education
Master of Science - Statistical Demography
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, KenyaBachelor of Science - Agriculture & Economics
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, KenyaSkills
- Strategic leadership and partnerships
- Proposal development
- Strategic planning
- Program management
- Public health strategy
- Partnership development
- Capacity building and team leadership
- Stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy
- Program design and implementation
- Health systems strengthening
- Monitoring, evaluation, research and learning
- Donor relations and resource mobilization
- Adaptive programming and risk management
- Financial oversight and compliance
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Data analysis tools (Power BI, STATA, SPSS, SAS, Tableau)
- Theory of change frameworks
- Adaptive MEL strategies
- Gender-responsive evaluation methodologies
- Resilience frameworks
Affiliations
- Member, American Evaluation Association (AEA)
- Member, African Evaluation Association (AfrEA)
- Member, Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Founder & Board Member, Matakiri Tumaini Trust (UK-Registered Charity)
Certification
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• Certified in Evaluation and Data Analysis
• Participatory Development & Results-Based Management
• Certified in Evaluation and Data Analysis
• Participatory Development & Results-Based Management
Languages
English
Full Professional
Swahili
Professional
Timeline
Strategy, MEL, and Program Evaluation
Independent Consultant
07.2024 - Current
Director / Team Leader – Global Health Programs
ICF
01.2016 - 07.2024
Chief of Party – MEASURE Evaluation PIMA Project (USAID)
ICF
01.2013 - 01.2016
Chief of Party – APHIA II Evaluation Project (USAID)
ICF
01.2009 - 01.2013
Country Director / Chief of Party – USAID & CDC Programs
ICF
01.2008 - 01.2016
M&E Specialist – FAM Project
Georgetown University / MACRO International
01.2008 - 01.2009
Senior Technical Specialist, M&E – MEASURE Evaluation
Georgetown University / MACRO International
01.2004 - 01.2008
M&E Technical Advisor – HIV/AIDS Impact Project
FHI 360
01.2002 - 01.2004
Country Planning & M&E Advisor
Plan International
01.1998 - 01.2002
Master of Science - Statistical Demography
University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture & Economics
University of Nairobi