Mary Oyunga
Aubrey,Tx
Summary
Dedicated and experienced Nutrition Specialist with a strong background in developing and implementing nutrition-sensitive policies and programs. Proven expertise in dietary assessment, nutrition education, and food system-based dietary guidelines. Committed to improving nutritional outcomes through evidence-based approaches and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nutrition Specialist
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
07.2013 - 02.2024
- Engaged with government counterparts and relevant stakeholders to assess current capacities, identify gaps, and provide tailored advice and guidance.
- Organized national workshops and regular meetings with national experts to ensure continuous support and knowledge sharing.
- Adapted and developed training materials in line with USAID guidance and methodologies.
- Built capacities and guided country experts and government officials in using and adapting approaches to the country setting and needs.
- Supported data collection and analysis on food security and nutrition to inform policy development.
- Reviewed final reports and provided feedback to ensure accuracy and relevance.
- Supported the formulation of evidence-based multilevel policy recommendations, national guidelines, and country-level initiatives through online and in-country training sessions.
- Collaborated closely with in-country teams and the REU to ensure alignment and effectiveness of nutrition programs.
- Collaborated with international organizations (ICRW, CIP, CARE, Ministry of Health, USAID) to implement impactful intervention studies, reaching over 100,000 beneficiaries.
- Secured over $1 million in funding from PRAPACE, FOODNET, and Sight and Life La Roche for nutrition research projects.
- Reported on all activities undertaken during assignments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Nutrition Program Coordinator
Kenya Agriculture and Research Institute (KARI)
01.1987 - 06.2013
- Led the development and implementation of holistic school feeding programs, improving the availability and affordability of healthy food choices.
- Strengthened food and nutrition literacy through targeted education programs and community outreach.
- Developed and promoted effective nutrition promotion programs and nutrition-sensitive food value chains.
- Reduced food loss and waste through innovative processing and market linkage strategies.
Production Supervisor
Delmonte Factory
01.1986 - 01.1987
- Enhanced production efficiency by 15% through process optimization and quality control measures.
- Implemented new safety protocols, reducing workplace accidents by 20%.
Production Supervisor
Njoro Vegetable Canning Factory
01.1985 - 01.1986
- Improved production line efficiency by 20%, ensuring high standards of food safety and quality.
- Introduced new quality control measures, reducing product defects by 25%.
Education
PhD - Community Nutrition & Development
Maseno University
01.2017
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Epidemiology
Kenyatta University
01.2008
Post Graduate Diploma - Food and Nutrition Security in the context of HIV/AIDS
International Agricultural Centre (IAC)
12.2005
Post Graduate Diploma - Maternal & Child Nutrition
International Agricultural Centre
06.1994
Diploma - Food Science & Technology
Egerton University
01.1985
Skills
- Technical Skills: Dietary assessment, nutrition-sensitive policy development, program implementation, data analysis, Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Clarity, MS Visio, Confluence, JIRA, Asana, Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Business insights, Data analytics, Community Nutrition Research & Development Project Management, Scientific Writing Technology Transfer Gender & Policy Development Team Leadership
- Soft Skills: Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, problem-solving
- Languages: English, Swahili, Luo
Certification
Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (KNDI)
Awards
AWARD Fellowship: Completed a 2-year Post Masters Fellowship under the prestigious African Women in Agriculture Research and Development (AWARD) CGIAR Gender and Diversity programme., Scientific Placements: Secured scientific placements at Emory University, Atlanta, and Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA., Publications: Authored and co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal publications and conference proceedings., Awards: Received multiple awards for best scientific presentations at national and international forums.
Affiliations
Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (KNDI)
Timeline
Nutrition Specialist
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
07.2013 - 02.2024
Nutrition Program Coordinator
Kenya Agriculture and Research Institute (KARI)
01.1987 - 06.2013
Production Supervisor
Delmonte Factory
01.1986 - 01.1987
Production Supervisor
Njoro Vegetable Canning Factory
01.1985 - 01.1986
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Epidemiology
Kenyatta University
Post Graduate Diploma - Food and Nutrition Security in the context of HIV/AIDS
International Agricultural Centre (IAC)
Post Graduate Diploma - Maternal & Child Nutrition
International Agricultural Centre
Diploma - Food Science & Technology
Egerton University
PhD - Community Nutrition & Development
Maseno University
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