Pauline Onunga Adero
Queens,NY
Summary
I am Kenyan mediator currently serving as a Political Affairs Officer in the United Nations' Mediation Support Unit (MSU) within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. My expertise lies in analyzing and developing mediation strategies across various regions. I have successfully led initiatives in the Horn of Africa, as well as North and Southern Africa. I also valuable experience at the UN Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa in conducting comprehensive country analyses with a focus on Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, and thematic issues surrounding the relationship between the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea Arena. My first hand expertise in mediation and diplomatic efforts evident through my previous role as a Justice and Reconciliation Officer in the African Union where I played a crucial part in negotiating post-referendum arrangements between Sudan and South Sudan.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Policy and Mediation Division
11.2021 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive reviews and monitoring of African issues, gaining insights into mediation trends
- Lead information collection and analysis, focusing on countries like Cameroon, Sudan, and Ethiopia
- Champion engagement with key organizations, advising on UN involvement in African mediation units
- Deliver real-time briefings on conflict prevention, aiding senior leadership's decisions on mediation issues
- Act as Team Leader, guiding a 15-member team, managing dynamics, budgeting, and reporting
- Lead studies on digital tech's impact in Sudan and Ethiopia, contributing to reports on digital tech in the Horn of Africa
- Direct scenario-building exercises, offering insights for Ethiopian Peace Talks in 2022
- Team focal point for National Dialogue and Constitutions.
- Undertake and orchestrate expert deployments to ensure seamless mediation operations.
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa
09.2017 - 11.2021
- Enhance UN's strategic partnership with IGAD and AU, fostering collaboration
- Lead Horn of Africa Liaison team and oversee the transition to create the Special Envoy's Office
- Maintain keen awareness of regional politics, providing valuable insights for UN-IGAD-AU engagement
- Work closely with UNOCC on Ethiopian and Horn of Africa crises, monitoring Red Sea developments
- Develop and drive Horn of Africa Strategy aligning with organizational goals
- Cultivate ties with UN offices and regional organizations, facilitating policy coordination
- Produce briefing materials, code cables, concept notes, and talking points for the office
- Conduct research on the Challenges in the Horn of Africa with the AU, presented to the AUPSC.
Justice and Reconciliation Officer
African Union
10.2010 - 08.2017
- Lead discussions supporting Sudan's 2016 National Dialogue process involving key stakeholders
- Draft and negotiate 9 cooperation agreements between Sudan and South Sudan in 2012
- Monitor and ensure compliance with all AU decisions and agreements concerning Sudan and South Sudan
- Conduct extensive research on economic, political, and security matters
- Prepare reports, proposals, press statements, and communiqués for AU Senior Leadership
- Supervise a 10-member team in the AU Liaison Office for Sudan.
Programme Officer
Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association
01.2007 - 07.2010
- Lead program development securing funds for initiatives like Transparency and Accountability Mechanism for the Judiciary
- Ensure project effectiveness through rigorous monitoring and evaluation
- Foster global relationships with East African and Commonwealth Judges and Magistrates Association
- Execute the Transparency and Accountability Project for the Judiciary
- Spearhead Kenya's first-ever Judiciary Open Day, with 20,000 attendees
- Pioneer nationwide Court Users Committees and Peer Review Committees
- Organize and facilitate comprehensive training programs on emerging laws for over 200 Judicial Officers.
Programme Officer, Human Rights Education
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
04.2006 - 12.2006
- Orchestrate programme activities in the Human Rights Education Department
- Lead and organize education outreach programs in various counties
- Contribute to advocacy projects
- Actively engage in legal clinics countrywide
- Prepare and lead training for judiciary, civil service, and public sector
- Develop a Human Rights Curriculum for Public Officers
- Audit bills for human rights conformity and lobby Members of Parliament
- Develop new information, education, and communication material for KNCHR
- Facilitate human rights training sessions.
Rapporteur
IGAD Somali National Reconciliation Conference
12.2002 - 08.2005
- Organize meetings, covering IGAD Facilitation Committee to Heads of State Summit
- Manage agendas and produce concise meeting minutes
- Draft pivotal documents like the Charter, Rules of Procedure, speeches, statements, and communiqués
- Provide essential logistical support for both Parliamentary and Presidential Elections in Nairobi in 2005.
Education
Masters or Equivalent in Peace & Conflict Studies -
University of Bradford
Nairobi, Kenya12.2009
Masters or Equivalent in Peace & Conflict Studies -
University of Bradford
Bradford, United Kingdom12.2009
Certificate/Diploma in General Law -
Kenya School of Law
Nairobi, Kenya08.2005
Recognized 1st Level Degree in General Law -
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya12.2002
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Organization and Time Management
- Decision-Making
- Problem Resolution
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Flexible and Adaptable
References
- Barney Afako, Former UN Standby Team of Experts, United Nations
- Alice Nderitu, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, United Nations.
Timeline
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Policy and Mediation Division
11.2021 - Current
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa
09.2017 - 11.2021
Justice and Reconciliation Officer
African Union
10.2010 - 08.2017
Programme Officer
Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association
01.2007 - 07.2010
Programme Officer, Human Rights Education
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
04.2006 - 12.2006
Rapporteur
IGAD Somali National Reconciliation Conference
12.2002 - 08.2005
Masters or Equivalent in Peace & Conflict Studies -
University of Bradford
Masters or Equivalent in Peace & Conflict Studies -
University of Bradford
Certificate/Diploma in General Law -
Kenya School of Law
Recognized 1st Level Degree in General Law -
University of Nairobi
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