Dr. Josephine Songa
Science Cornerstone Officer
Josephine has 27 years experience working in the national agricultural research system in Kenya, as well as the NGO sector. Previously, she served as the Director of Capacity Building and Technology Deployment at the Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, and was a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. She has also offered various national and international consultancy services in the areas of breeding, biotechnology, seeds systems, soil fertility management, capacity building, and phytosanitary services.
Josephine has also served in various board and key committee positions, including the Kenya Sugar Research Foundation Board and the African Enterprise Challenge Fund. She holds a PhD and an MSc in agricultural entomology from Kenyatta University and the University of Manitoba, Canada respectively, and a BSc in agriculture from the University of Nairobi.
In 2005, Josephine was selected as one of first 11 fellows in the CGIAR Gender & Diversity-Rockerfeller Fellowship Program and became an AWARD Mentor in 2010. As AWARD’s Science Cornerstone Officer, she assists the Senior Advisor Women in Science and Science Coordinator in implementing the science program, including advanced science training placements, science skills courses, conferences, and professional associations, as well as monitoring and evaluation of these components.
Vicki is Director of the CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program and AWARD. She is known internationally for her expertise in gender and diversity issues in agricultural development. Before joining the CGIAR in 1999, she worked with local communities in Asia and Africa for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Vicki holds an MA in Environmental Psychology from the City University of New York, and a BA in Social Ecology from the University of California
Pauline uses her excellent organizational skills to coordinate AWARD’s leadership cornerstone and ensure smooth delivery of AWARD’s training courses in mentoring, leadership, and science and proposal writing. She liaises with AWARD’s implementation partners and coordinates the Training of African Trainers initiative. Prior to joining AWARD, Pauline served for eight years as Office Manager of the CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program. She holds an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration from Moi University, Kenya, and a BA in French and German from the University of Nairobi.
Karen leads AWARD’s Communications Unit, directing AWARD’s strategy to inform and engage key audiences. She brings 20 years of international experience, mostly gained in West Africa in a variety of communications roles. She joined AWARD from World Vision Canada, where she served as Director of Public Relations. Karen holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University, and a Certificate in Public Relations from Ryerson University, Canada.
Dennis brings solid integrated customer service and finance experience to his role of supporting AWARD’s Finance and Contracts Manager. He previously worked in the telecommunications sector and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University, recently having completed his final Chartered Public Accountant exams.
AWARD’s administration and logistics services are in Marion’s capable hands. Prior to AWARD, she served for 15 years as the Personal Assistant to the Director of Corporate Services at the World Agroforestry Centre in Nairobi. She holds an advanced diploma in Business Administration from the Association of Business Executives, Kenya, and an advanced diploma in Secretarial Studies from Kenya Polytechnic. She has also completed many short courses in administration and business management.
With 30 years experience working with African agricultural networks, Dorothy is able to identify the best possible mentor for each AWARD fellow, and to guide and track their progress. Before joining AWARD, she was Coordinator of the Regional Agricultural Information Network of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa. Dorothy holds an MSc in Library and Information Studies from Loughborough University of Technology, U.K., and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Nairobi.
Valerie brings strong information and database skills, as well as excellent communications experience to AWARD’s M&E unit. Previously, she was the Program Officer in charge of reporting at Columbia University’s International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs in Kenya. Valerie has completed course work for an MA in Population Studies (Demography) from the University of Nairobi, and holds a BSc in Information Sciences from Moi University, Kenya.
Marco has supported AWARD since its inception and recently took up a more formal role as Fellowship Manager. With more than 15 years of international experience in scientific and project management roles, he provides analytical and information management expertise to M&E, as well as overall strategic and management support to AWARD. Marco holds master’s degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Management from the University of Amsterdam, and in recent years transitioned into the fields of organizational development, professional coaching, training, and facilitation.
More than a decade of finance experience has equipped Donald for the crucial responsibility of overseeing AWARD’s budget, procurement, and contracts. Previously, he was the Finance and Administration Director at Columbia University’s International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs in Kenya. Donald has completed course work for an MA in International Relations from the United States International University-Africa (Kenya), and holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Eastern Africa, as well as certification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Helga’s valuable experience is of particular benefit in identifying suitable research attachments for AWARD fellows. She joined the Gender & Diversity Program in 2004, working to secure funding and implement fellowship programs to fast-track the careers of African women agricultural scientists. For more than 10 years, she coordinated EU-funded Research Support Programs at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, concentrating on gender-responsive research. Helga holds a PhD in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition from Giessen University and an MSc in Horticulture from Hannover University, Germany.
Obadiah brings valuable administrative support to the AWARD team. Previously, he worked in a similar position at Health NGOs Network, and was a Human Resources Assistant at the African Medical and Research Foundation. Obadiah has a degree in Business Administration (Human Resources) from Kenya Methodist University, and a diploma in Human Resource Management from the Institute of Human Resource Management.