Foreign Service Officer
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Multilingual Foreign Service Officer, serving as Second Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya with 15 years of experience in diplomacy and international business and trade. Passionate about fostering relationships and innovative development, Adaba seeks to blend the best of her public service experience and private sector exposure to contribute to a transformative organization. Her goals being primarily to make a difference on the global stage through use of her unique experience and background.
She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish as well as conversant in Mandarin Chinese and Kiswahili.
In her work as a Political Affairs Officer, Adaba has demonstrated her ability to engage and communicate professionally with statespersons from all over the world. In her immediate former position at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, she was assigned to over ten (10) international organizations and UN bodies specializing in telecommunication, humanitarian, disarmament and water issues. In the past four years in this capacity, she managed coordination with the Ministry and other Government Agencies at the Headquarters, as well as provided support and advice, drafted speaking points, speeches, executive briefs, and situational analysis reports.
Prior to this, she worked as Political Affairs Officer in the African and African Union Directorate at the Ministry, where she covered the desks of Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon for almost two years. At the onset of her diplomatic career for three years and currently in the position of Protocol Officer, she has worked directly with Heads of State, members of Royal Families, Ambassadors, and other State Officials and executed her responsibilities in adherence to stated standards and protocols. Adaba has served as translator and interpreter for various foreign service charges including translating correspondence and documentation for the Permanent Mission and the Ministry as well as the Presidential Interpreter for His Excellency the President of Kenya.
As a result-oriented professional, Adaba has also contributed to efficiencies in administrative areas of the foreign service. A notable example is she reviewed and conducted analysis on reciprocal agreements related to tax and other privileges to foreign service staff and international organization personnel while on mission, which continue to yield and safeguard Treasury resources for the country. Most recently, she played a key coordinating and reporting role in the purchase and relocation of the chancery of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, as the Secretary to the Procurement and Asset Disposal Committee and key point person for the contractors.
Before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adaba worked in international business in Asia. She commenced her career in Shanghai, China, at Allied Pickfords, where she began as the Customer Relations, Marketing and Corporate Sales Manager. She developed the first ever customer relations department and created new products, displaying innovation throughout her time there, and earning herself a promotion to International Sales Consultant.
Following her tenure at Allied Pickfords, Adaba went on to work for the Chinese Office of Maine Sawmills, a French company. She held the post of Business Development and Country Manager for three years during which she increased the company’s client base tenfold and expanded geographic coverage of the company from the single market of China into Indonesia, Vietnam and India. She used this time to develop her Chinese language skills.
Adaba holds a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Studies from Rice University in Houston, Texas. She holds accreditations in French and Spanish, and has extensive international and multicultural exposure having lived in Africa, USA, Europe, Asia and South America.
Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya
Protocol Directorate, Nairobi: Jul 2022 – Present
Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Geneva: Jul 2018 – Jul 2022
Africa & African Union Directorate, Nairobi: Dec 2016 - Jul 2018
Protocol Directorate, Nairobi: Jan 2014 – Dec 2016
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is the government ministry established in 1963 to oversee the foreign relations of Kenya. The mission of the Ministry is to project, protect and promote Kenya’s image and interests globally through innovative diplomacy, and contribute towards a just, peaceful and equitable world.
SA Les Scieries Du Maine (Maine Sawmills), Shanghai, China: Jan 2010 – Mar 2013
Les Scieries Du Maine (Maine Sawmills) is a logging company specializing in Oak and Beech hardwoods. Based in France, Maine Sawmills was established in 1954. The company exports 60% of its product to Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Japan, India, Morocco and the main EU countries.
Allied Pickfords, Shanghai, China: May 2009 – Dec 2009
Allied Pickfords is an international moving company specializing in local and international home moving. With over 600 locations in more than 40 countries Allied Pickfords uses the most advanced shipping and transportation methods to ensure quality moving to all its clients.
Allied Pickfords, Shanghai, China: May 2008 – Oct 2009
Mar 2014 – Jul 2016 Webster University, St. Louis, MO USA
Master of Arts, International Relations
Aug 2001 – May 2006 Rice University, Houston, TX USA
Bachelor of Arts, French Studies
