Sharon Leiyagu

Early career climate and sustainability professional with a background in International Relations and hands-on experience supporting government policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including regional security and multilateral coordination in East Africa. Currently pursuing a Master's in Climate Change and Development at SOAS University of London. Skilled in coordinating multi-stakeholder programs, conducting policy-relevant research, and translating complex environmental and social challenges into actionable solutions.

Passionate about environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, with a keen interest in integrating sustainable and responsible strategies into policy, corporate and development initiatives.

Foreign Service Intern - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Nairobi, Kenya

(2025-03 - 2026-03)

• Researched and compiled analytical briefs on peace and security issues such as Democratic Republic of Congo to support the ministry's regional policy strategies.
• Supported programme coordination between departments and regional bodies.
• Maintained precise records and reports in line with institutional documentation standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Assisted in developing meeting materials, concept notes and communication briefs for diplomatic and stakeholder engagements.
• Promoted collaboration across multicultural teams by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and fostering a cohesive working environment.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) / Sustainability Coordinator - Van Kappel Kenya - Nanyuki, Kenya

(2023-10 - 2024-10)

• Managed sustainability programs and aligned initiatives with corporate social objectives.
• Oversaw project execution and budget tracking to maintain compliance with donor and funder reporting requirements.
• Delivered training sessions that supported organizational awareness and advanced capacity-building goals.
• Strengthened environmental sustainability planning by integrating responsible practices across operations.

Community Outreach Specialist - St. Therese Vocational Training Centre - Nairobi, Kenya

(2019-05 - 2019-08)

• Increased vocational training enrolment by 38 students through targeted outreach, addressing access gaps for underserved communities.
• Conducted counselling sessions that improved retention rates, directly reducing student dropout levels.
• Organized over 10 community workshops introducing vocational opportunities.
• Secured scholarship support for at-risk students by advocating with partner NGOs.

Front Office Administrator - Kenya Aids NGOs Consortium (KANCO) - Nairobi, Kenya

(2019-01 - 2019-05)

• Improved scheduling systems to address long wait times, cutting delays by 21% and elevating service delivery for stakeholders.
• Coordinated logistics and reporting for three donor-funded programs in an international organization setting.
• Conducted compliance documentation audits to resolve reporting gaps and ensure adherence to administrative procedures.

Founder & Events Coordinator - La Saar Events - Nairobi, Kenya

• Founded and managed an events décor business, delivering customized solutions based on client needs and themes.
• Designed creative concepts and transformed ideas into practical, visually compelling outcomes.
• Introduced resource-efficient approaches to décor and material use, promoting sustainability in small-scale event planning.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, adapting quickly to changing client demands and constraints.

Master's - Climate Change and Development - SOAS University of London

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations - United States International University (USIU) (2023-08)

Diploma - Science of Human Development - Tangaza University College (CUEA) (2020-07)