Irene has over 28 years of experience in environment, natural resource management, climate change, monitoring and evaluation in over 13 countries in Africa.  Her career began as an educator, teaching natural resource management disciplines in Kenyan public and private universities. She then joined the development sector and designed/implemented numerous programmes and projects in climate, conservation, development, and humanitarian sectors through non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The experience gained transitioned her career into management consultancy services to African governments, bilateral, multilateral, civil society and private sector clients in Africa, Europe, and the United States for 18 years.  In this role she implemented over 120  assignments in various development disciplines across Africa. She has published papers and articles related to climate change, the measurement of climate resilience, and contributed to discussions seeking African solutions to climate at national, regional and international forums.  Her current role includes building an impactful climate portfolio in Africa with a focus on East, West and Southern Africa, across industry decarbonization and renewable energy, just transition, climate finance, food and land use systems, nature-based solutions, climate and development nexus, climate diplomacy and thought leadership - amongst others.