NICHOLAS GITONGA MATI

[email protected] • (+254)704399716 • P.O. Box 51318- 00200, Nairobi

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

I am a result-driven professional with a proven track record of over 20 years in project management, capacity development, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization. My expertise lies in strategic planning, leadership, and building partnerships with diverse stakeholders. I am committed to promoting sustainable development and making a positive impact in the fields of agri-food systems, climate resilience and environmental conservation. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in institutional capacity development, fundraising, information systems management, public and private sector engagement, and policy formulation. I have worked closely with international and national donors, including UNFAO, USAID, the African Union Commission, European Commission (EC), BROT (Bread for the World), Brooke East Africa (BEA), KCB Foundation, and GIZ. This experience has enhanced my expertise in designing and implementing projects in accordance with donor policies and guidelines. I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world and am excited to bring my expertise to new opportunities.

WORK EXPERIENCE

National Coordinator

06/2021 - Present

Poverty Alleviation Network Kenya (PANET Kenya) , Nairobi, Kiambu, Tharaka-Nithi, Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni counties

• Provided overall strategic leadership and direction for PANET Kenya's programs and operations targeting 9,500 participants

• Developed and presented PANET Kenya’s strategic plan (2025 – 2029) to the Board of Directors for approval and implementation

• Led formulation and periodic review of organizational policies, including procurement policy

• Ensured compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements of NGOs Coordination Board

• Provided technical support on resilient livelihoods, climate-smart food systems, and sustainable development

• Oversaw design, implementation, and evaluation of programs across six counties, including quality assurance of baseline and evaluation tools

• Developed program monitoring framework with indicator tracking tables for evidence-based program management

• Successfully lobbied for and secured funding for climate adaptation projects totaling over $100,000

• Developed funding proposals and maintained relationships with donors including BROT, EDF, Brooke East Africa, Plan International, and World Vision Kenya

• Partnered with regional organizations for joint proposal development and program implementation

• Led staff mentorship, recruitment, performance management, and succession planning

• Managed organizational budget, financial controls, and compliance with donor and regulatory requirements

• Established and maintained strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, donors, and private sector

• Represented PANET Kenya in national and international forums advocating for poverty alleviation policies

• Led implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework to track program progress and impact

• Promoted a culture of learning and innovation within the organization

• Disseminated evaluation findings and best practices to stakeholders and donors

Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant

08/2018 - 05/2021

Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation (KCBF) - 2jiajiri Program , Western, Coast, Central, Nairobi, and the Great Rift regions

• Developed program-level logical frameworks with SMART indicators and set targets collaboratively

• Designed and conducted baseline study including data collection, analysis, and reporting

• Contributed to development of research and M&E tools and led promotion of KCBF's tool library

• Developed training curricula and delivered training on indicators and data collection methodologies

• Uploaded research and M&E tools into shared data collection platform

• Led quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess program performance, quality, and sustainability

• Participated in quarterly program reviews and assisted in report preparation

• Coordinated development and implementation of Youth Management Information System (MIS)

Monitoring & Evaluation Expert – Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Strategy for Kenya

04/2018 - 07/2018

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) , Kenya

• Contributed to development of Kenya's first M&E reporting framework for Malabo Declaration including targets and reporting templates

• Developed policy briefs guiding implementation of Malabo Declaration submitted to key stakeholders

• Designed and tested tools for collecting M&E information on priority value chains

• Supported development of M&E database

• Reviewed Post-Harvest Loss assessment study reports and loss measurement methods including APHLIS

• Played key role in successful implementation of Malabo Declaration aimed at reducing Post-Harvest Losses and promoting food security

Country Manager

04/2017 - 07/2018

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) , Eastern and Western Kenya regions

• Served as focal point for due diligence on project cycle management, partnership facilitation, and staff recruitment

• Provided direction, led team morale, safety, welfare, and managed resources

• Reviewed and contributed to implementation of LWR Strategic Plan

• Oversaw community engagement and social capital enhancement for project acceptability

• Developed proposals for resource mobilization and followed up on funding opportunities

• Led all program M&E activities by developing evidence-based monitoring and evaluation plans

• Ensured program operations adhered to legal guidelines and internal policies

• Coordinated donor relations, managed partner databases, and served as Network focal person

• Maintained communication with colleagues and stakeholders for effective program delivery

• Played key role in program closeout in Budalangi and Makindu

Capacity Development Officer

06/2014 - 03/2017

International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) , Global (36 countries)

• Coordinated research fellowship programs across six global regions

• Managed internships, Master's, and PhD programs through Focal Region Staff

• Developed ICRAF's first Student Management Information System (SMIS) reducing paper use by 90%

• SMIS adopted by International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and other CGIAR centers

• Developed ICRAF's first policy guidelines for managing interns and research fellows

• Managed African Plant Breeders' Academy program funded by MARS targeting 15 African countries

• Collaborated with scientists on research training programs and engagement of interns and fellows

• Liaised with support units on training databases and knowledge repositories

Regional Manager

08/2008 - 05/2014

Help Self Help Centre (HSHC) - Mt. Kenya West Natural Resource Management and Advocacy Program , Laikipia and Nyeri counties, Kenya

• Coordinated work on climate change adaptation, resilience, and mitigation in forests

• Collaborated with Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)

• Designed, planned, and implemented activities on forests and climate change including adaptation-mitigation synergies

• Developed guidelines, best practices, and training materials

• Liaised with partners and stakeholders for capacity building and developed status reports

• Provided technical and policy advice on integrating forests and trees in Participatory Forestry Management Plans (PFMPs)

• Supported capacity development of partners and made technical materials available to county governments

• Worked with stakeholders to advance ecosystem-based adaptation approaches

• Planned and implemented adaptation-mitigation initiatives with Community Forest Associations (CFAs)

• Played key role in planning, development, and implementation of Forestry Act 2005 focusing on community participation

Program Manager

01/2006 - 07/2008

World Vision Kenya (WVK), Lorroki Area Development Program Transmara/Samburu County , Transmara/Samburu County, Kenya

• Provided overall leadership for implementation of programs including Child Protection, Food Security & Livelihood, WASH, HIV and AIDS, Health, Education, Peace Building, and Gender

• Increased program funding portfolio from $480,000 to $2.7 million per year through proposal development

• Received Honorary Award on behalf of World Vision Kenya from Minister for Education for contribution to education performance

• Selected to represent World Vision in Ghana for development of USAID’s food security indicators

Program Agronomist

04/2002 - 12/2005

World Vision/USAID – Turkana Food Security Project , Turkana, Kenya

• Managed agronomy department and acted as deputy Program Manager

• Conducted detailed soil survey on 1500-acre irrigation scheme

• Drew farm layout for Lokubae Irrigation Scheme

• Promoted organic farming and trained staff and Community Resource Persons (CRPs)

• Prepared learning materials and conducted regular training sessions

• Designed and implemented crop trial experiments and established demonstration plots

• Collected and analyzed crop trial data using GenStat

• Developed and presented technical reports

• Participated in project evaluations

• Liaised with Kenya Institute of Organic Farming (KIOF) for training

• Conducted crop adaptation trials and made variety recommendations

• Developed soil maps with University of Nairobi consultants

• Linked irrigation farmers to UNWFP for sorghum sales

• Trained 72 CRPs to ensure continuity of extension services

Program Development Facilitator

04/2000 - 04/2002

World Vision (K) – Kilifi County , Kilifi County, Kenya

• Facilitated establishment of eight food security Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

• Developed community action plans and implementation schedules

• Monitored project activities and provided technical extension services

• Coordinated and mobilized financial and human resources for training and capacity building

• Carried out crop trials for new varieties (soya beans)

• Initiated farmer's field school concept

• Facilitated establishment of kitchen gardens

• Implemented food security component leading to three sustainable CBOs producing honey, neem soap, and operating a posho mill

• Managed children protection component, rescuing 13 girls from early marriages

• Provided scholarships to 15 students resulting in graduation as registered nurses

EDUCATION

Project Management 101: PMP Certification

03/2025

Smplilearn (online)

Masters of Science, Agronomy

01/1996 - 01/2000

University of Nairobi

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Second Class Honors Upper Division

01/1990 - 01/1996

University of Nairobi

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

01/1986 - 01/1989

Njumbi High School

SKILLS

CERTIFICATIONS

Project Management 101: PMP Certification

03/2025

Smplilearn (online)