Hellen A.Oriaro

Hellen is a results oriented economist with extensive training and expertise in international development assistance, project management, regional integration and international trade. In her current role, she manages complex multi-year, international development projects, mainly focused on sustainable economic development, regional integration & trade, innovative finance and women's economic empowerment, in support of the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) visions and priorities. In her previous role as a Senior Economist for the Government of Kenya, she represented the country, EAC and COMESA regions in key bilateral and multilateral negotiations, in addition to advising senior level Government of Kenya officials on a number of economic, regional integration, international trade and private sector issues. She has had an opportunity to work with a leading African research and policy think tank, the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) as a Young Professional (YP) in the infrastructure division. In the course of her career, she has trained on and applied key principles of results based management (RBM), gender mainstreaming and climate change integration in programming. Hellen holds two Masters degrees, one in Economics and the other in International Trade Policy and Trade Law, in addition to a Bachelor's degree in Economics & Mathematics and several professional certificates. She has received several awards including the following: 1. In June 2022, the coherence award as part of Global Affairs Canada's Pan Africa & regional program field Team; 2. In December 2020, the Gender Excellence award as part of Global Affairs Canada's Pan Africa regional program; 3. In January 2019, the 'Ubuntu' prize from the Africa Branch of Global Affairs Canada, for promoting humanity at the workplace; and 4. In June 2016, she was honoured with the Government of Canada's public service excellence award. Specialties: Regional Integration; International Trade; Economic Development; International Development Assistance; Project Management and Private Sector Development