Kenya continues to ascertain herself as a global leader in leadership matters with the latest entrant being the appointment of Kenyan woman, Beatrice Mutali, to a leading position within the United Nations.
Mutali was on Sunday, May 8, promoted to the position of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia by the organisation's Secretary-General, António Guterres.
In her new role, she will be tasked with ensuring the coordination of all organizations of the United Nations dealing with development at the country level.
She is expected to import her 25 years of public and private sector experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights into her role.
Her appointment was approved by the Zambian Government.
"On May 8, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, appointed Beatrice Mutali of Kenya and the United Kingdom as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, with the approval of the host government.
"Ms Beatrice Mutali brings more than 25 years of private and public sector experience within the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering Middle- and Low-Income countries, and a combination of development and humanitarian contexts," read the appointment statement in part.
Accepting her appointment, Mutali thanked the UN Secretary-General promising to advance UN's cause in Zambia.
"Greatly honoured to have been appointed by Antonio Guterres. I look forward to progressing the collaboration between the Government of Zambia and the United Nations team in working towards the attainment of the SDGs," she stated.
Previously, Mutali worked as United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa as well as UNFPA’s Representative to South Africa.
She has also worked as the Country Director for Botswana and Eswatini, and UNFPA’s Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
Throughout the roles, led successful strategy development and implementation, policy engagement, resource mobilization, programme management, and has built strong partnerships.
Outside of the United Nations, she served with various organisations including Merck/MSD, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
The Master's Graduate joined UN in 2014.
