Joseph Gatu
Program Manager
Highest degree :
Bachelors
Field of study :
Development Studies
Location :
Nairobi
Citizenships :
Kenyan
Experience :
10 Year(s)
Countries :
Kenya
Gender :
Male
Sectors :
NGO
I'm a seasoned program management and operations professional with over 11 years of experience leading community development, youth empowerment, and social impact initiatives across Kenya. I have successfully managed multi-county programs, overseeing end-to-end implementation—from planning and budgeting to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting—while ensuring high-quality delivery and measurable outcomes. My work spans youth leadership, life skills training, enterprise development, and community mobilization, with a strong focus on empowering young people and building sustainable local systems. I extensive experience in training and capacity building, supervising teams of program officers, trainers, and field staff, and fostering high-performing, accountable, and motivated teams. Throughout my career, I have partnered with local communities, NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations, strengthening stakeholder engagement, building partnerships, and driving collaborative solutions. My operational expertise includes budget oversight, risk management, logistics, and safeguarding compliance, enabling programs to run efficiently even in complex and dynamic environments. Passionate about creating lasting social impact, I combine strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and a people-centered approach to deliver programs that transform communities and empower youth to thrive.
Program Manager
Mai Mahiu
Naomi’s Village
May 0202
-July 2019
I have led the Mother Toddler One to One (MTOTO) program, overseeing enrollment, nurse-mother matching, and delivery of outcome-based antenatal and early literacy training. I ensured high-quality service delivery through comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance, maintained accurate clinical and program data, and implemented home-based early literacy programs to prepare toddlers for ECDE entry. I managed staff recruitment, supervision, mentorship, and professional development, fostering a values-driven culture focused on integrity, performance, and growth. I also oversaw program financial and operational planning, including quarterly budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation. In parallel, I led community development initiatives with Maendeleo Program, collaborating with the committee and director to design, implement, and evaluate impactful projects. I strengthened community engagement and stakeholder relations, serving as a primary liaison to identify local needs and build strategic partnerships. Additionally, I supported resource mobilization, fundraising, and financial planning, ensuring programs were well-resourced, sustainable, and aligned with organizational standards. Through these roles, I combined strategic program management, operational oversight, and community-focused leadership to deliver measurable outcomes for mothers, toddlers, and communities.
Masters Degree- Development Studies
Nairobi
St. Paul's University
December 2015
-Present
The MDS programme at St. Paul’s University is an interdisciplinary social‑science master’s degree that equips students to understand and respond to core development challenges such as poverty, inequality, food insecurity, governance, and conflict — issues common in Kenya and Sub‑Saharan Africa. St. Paul’s University +1 The curriculum blends theory and practice: students study concepts and frameworks for human and community development, and learn how to design, evaluate, and implement development interventions. Specializations include areas such as Community Development; Conflict Transformation & Peace‑building; Child & Youth Development; Organizational Development; and Theology & Development — reflecting the university’s holistic approach to human development. St. Paul’s University +1 Over the standard two‑year duration (four semesters), students gain skills in critical analysis, program and policy design, research methods, and development practice. Graduates are expected to be capable of planning and evaluating development programmes, leading community or organizational initiatives, and contributing with integrity and professionalism. St. Paul’s University +1 In short: the MDS at St. Paul’s builds both analytical foundations and practical capacity — making it a strong platform for careers in NGOs, government, community development, research, or any role seeking to impact social and economic development in Africa.
Bachelors of Art in Development Studies
Nairobi
St. Paul's University
December 2011
-August 2014
At St. Paul’s University, the undergraduate development‑oriented program equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills to contribute to social change, community development, and sustainable development initiatives. The degree covers key themes such as community empowerment, social welfare, governance, human development, and participatory development practices. University Courses in Africa +2 Study in Kenya +2 Students learn to mobilize community resources, design and implement community‑based programs, engage with stakeholders, and apply ethical, inclusive development principles — with an emphasis on locally relevant challenges and solutions. The program prepares graduates to work in NGOs, community development organisations, government agencies, or grassroots initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, youth and social welfare, community engagement, and development planning. St. Paul’s University +1 The admission requirement typically includes a KCSE mean grade of C+ (or equivalent qualification) and/or a relevant diploma for those seeking credit transfer. Study in Kenya +1 Overall, the program builds a strong foundation in theory and practice of development — enabling graduates to become effective development practitioners, community advocates, project officers, or policy‑oriented professionals committed to sustainable social transformation.
Management Development Programme
Kenya
African Management Institute
2024
The Management Development Programme at AMI is a 4–6 month blended‑learning course designed to help new and middle-level managers transform from individual performers into effective team leaders. AMI +2 AMI +2 Participants go through a structured learning journey that combines virtual learning labs, online courses, and a practical “Change Challenge” project. The curriculum focuses on core managerial skills such as effective communication, coaching, delegation, time management, team building, and motivating staff — all delivered in a way that is relevant to the African context. AMI +1 By the end of the programme, managers are better equipped to lead teams, foster high‑performance culture, handle difficult conversations, and drive operational performance. The MDP emphasises practical application on the job, encouraging participants to apply new skills immediately within their organisations — helping to boost team productivity, collaboration, and long-term growth. AMI +1 In short: AMI’s MDP empowers emerging leaders across Africa with tools and behaviours for effective management — combining theory, peer learning, and real‑world application to strengthen teams, organisations, and impact across sectors.
Case management in OVC program for PEPFAR Child protection information management system (CPIMS)
Nairobi
Plan International
2016
Completed specialized training in case management for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) using the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) under PEPFAR. The training covered systematic tracking of children’s cases, maintaining accurate and confidential records, and using data to inform programmatic decisions. Developed skills in monitoring service delivery, identifying gaps in care, and implementing targeted interventions to improve health, psychosocial support, and overall well-being for vulnerable children. The program emphasized data-driven, ethical, and child-centered approaches to effective case management.
Program Management & Coordination
Field Operations & Implementation
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building
Training, Facilitation & Capacity Building
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
Community Development & Youth Empowerment
Operational & Administrative Leadership
Risk Management & Problem Solving
systems building
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