Joan Lillian Chepkirui Ruto

First name
Joan
Last name
Ruto
Email
[email protected]
Phone number
+254 719 355680
How do you self-identify or would like to be identified?
Woman
Do you belong to any ethnic minority group of self-identify as an indigenous person?
No
Affiliation, organization, or community
Kenya Development Corporation
Years of professional or activism experience or of knowledge built on specific indigenous expertise
10-15 years
Country of residence
Kenya
Languages
English
In which geographic region (and sub-region) does your work mostly focus?
Eastern Africa
Do you have proven experience in gender and climate change issues?
No, my work/ area of expertise focuses on other climate related issues
Please provide your short bio reflecting on your academic, professional and practical background

I have 10+ years in social protection and gender equity, focused on social safeguards and practical inclusion. I set direction for gender and economic inclusion portfolios, turn World Bank ESF standards into clear operating practices, and lead social risk assessments and due diligence across multi-partner programs. I build simple systems that scale grievance and feedback channels, survivor‑centered safeguarding, and child‑protection protocols with clear KPIs and regular learning loops. I design training that managers and frontline teams can use, coach partners to meet standards, and improve results through data and field feedback.

I  currently lead  Enterprise Social Risk Management for World Bank-KJET, SAFER, and DRIVE at KDC, setting priorities, aligning partners and government counterparts, and tracking delivery against ESF and ESMS standards. Previously, at Lipton Teas and Unilever Tea, I led the UN Women Safety for Women and Girls programme and built survivor‑centred systems: strong grievance and feedback channels, case management and referral pathways, and practical trainings for managers and frontline teams. Earlier, I worked as a Research Assistant at the African Women’s Studies Centre and as a consultant with UNDP, grounding my leadership in solid research and field practice. I hold an MA in Communication and a BA in Sociology, plus diplomas in Business Development, Human Rights, and Human Resource Management. 

Are you interested in being contacted for any of the following
Advisory in technical assistance project