Our Team in Malawi

Mr. Ali Said Yesuf, a national of Ethiopia, is an Agricultural Economist (BSc) and Natural Resource Management professional (MSc) with over 20 years of experience managing large-scale programmes in agriculture, integrated rural development, food security and livelihoods, institutional capacity development, market systems, and policy.
He has held several senior roles within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). He served as Programme Coordinator for one of the largest EU-funded programmes in the Asia Pacific region, Senior Agricultural Policy Officer leading FAO’s policy and governance workstream across 15 countries in the Southern African Subregion (SFS), and Chief Technical Advisor for multiple FAO flagship programmes in various countries.
His experience also spans national government and international development organizations. He has held key positions with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Cooperation, the European Commission, USAID, and CIDA, and served as Chief of Party for Chemonics International in Ethiopia.

Bernadette Mazarura Mukonyora is the IFAD Representative and Country Director for Malawi, effective from 14 November 2022. Prior to that, Bernadette has served as IFAD’s Country Director for Eritrea and South Sudan, based in IFAD’s Multi-country Office in Addis Ababa. She has also periodically served as Officer-in-Charge for IFAD’s Multi-Country Office in Ethiopia.

Bernadette joined the United Nations family in 2007, and has worked in various capacities including as Project Manager, Portfolio Coordinator for Regional Programmes in East and Southern Africa, Institutional Focal Point for agriculture policy platforms African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and NEPAD/AUDA Rural Development Forum.

Bernadette brings extensive experience from her work in portfolio management across rural and agriculture projects in diverse contexts, including in fragile and post-conflict contexts. She has over 16 years of working experience in the design and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes with a focus on agriculture development, blue economy, community demand driven development, innovative rural finance and rural enterprise development in East and Southern Africa.

Bernadette holds two Masters Degrees - Masters Degree in Food Systems and International Agri-food Governance & Masters Degree in Applied Media Studies, and a Bachelors Degree in Media & Cultural Studies.

Charles is a distinguished public health leader with over 30 years of national and international expertise spanning clinical medicine, public health, epidemiology, and strategic health leadership. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology and recently graduated with an MBA in Strategic Management. Over his 20-year tenure with the WHO, he has held Team leadership roles in the area of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and at the WHO AFRO in Congo Brazzaville. He was recently designated as the WHO Country Representative a.i to Malawi, having previously served in the same capacity in Uganda, where he led a team of over 125 Nationals and Internationals.
Charles has been at the forefront of responding to complex health emergencies and building resilient health systems. He has served as a WHO Incident Manager for multiple Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) including Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, COVID-19 pandemic, zoonotic events, and climate-related hazards. Widely recognized as one of the “Fathers” of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) in Africa, he has championed its implementation and digitalization for over two decades, transforming national surveillance systems and strengthening early warning capacities. His visionary leadership extended to academia, where he developed and institutionalized IDSR pre-service curricula in public health institutions in Sierra Leone, building a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.
Charles has also played a pivotal role in strengthening Health emergency preparedness through advancing International Health Regulations (2005), formulation and implementation of National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS) across multiple countries, embedding measurable, resilient preparedness and response systems into national health architectures. Acknowledged for advancing Global Health Security, He has supported over a dozen African countries through South-to-South cooperation.
He has authored or co-authored more than 30 publications in reputable international journals and received the WHO Africa Regional Director’s Award for Outstanding Team Leadership in 2017. His enduring legacy lies in shaping the health security architecture and building resilient health systems to withstand the shocks of health emergencies.

Dr. David Chipanta has several years of experience in global health, social protection, cash transfers, HIV, gender equality, human rights, evidence-based public policy programming, strategic influencing, agenda-setting, coordination, results-based management of public institutions and civil society organizations, economic analysis and research, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilization, social movement building, disability, and senior representation with multilateral agencies, and governments.

David is the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Director and Representative to the Government of Malawi. He served as UNAIDS Country Director, Namibia, Senior Advisor Social Protection with the UNAIDS in Geneva, Switzerland, leading the organization’s social protection, prisons, and disability portfolios for ten years, and as UNAIDS Country Director for Liberia, for three years. Prior to joining UNAIDS, David worked with the Catholic Relief Services as AIDS Relief-Co-ordinator for Kenya, and Team Leader, Care and support based in Abuja, Nigeria. David also worked as Senior Analyst: HIV/AIDS Health Systems with Abt Associates, in Bethesda, USA. He is a founder of the Network of African People Living with HIV (NAP+), for whom he was the first president, and the Network of Zambian People Living with HIV (NZP+), where he served as the first National Coordinator.

David has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedicine Global Health, with the University of Geneva,
Faculty of Medicine, (Geneva, Switzerland); a master’s in public administration, Economics, and
International Development (MPA/ID) degree from Harvard University, John F Kennedy School of
Government (Cambridge, Massachusetts); and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Economics
from San Diego State University (San Diego, California). He speaks English, basic French and several
Zambian languages.

Dr. Penelope (Penny) Campbell has been the Representative for UNICEF Malawi since July 2025 after serving as Representative at UNICEF Zambia from April 2022 to June 2025.

A Jamaican national, Penny holds a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of the West Indies and a master’s in health education and health promotion from King’s College, London.

Penelope has over two decades of international experience leading and delivering development and humanitarian programmes focused on health, HIV, nutrition, social protection, and other key areas for women, adolescents, and children. She excels at forging partnerships, developing evidence-based strategies, influencing stakeholders, commissioning impactful research, and securing significant funding to achieve equitable outcomes.

Penelope enjoys exploring new places and meeting people from all walks of life. She enjoys reading, dancing, music, swimming, and walking – especially in the great outdoors.

Fenella joined the UN Country Team as the UNDP Resident Representative for Malawi in August 2023.
Prior to her arrival in Malawi, Fenella served in UNDP HQ as Acting Chief of the Regional Bureau for Africa’s Country Office Oversight Team.
Fenella served as UNDP Resident Representative to the Union of Comoros between 2019-2022.
She also served as the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in the Republic of Cameroon from 2016 to 2019.
Fenella joined UNDP in 2005, leading the disaster risk reduction and resilience team in Haiti (2010-2016) and supporting disaster risk reduction and resilience issues for UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery in Geneva (2005-2010).
Prior to joining UNDP, she worked for the UK’s Department for International Development as lead advisor on disaster reduction (2000-2005).
Fenella started her career working in post-conflict contexts in the Balkans on recovery and governance programming and institutional development with NGOs and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Fenella studied international relations at the University of St Andrews and London School of Economics and Political Science. She is a New Zealand national, born in the UK.

Helen Mebrahtu, a national of Eritrea, assumed her role as Officer-in-Charge for the UNHCR Multi-Country Office covering Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe in October 2025. She has over 20 years of extensive experience working for UNHCR across a broad range of thematic portfolios, including programmes and operations management, strategic planning and leadership, advocacy and resource mobilization. Her career with UNHCR has taken her across diverse regions and multi-cultural communities, holding pivotal roles in advancing protection and solutions for stateless persons, refugees and others forced to flee. She worked in the Senegal Multi-Country Office, covering 8 countries in West Africa, as well as in the Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa regional office, covering 7 countries in Southern Africa, South Sudan, and Eritrea.
Before joining UNHCR, Ms Helen Mebrahtu worked with the Central Bank of Eritrea and served as a journalist with the Ministry of Information, where she contributed to several publications on social and economic issues.
She holds a B. A degree in Economics from the University of Asmara and an M.A in Business Administration from Cavendish University.

Dr. Hyoung-Joon Lim, a national of the Republic of Korea, has served with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for over two decades, leading operations and development programmes across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

At WFP Headquarters in Rome, he worked on strengthening partnerships with Asian and European donors. As Director of the WFP Global Office in Seoul, he helped expand Korea’s engagement with WFP, contributing to its emergence as one of WFP’s top five donors.

From 2021, Dr. Lim served as WFP Representative and Country Director in Guinea, overseeing a team of 140 staff across eight field offices. He initiated the Zero Hunger Village programme, which enhanced agricultural productivity, strengthened value chains, and transformed the lives of vulnerable communities. This initiative later evolved into the "K-Rice Belt" initiative across Africa. In May 2025, he will assume a new role as WFP Representative and Country Director in Malawi.
Dr. Lim is also an inspirational public speaker and accomplished author, having addressed audiences at major international forums and published two books along with academic contributions. In his early twenties, he broadened his global perspective through a 3.5-year backpacking journey across more than 80 countries.
He holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University and earned a Ph.D. in Korea with a thesis on Saemaul Undong, Korea’s rural development success story. Dr. Lim is married and has one son

Ms. Jane Marie Ongolo (Kenya) has over 25 years of relevant substantive and managerial experience in national and international positions of increasing responsibility, including work at the continental level with the African Union Commission.
During her career, she has served in various capacities including: Head of Social Welfare, Vulnerable
Groups, Drug Control and Crime Prevention with the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia since 2018; Programme Manager, AU Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention with the African Union Commission (2010-2018); National Programme Officer (HIV/AIDS) and National Project Officer (Drug Abuse and HIV Prevention) with UNODC ROEA in Nairobi (2005-2010); Regional Governance Advisor, East and Central Africa with the British Council in Kenya (2003-2005); National Programme Manager with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Kenya (1999-2003); Development Officer, DFID Civil Society Umbrella Project with the British Council in Kenya (1998-1999); Programme Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer with Sinaga Women and Child Labour Resource Centre (NGO) in Kenya (1995-1998); and Children´s Officer with the Office of the Vice President and Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage, Department of Child (Government) in Kenya (1991-1995).
Jane Marie holds a doctorate in Business & Administration from the Bulacan State University and a
Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam. She is fluent in
English and has a basic knowledge of French.

Letty Chiwara is the Country Representative of UN Women in Malawi. She started her mission in April 2022. She has extensive leadership, representational and administrative experience. Previously, she was the UN Women Representative to Ethiopia, African Union Commission (AUC) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Letty has represented UN Women in several inter-governmental fora, including at the Africa Union, SADC, IGAD and ECOWAS. She has led various UN programmes in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Region, Latin America and the Caribbean and East and Central Europe. She possesses a Master of Science in Urban Development Planning from University of London, UK, and a Bachelor of Science in Rural and Urban Planning from University of Zimbabwe.

Meseret Teklemariam Zemedkun (Ph.D) has over 25 years’ professional experience in Earth and natural science, Energy Management, Project management. She holds a Ph.D in Earth Science, Geothermics.
Her career began in Ethiopia culminating in becoming Head of Department in the Ministry of Mines and Energy. She is internationally recognized and acclaimed professional with experience in renewable Energy programme management including Geothermal Energy exploration and development in Africa.
She has also been closely involved in different regional and international assignments of the ICS-UNIDO and the African Union Commission (AUC) including in designing the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility for Eastern Africa Countries. As a regional Energy programme coordinator she has been involved with development of regional documents on renewable energy through programmes.
She has been instrumental in conceptualizing and making possible the African Geothermal Center for Excellence. Meseret has played a leading role in the initiative and development of programmes for support to Women Entrepreneurs in Energy sector in Africa. She served as editor of IPCC Panel of subsection Renewable sources, Climate Change Mitigation: Geothermal Energy. Meseret is a recipient of many international professional awards and has authored more than 20 professional papers some earned international awards.

Fatma Ismail Said joined IOM Malawi as Chief of Mission in March 2026. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in humanitarian response, recovery, and durable solutions, with service across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and at IOM Headquarters in Geneva.
Most recently, she served as Head of the Preparedness Unit at IOM Headquarters in Geneva, where she led global emergency readiness, anticipatory action, and organizational surge capacity. She has also held senior field and advisory roles in IOM, including as Senior Regional Emergency and Post-Crisis Specialist in the Asia and Pacific region and Senior Urban Displacement Advisor in Somalia.
In recent years, Fatma has coordinated and led major crisis responses within IOM, serving as Surge Crisis Coordinator for the Ukraine crisis response and the Pakistan floods, and as Emergency Coordinator for the Vanuatu earthquake response. She also supported other numerous responses including the Gaza crisis response, Iran crisis response among others. Earlier in her career, she held key coordination positions- including as Coordinator of the Returns and Durable Solutions Working Group in Iraq, Transition and Recovery Officer at IOM Headquarters in Geneva, and as Shelter Sector Coordinator in Kenya, among others.
Prior to joining IOM, Fatma worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya, grounding her humanitarian leadership in a strong foundation of diplomacy and multilateral engagement.
Fatma is a Kenyan national and holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Disaster Management and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.

Nisha brings 38 years of experience to the role of Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to Southern Africa. She previously served in the same capacity at the UNESCO Office for the Pacific States. Her work focuses on multi-sector development, humanitarian action, and advancing international norms. She has held key roles in organizations like the ILO, UNIFEM, UNDP, UN RCO, Christian Aid, and Oxfam GB, driving positive change across regions including East and Horn of Africa, South Asia, and the Arab States. Her journey began in civil society organizations in India, where her commitment to community empowerment, women's rights, labour rights, and humanitarian action and sustainable development took shape.

Sayed Mohammad Farooqui is the UNOPS Representative in Malawi, joining the United Nations Country Team in November 2023. With over 20 years of dedicated service at UNOPS, he brings extensive experience in programme and project management across diverse and challenging contexts.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Farooqui served as the UNOPS Head of Programme in Somalia, where he led impactful initiatives in infrastructure and development. He has also held key positions in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and South Sudan, contributing to sustainable development, capacity building, and resilience efforts in complex environments.
Mr. Farooqui holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, reflecting his strong technical expertise and leadership in advancing sustainable development goals globally.

Mr. Wellington Chibebe – the ILO Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique is a Zimbabwean national.

Born on 22 October 1963, Mr. Chibebe joined the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2018 as Director of the ILO Country Office for the United Republic of Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

Between 2011 and 2017 he held the post of Deputy General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in Brussels, Belgium. During his tenure, he was in-charge of development cooperation and education, oversight of the legal department, relations with Commonwealth and Francophone countries.

He was also charged with the responsibility of dealing with general ITUC administration/ management of the solidarity fund, as well as political responsibility for the Africa region, TUAC and GPEDC/UN and ILO desk.

Prior to that post, he was Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). Mr. Chibebe began his career in his country’s national railways, quickly becoming involved in the trade union movement, including as Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, thereby acquiring extensive experience in social dialogue, human rights, and first-hand knowledge of the most relevant world of work issues in the Africa region, coupled with his personal qualities.

From 1988 to 2001, Mr. Chibebe worked as Diesel Plant Fitter/ Mechanical Engineering Technician at National Railways of Zimbabwe, where his union activism started from after being elected as President of the Railway Artisan Union from 1990 to 2000.

Currently, he is pursing Master of Laws in Labour Law University of South Africa, South Africa upon completing Bachelor of Laws from the same University.