Wambui Njau
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
Research and program support professional with significant experience at the World Food Forum, focusing on donor-funded projects and policy-driven research in education, agriculture, and youth development. Expertise in data collection, literature reviews, and stakeholder mapping, producing clear written outputs for regional and multi-country initiatives. Proven track record of effective remote collaboration in diverse international environments, emphasizing sustainability education.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
science & innovation project officer (Volunteer)
World Food Forum Australia National Chapter
Melbourne, Australia
08.2025 - Current
- Support the design and implementation of the WFF Youth Food Lab, a regional initiative engaging youth actors across the Pacific-Australia region.
- Developed an implementation and methodological framework, guiding the pilot phase and operational structure.
- Conduct ecosystem and stakeholder mapping to identify youth innovators, institutions, and partners relevant to sustainable agri-food systems.
- Plan and facilitate hybrid, multi-stakeholder dialogues, both in person and virtually.
- Contribute to concept notes, internal reports, and program documentation supporting coordination and partner engagement.
Content reviewer (consultant) →Business development associate
Zeraki EdTech
Kenya, Kenya
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Provided consultancy support reviewing digital learning content and user experience within a school-based learning management system, with recommendations to improve alignment with curriculum and school needs.
- Conducted school mapping and needs assessment across Kirinyaga County to identify adoption patterns, gaps, and opportunities in digital education delivery.
- Engaged school leaders and teachers through structured presentations and consultations, gathering feedback to inform platform improvement and outreach strategy.
Ambassador →Regional Coordinator East Africa
Thought For Food
Kenya, Kenya
06.2019 - 01.2023
- Selected as a Volunteer Ambassador, supporting youth engagement and innovation activities in food systems (2019-2021).
- Promoted to Regional Coordinator based on performance and leadership (2021-2023) - volunteer role.
- Coordinated youth engagement activities and supported innovation programs across multiple countries in East Africa.
- Mapped and analyzed 100+ startups, cooperatives, and institutions contributing to the regional agrifood ecosystem.
- Supported partnership development, and contributed to internal reporting and documentation.
- Facilitated workshops on innovation in food systems and agriculture.
Research Assistant
Amazing Amaranth Project
02.2020 - 03.2021
- Supported field implementation of an applied agricultural research project focused on crop production and seed management.
- Coordinated daily activities of a three-member field team, including task allocation and supervision.
- Contributed to monthly technical reports, meeting minutes, and internal project documentation.
- Supported farmer trainings, focus group discussions and represented the project at agricultural exhibitions and outreach events.
- Prepared reports, presentations, and articles using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Maintained a database of all research activities conducted during the course of each project.
Research & Field Project Assistant (Donor-Funded Project)
WAGO-JKUAT Cherry Tomato & Strawberry Project
, Kenya
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Supported implementation of a donor-funded horticulture research and production project.
- Assisted with greenhouse trials, seedling production, fertigation, pest management, and harvesting activities.
- Contributed to field data collection, crop monitoring, and documentation supporting project reporting requirements.
- Supported data collection and analysis to evaluate project effectiveness and sustainability.
- Prepared reports summarizing project activities, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
Research Attachment - Nematology Laboratory
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
, Kenya
07.2017 - 09.2017
- Supported laboratory and field research on plant-parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs).
- Conducted a project on control of fall army worm using EPNs
- Conducted literature reviews to support project objectives and research initiatives.
- Presented findings during team meetings to facilitate knowledge sharing among staff members.
- Prepared reports, presentations, and articles using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Education
Graduate diploma - early childhood
Victoria University
Australia02-2026
Graduate studies - Agricultural Sciences, Agribusiness
University of Melbourne
Australia11.2024
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture And Technology
Kenya11.2019
Skills
- Research assistance and methodologies
- Data collection and analysis
- Technical and narrative reporting
- Project coordination and monitoring
- Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
- Training and capacity building
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Literature reviews and focus groups
- Presentation delivery skills
- Team collaboration and communication
Languages
English
Full Professional
Swahili
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
Successfully conducted a sustainability incursion with 25 preschoolers, ages 5-6 years, in Australia to mark World Plastic Day 2025, and raised their awareness and empathy about plastic pollution.
Quote
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Timeline
science & innovation project officer (Volunteer)
World Food Forum Australia National Chapter
08.2025 - Current
Content reviewer (consultant) →Business development associate
Zeraki EdTech
07.2023 - 01.2024
Research Assistant
Amazing Amaranth Project
02.2020 - 03.2021
Ambassador →Regional Coordinator East Africa
Thought For Food
06.2019 - 01.2023
Research & Field Project Assistant (Donor-Funded Project)
WAGO-JKUAT Cherry Tomato & Strawberry Project
08.2018 - 11.2018
Research Attachment - Nematology Laboratory
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
07.2017 - 09.2017
Graduate diploma - early childhood
Victoria University
Graduate studies - Agricultural Sciences, Agribusiness
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture And Technology