Our Representative
Shaheen Nilofer is the UNICEF Representative to Kenya
Dr. Shaheen Nilofer currently serves as the UNICEF Representative to Kenya. She brings to this role more than three decades of expertise in the development sector, having held senior leadership positions and built extensive social sector development and humanitarian programs. Her work spans non-profit organizations, bilateral partners, and governmental bodies, particularly in areas challenged by underdevelopment and post-conflict situations. Before her appointment in Kenya, Dr. Nilofer served as the UNICEF Representative to Eritrea from 2019 to 2022. Prior to that, she held the position of UNICEF Representative to Turkmenistan between 2016 and 2019, and to Bhutan from 2012 to 2016. Earlier in her career, she was the UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Chhattisgarh, Central India, for four years, where she oversaw crucial field operations delivering programmes in conflict zones and in development settings. Dr. Nilofer’s career prior to UNICEF was marked by her significant contributions at Oxfam GB, India, and later across South Asia from 1993 to 2008. Her roles included serving as the South Asia Regional Programme Quality Coordinator, and leadership roles in conflict settings like Afghanistan and Bosnia. She also served as Oxfam’s Regional Representative for East and South India. Dr. Nilofer also worked as the India Country Humanitarian Programme Manager, where she was responsible for developing and implementing program strategies, leveraging resources, managing human resources, and planning and coordinating humanitarian responses. An Indian national, Dr. Nilofer holds a Doctorate in Gender Studies as well as a Master’s degree in Sociology. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Urdu, and can read and speak basic Arabic. Social media: |