Marivonne Rubina James, aka “Ruby”, is a Seychelles national living in Nairobi, Kenya for the past 29 years. In this time, Rubina has worked for a variety of multi-disciplinary international organizations in both humanitarian and development contexts, ranging from the European Commission in Somalia and other conflict and post-conflict environments to the UN, World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Aga Khan University (AKU).
Rubina’s accomplishments have been in bringing the necessary balance of an understanding of field conditions and the inter-governmental and program management needs of the United Nations and other international systems. Rubina has considerable and successful experience developing institutional business and strategic partnerships for international organizations to interlocution and liaison with national governments and diplomatic representatives in the delivery of organizational objectives and mandates.
Rubina has managed complex national and regional programs addressing harmonization, alignment, and coordination with national, regional, and international objectives, ensuring institutional program management and operational excellence, fundraising through blended and innovative financing, and exceptional partner stewardship.
As Regional Director for the Scout Movement and World Wildlife Fund, Rubina actively worked with private supporters within the Scouting and Conservation fraternities and with corporations to fund youth protection and development programs and conservation and community-based natural resource management in Eastern and Southern Africa. In these roles, Rubina spear-headed the development of multi-year business and operational strategic plans including resource mobilization, advocacy, partnership building, and communications, resulting in expanded networks in the public-private sectors, additional non-core funds, and greater public knowledge, inclusion, and participation.
Rubina is an avid amateur cook who enjoys spending time learning new cooking skills and sharing them with family and friends.