JACQUELINE UTAMURIZA-NZISABIRA
Regional HIV & Gender Specialist
Pretoria
Summary
Senior development professional with 20+ years of progressive experience within the United Nations system and regional institutions, specialising in gender equality, HIV, governance and human development in Africa. Demonstrated capacity to provide strategic leadership, policy influence, regional coordination and institutional stewardship in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Strong record of leading through influence, building partnerships, strengthening UN system coherence and delivering results under conditions of constrained resources. Bilingual (English/French) with deep regional knowledge of East, Southern and Francophone Africa.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Regional HIV & Gender Specialist
UN WOMEN
05.2017 - Current
- Provide strategic and technical leadership for UN Women’s HIV and Gender portfolio across East and Southern Africa, ensuring alignment with UN Women’s Strategic Plan and regional priorities.
- Lead and coordinate regional UN joint work on HIV and gender, strengthening UN system coherence and promoting gender-transformative prevention approaches.
- Advise senior management, Regional Directors and Country Offices on integrating HIV across UN Women’s core thematic areas, including GBV, social protection and adolescent girls’ empowerment.
- Support country offices in strategic positioning, programme design, partnerships and results-based planning, particularly in contexts of declining HIV funding.
- Represent UN Women in regional policy dialogues and technical forums, contributing to normative guidance, advocacy messages and knowledge products.
- Promote knowledge generation, south–south learning and communities of practice, reinforcing UN Women’s thought leadership role.
Non-Executive Director
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HOLDINGS (IBH)
01.2016 - 05.2017
Executive Director
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HOLDINGS (IBH)
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Provided executive and strategic leadership for a regional infrastructure facilitation enterprise operating in East and West Africa.
- Led organisational strategy, governance strengthening, stakeholder engagement and market expansion.
- Advised on partnerships, risk management and operational sustainability.
Team Leader, Democracy & Development
IDASA – Institute for Democracy in Africa
10.2012 - 03.2013
- Member of the senior management team, contributing to organisational strategy, leadership decision-making and institutional positioning.
- Led programme development and partnerships on democratic governance, accountability and human development.
Head, Human Rights & Democratisation Unit
IDASA – Institute for Democracy in Africa
01.2009 - 12.2012
- Held a senior leadership role, providing strategic direction on human rights, HIV, gender equality and social inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Led multi-country initiatives addressing stigma, discrimination and governance barriers affecting women and people living with HIV.
Policy Advisor – HIV, AIDS, Gender & Development
UNDP
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Provided regional policy advisory and capacity development support across SADC, Francophone West Africa and post-conflict contexts.
- Supported governments and UN Country Teams to mainstream gender and HIV into national development plans, UNDAFs and sector strategies.
Education
MPhil -
University of Stellenbosch
01.2014
Postgraduate Diploma in Management - HIV/AIDS
University of Stellenbosch
01.2003
BSc - Biology
University of Burundi
01.1987
Skills
Leadership & Vision
Nationality And Status
Burundian, Rwandan, Permanent Resident, South Africa
Personal Information
- Nationality: Burundian / Rwandan
- Residence Permit: Permanent Resident, South Africa
- Visa Status: Permanent Resident, South Africa
Timeline
Regional HIV & Gender Specialist
UN WOMEN
05.2017 - Current
Non-Executive Director
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HOLDINGS (IBH)
01.2016 - 05.2017
Executive Director
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HOLDINGS (IBH)
01.2013 - 12.2015
Team Leader, Democracy & Development
IDASA – Institute for Democracy in Africa
10.2012 - 03.2013
Head, Human Rights & Democratisation Unit
IDASA – Institute for Democracy in Africa
01.2009 - 12.2012
Policy Advisor – HIV, AIDS, Gender & Development
UNDP
01.2005 - 12.2007
Postgraduate Diploma in Management - HIV/AIDS
University of Stellenbosch
BSc - Biology
University of Burundi
MPhil -
University of Stellenbosch