UNITED NATIONS, New York — United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Monica Juma of Kenya as the next Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director‑General of the United Nations Office at Vienna.
Dr. Juma succeeds Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt, to whom the Secretary‑General expressed deep gratitude for her dedicated service to the organisation.
Until Dr. Juma formally assumes her new role, John Brandolino, Director of the Division for Treaty Affairs at UNODC, will continue to serve as Acting Executive Director of UNODC and Acting Director‑General of UNOV.
Distinguished Career in Public Service and Security
At the time of her appointment, Dr. Juma is serving as National Security Adviser to President William Ruto and Secretary to Kenya’s National Security Council, a position she has held since 2022.
A widely respected strategic leader, she brings to the UN two decades of experience in public policy, diplomacy, national security and governance.
Dr. Juma’s distinguished portfolio includes service as Cabinet Secretary in several key ministries in the Government of Kenya, including:
- Ministry of Energy (2021–2022)
- Ministry of Defence (2020–2021)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2018–2020)
- Acting Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Mining (2022)
Earlier in her career, she served as Principal Secretary in several ministries, including Foreign Affairs (2016–2018), Interior and Coordination of National Government (2014–2016), and Defence (2013–2014).
Diplomatic and Academic Leadership
Dr. Juma also has a rich diplomatic record, having served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kenya to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the African Union, the Inter‑Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) from 2010 to 2013.
Her academic and research credentials are equally impressive. She has held leadership positions including Executive Director of the Research Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) and the Africa Policy Institute.
She has taught as an Adjunct Faculty Member at the African Centre for Strategic Studies, National Defence University in Washington DC and worked as a senior policy analyst at Safer Africa.
Academic Credentials and Languages
Dr. Juma holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, as well as a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Fluent in English, she also speaks Kiswahili and Kamba, reflecting her roots and regional engagement.
A New Chapter for UNODC and UNOV
Her appointment marks a significant leadership transition at two key United Nations offices that play critical roles in global governance, crime prevention, justice reform, drug control and international cooperation.
As Executive Director of UNODC and Director‑General of UNOV, Dr. Juma will be at the forefront of advancing the UN’s work on security, development and global partnerships.
The United Nations expects Dr. Juma’s extensive experience in diplomacy, security policy and institutional leadership to guide UNODC and UNOV through emerging challenges and opportunities in the international arena.
