Uche Isieke Profile

 Uche leads and influences with a demonstrable leadership style which inspires many to action for more positive outcomes as it makes it easy to inculcating the transformative leadership ideology in the minds of those who follow him, and those who watch from afar.

In 2016, he initiated a rural advocacy campaign for his marginalized community through direct and online engagements, calling on community members to participate in community service, as an innovative way to achieve an uncommon rural transformation. He has equally used the various social media platform which he created for this purpose and engaged the relevant government authorities which attracted for the first time, road construction to his community, and other developmental efforts to his credit.

Uche's leadership style particularly in rural community development has received unusual commendations and also has inspired the many young, old, elites, and middle income, to participate in community development. He has also used his platforms and mobilized both in-kind and financial assistance worth millions of naira for indigent women and disabled groups which provided some with income opportunities, health -care, etc.

Presently, with support from his friends, associates, and volunteers who joined his third humanitarian campaign, during the #COVID 19 lockdown in Nigeria to raise funds for disabled fire victims which helped in settling their medical bills, feeding;  he's currently raising additional funds with friends and partners through his nonprofit, Rural Watch Africa Initiative for the completion of the ongoing construction of a three-bedroom apartment for the victim's, as well as provide water for 50 households in the community and empower the victims with an income-earning skills for a sustainable livelihood

Under the Sustainable development goals, Uche has mentored over 200 youths including students in primary and secondary schools in the areas of climate change leadership and innovative volunteerism for community development. This is not among the over 3,000 young students his nonprofit Rural Watch Africa Initiative(RUWAI), is engaging across Nigeria,  to help them become "environmentally aware, and socially active "  for future leadership.

 Today, he has further helped many of these youths to acquire necessary leadership skills on the various UN learning platforms and practical work in planning, social media engagement, fundraising, writing skills, communications and community engagement, and climate action. Some of these youths could now organize and raise funds for their various projects and programs both at school and at community levels.  Uche's initiative, RUWAI,  has established a climate change and environmental action club, so far in 5 secondary schools with over 3,000 members. 

Through his nonprofit initiative (Rural Watch Africa Initiative -RUWAI), he has impacted over 5000 vulnerable rural populations in 26 communities who are adversely affected by climate change.  Many of these women and youth have been equipped with knowledge and skill capacities to sustainably manage their natural resources, many are now creating income opportunities for themselves and their local communities through sustainable agriculture and land use initiatives, and other climate adaptation skills for sustainable livelihood.

Uche has led various efforts in planting over 5,000 economic trees as part of his legacy to building enduring agroecological systems for enhancing biodiversity integrity and generational climate action. 

He has volunteered in over 10 initiatives and organizations, including serving as a member of Nigeria’s National Technical Working group which developed the framework for the implementation of the country’s Degradation Neutrality by 2030 - a project or the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, making him the youngest with demonstrable capacity to serve in such a high national voluntary national assignment to combat climate change and enhance food security through sustainable land use.

Uche has been a privileged  practicing development professional for over 5 years by designing, managing, supporting, and fundraising for programs and projects in Nigeria. he is committed to continuing making a difference by leading or working in collaborative, multidisciplinary, cultural, and creative teams, within some of my specialties:

• Leading or supporting project concepts and management such as sustainable agro-ecological and land management, integrated ecosystem restoration and management, stimulating climate adaptation capacity, resilience, and livelihood support, climate action, individual and rural community empowerment, social integrity, and innovative financing for social impact initiatives.

• Evolving his strong writing skills and multilateral relationship-building exposure to lead or contribute to grant proposals, building upon the multi-million-naira worth he has helped acquire from various funding mechanisms for sustainable development.

• Strategic planning at the team and sectoral levels.

• Inspiring and leading high-performance teams.

• Leading and facilitating a variety of workshops leveraging his presentation skills to build staff or community capacity to acquire funding, or build partnerships.

He has a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Resource Management, a certificate in Safety and Security Management, M.Sc. (in-view) Agriculture, and Sustainable Development, with over ten professional certifications and memberships. He has over 10 online-published articles and research work covering relevant issues on sustainable development. He has several past and present appointment to his credit, including global coordinator, land degradation neutrality action group, among others.

By Uche Isieke



When we started to Stand  Up To Be Counted Programme in 2016, many came asking "when is it going to be launched"; my response has been "anytime you and I decided to do something remarkable for the community and livelihoods, you are unconsciously launching SUTBC in the progressive direction.

It is a rural development ideology sold to the people, that only those who understood the concept could run and cover many miles of underdevelopment, ignorance, poverty, infrastructural decay, mediocrity and maladministration, for the uncommon rural transformation.

Our brother Chukwukamji Azubuike is among such brilliant progressives who truly understood the ideology of the modern rural development in its sustainable form; he is running with it, and the people are happy 😂.

Who else is running with the  STAND UP TO BE COUNTED ideology for Oka?

Happy Birthday to a great son of Arutumibe, and the Coordinator, Oka Arutumibe in North America, and the Covid19 Palliative Initiative for Oka Community.

The first phase of COVID 19  relief items delivered to the Oka rural community  (45 bags of rice), courtesy of Oka Arutumibe in North America, led by Mani Azubike

 The initiative has reached the entire Oka of nine villages, enhanced the nutritional value of over 500 households, and has improved the livelihoods of over 2,000 rural populace.

The second phase of COVID 19 relief items ( 45 bags of beans) delivered to the Oka rural community, by the Oka Arutumibe in North America Association, led by Mani Azubuike.

If you are happy about this uncommon gesture, please send your birthday wishes to him.

Congratulations 🎉

Uche Isieke is a humanitarian, an environmentalist, rural development advocate, blogger and a storytelling enthusiast. He is also the Executive Director of Rural Watch Africa Initiative ( RUWAI ), a nonprofit committed to strengthening the resilience of vulnerable rural communities facing poverty; environmental, social and economic injustice. His selfless contribution to his community has received several accolades; his legacy for inclusive community development - inspiring members of the community to lead their development.
Contact: ucheisieke@gmail.com

By Uche Isieke


Professor Innocent Ononiwu is a great uncle whom I always admire his leadership style, from back then he was a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
He means many things to many people - an academic, researcher, poet, counsellor, scientist, pharmacologist, author, teacher, preacher, pastor, children lover, disciplinarian etc.

An unrepentant believer of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, uncle Inno, through his regular Bubble Easter program among others, has brought thousands of souls to the knowledge and truth of Jesus Christ.

Before he left Nigeria, he was the Field Representative of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship international - Nigeria.

I have been blessed under his ministration; using social concepts to spread the gospel is one innovate design uncle Inno evolves in mobilizing youths who probably progressed in the diagonal form, and transformed them into Kingdom change agents. Professor I.M. Ononinwu has written several books covering science, sociology, Christian evangelism, marriage and comics.

His wife, my dear lovely auntie Vickie, is an amazing woman of honour. Her humility and sense of accommodation are phenomenal. Even at her then position back in the year  2002,  as senior management staff of Slumberger Port Harcourt Nigeria, she never allowed that influenced her social, religious and marital status.

I remembered her engaging me to supervise her small business, just to make sure I wasn't idle as a young secondary school graduate, even when we weren't making the expected profits, she insisted that the place must go on- so it was no idle time for me, as I would go to the shop in the morning, and the evening, for my extra moral class.
That is one way to define a woman who loves humanity and not moved by the substance.

For the past 35 years,  uncle Inno and auntie Vickie has nurtured and raised a Godly home with amazing children of distinctive academic and career records.

My younger niece Dr.Agozie ( the first daughter), before living Nigeria won several awards at both local and international competitions - while schooled at Montessori International Port Harcourt, and Igbenedion Demonstration School Centre, Benin respectively.
She published her first book ( Fun For Five, a must-read for every child) at the age of  Twelve years; the then Vice President Atiku Abubakar was represented during the book launch which to places at the prestigious Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt.

The motive behind this note is to digitally document my love and thankfulness to the family and to testify how God rewards those who diligently seek Him.  When we follow and serve God in line with His principles,  He will build for us, a complete, and an exemplary home to His glory.

Professor Innocent and Mrs Vickie Ononiwu both hails from Imo state, Nigeria 🇳🇬, happily married for 35 years and counting, with 4 amazing children. They are based in the United States of America.

Happy 35 Years Marriage 💍 Anniversary 🎉 🎉.


Uche Isieke is a humanitarian, environmentalist, rural development advocate, blogger and storytelling enthusiast.

Contact: ucheisieke@gmail.com

By Uche Isieke


The avocado, otherwise known as Persea Americana, is an indigenous tree originally grown in South Central Mexico. It is classified as a member of the flowering plant family ( Lauraceae). The fruit is called an avocado pear or alligator pear, a low berry with a single large seed.

Avocados are commercially valuable and are cultivated in tropical climate throughout the world. It has some potential health benefits such as enhanced digestion, reducing the risk of depression and protection against cancer.

It is known for its natural high nutrient density with over 20 vitamins and minerals.
An orchard can create jobs by demanding labour, packaging, operations, transportation, and marketing.

Avocados are a nutrient-dense food and are high in insoluble fibre as well as potassium, the vitamin B and vitamin E, magnesium and folate.

According to Global Avocado Market report 2020, the market is valued at  $11, 880 billion ( dollars) this year is expected to rise to $15billion by the end of 2026, growing at a cumulative amount growth rate of 3.3 per cent during 2020-2026. The demand for avocados is strong and keeps growing. This portends good news for local farmers. The top importers are the United States, Netherlands, Germany and France.

Presently, there are 11 countries leading to the production of avocados. These include Mexico, Colombia, Kenya, Indonesia, Venezuela, China, Dominican Republic, Peru and Israel.

With Mexico, Peru and the Netherlands leading in the export market.
According to Fact MR, a market-based research firm, the application of avocado extract remains highly consolidated in the food and beverage industry, with it's estimated  approximately 35 per cent of extract application in 2019. The research showed the growing consumer preference for natural ( organic)  ingredients in food products and clean label trend, were some factors fueling the utilization of avocado extracts in the industry.

The study further revealed that the consumption rate of avocado among the pharmaceutical sector is expected to grow at 7.1 per cent.


In Africa, Kenya is the leading exporter of avocados. It accounts for nearly one-fifth of its total horticultural exports. The country exported  72, 000 tonnes of avocados which are valued at approximately $118 million ( dollars). The smallholder farmer's involvement in Kenya export markets also increased employment opportunities.

According to experts, the avocado farm would produce a Gross Income of $8,000 to $15, 000 dollars per acre, and require five or six acre-feet of water per acre, per year.
Greenhouse and foliage plants can produce $500, 000 ( dollars) per acre and require about half the water avocado farms need.

The avocado market in Nigeria is untapped and far below the growing demand. Nigeria has a huge potential for commercial production of avocados for export and local industries but most production is done at subsistence level by rural dwellers with obsolete inputs.
Avocado is largely grown in the Southern Nigerian states of Abia, Delta, Ebonyi, Ondo, Osun, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Anambra and Oyo.

It can be used in agroforestry, especially in these regions where soil erosion is endemic and has adversely affected agricultural production and soil quality.

If properly managed, avocados industrial potential can contribute to enhancing Nigeria's economic growth by creating jobs for the recently reported 21.7 million unemployed Nigerians, with   Imo state leading the highest, with  48.7 rates. (NBS 2020).

Rural Watch Africa Initiative ( RUWAI), is engaging smallholder farmers in rural communities, facing land degradation, particularly in the Southern states of Nigeria in agroforestry by using indigenous economic trees such as avocados, in order to reduce degradation,  increase soil health and crop production, as well as provide a sustainable income opportunity for rural women.

Through advocacy,  communities engagement and capacity building for the local farmers, as well as access to farm inputs, avocado has the export potential to generate #12billion ( naira) annually for the country. This will immeasurably contribute to Nigeria's NDCs, towards emissions reduction; increased food nutritional intake, enhance rural livelihood support system and strengthening of biodiversity, - another gold in disguise, towards the economic emancipation.



Uche Isieke is rural development advocate whose focus is on building resilience and sustainable livelihood systems for the rural poor and marginalised communities in Nigeria and Africa, at large. He is a young development professional with nearly ten years of practical experience in the nonprofit sector. He has mentored over 50 young Nigerian youths, leading as change agents in their respective local communities.
 Through his initiative, he has reached over 10 communities involving thousands of lives livelihoods for sustainable management of their natural resources, for incomes, poverty reduction, food security, job creation and ecological resilience.
  He is the Executive Director, Rural Watch Africa Initiative( RUWAI), a nonprofit committed to combating poverty, income disparities, food insecurity, gender inequality and climate change impact.

Email: ucheisieke@gmail.com

#FollowYourPassion!

I grew up in a small rural neighbourhood, from a little below average income household.

It was the choice of my parents not allow the
environmental circumstance, decide their socioeconomic fate.

They drew that courage, built resilience, and fashioned a sustainable livelihood pattern for the family.

Over 70 per cent of the family's earnings came from the natural ecosystem. This paid our bills, including my school fees, provided us with foods, water, increased the family's purchasing power and a little more savings.

Though there was this climatic and physiographic inconsistency; with little rain or too much rain, prolonged dry season with severe heat, outbreaks of diseases such as chickenpox or smallpox, high cost of commodities, poor agricultural production and many more. All these features were there, growing up, but we didn't realise it was climate change!

 No one taught my mom that it was time to re-strategize and prioritize her economic goals to move along with the perceived system change.

You see, several humans economic and technological inventions came as a result of one crisis or another. Many of such advancements were designed to meet the humans social and economic needs

Apart from the trade, my mom was engaged in, she needed something more to cushion the impact of the emerging climate crisis.

She realized how imperative it became, not to depend solely on rain-fed agriculture to feed the family and sustain an income.   Perhaps, something off the regular farming season could add up. She subsequently engaged in a mini irrigation farming, using her piece of land, beside the local river.

Many times we'd had to wake early in the morning, to visit the river and made sure the garden was watered properly.

 The first harvest was unprecedented! We had more food and additional income. This continued in the subsequent years as the farm grew in size, with the increased production in vegetables and the "Indian cocoa yam" species, she mixed cropped.

 This was rare, as it happened in a community and a region, not synonymous with the irrigation method of farming.
They mainly rely on the supply of certain vegetables, especially during the dry season, which came from the northern region of  Nigeria where irrigation was commonly practised.

I am sure some friends and those I grew up with in the same community, who are reading this piece can relate to this account.

 I grew up seeing the very ingenious and efficient means by which our most valued resource - the natural ecosystem can be replicated to meet the human needs, without altering its capacity and propensity to meet the needs of the oncoming generations.

When I was offered an admission to study Environmental Resources Management, I knew it was an opportunity to listen to what science is saying, and balance it up with what the tradition taught me at home. What a great experience!

Coming from a landlocked zone, I realised many homes didn't have land enough for agricultural use. Many also have but could not manage it in such a productive manner.

During each farming season, people would literally queue to ask my grandmom to lease out some portions of the "Ikpa"  land, to enable them to cultivate foods for their family. The "Ikpa" land area up to date, is a little bit nearer to the river and a bit far from where the villagers live. Due to tradition and history, not all indigenous are opportune to own a piece of land within the area, and not many with enough to do the 4/5 years rotational system.

The unique thing was because we were practising rotational farming and agroforestry, even without knowing what it was called!
This made our land became richer and our harvests, three times better than what many homes got.  So all through seasons, we were either harvesting vegetables, cash crops, fruits or palm fruits and the livestock products. We had enough to send to our relatives living in cities.

 The climate change and it's related impacts hadn't disappeared, but the impact was no longer felt,  as our adaptive capacity thrived, which made livelihood a lot better.

A lot of things being taught today are not new, but because many jettisoned what they knew and followed the unknown; the unknown that presented us the quickest way to achieve self- sufficiency, but failed to let us understand that the consequence will have a trans-generational influence on the environment and human health.

A rural awareness and needs assessment

In order to curb the climate change and its associated negative impacts, especially on the vulnerable communities, we must educate, help them, build their capacity, strengthen their resilience to adapt and increase their livelihood support base.

Helping poor vulnerable communities to build nature resilience for self-sustaining systems and climate change.

Climate change is here and will not live us; rather we should strive to instil that creativity confidence, particularly on the vulnerable groups, to sustainably utilize their natural environment.

Through our initiative, we are helping many homes and communities in a very inclusive way that represents our sustainability ideology.

Rural Watch Africa Initiative ( RUWAI), recognized that the impoverished and underserved communities need urgent help, to recover from the pervasive shock occasion by climate change, and the overall social, economic and ecological degradation.

Photo section with the Dapa community Chief and subjects.

They need to be educated, and better equipped with the right skills and tools to firmly stand, and given the ability to build a replicable system for improved livelihood and productive growth.

Inspiring young community leaders/volunteers to grow their own food, for self-sufficiency and some income for the orphanages.

Building resilience to efficiently manage nature, and create alternative income opportunities to help cushion the lingering socioeconomic and ecological deficits, will be a rewarding way for a dignified lifestyle and sustainable livelihood for the marginalized communities.

#ThisIsMyPassion!




 Uche Isieke is an advocate for rural resilience, livelihood systems and inclusion. He is quite passionate about the rural people, their environment, social and economic well-being. He is a young development professional with over 5years experience and has impacted over 20,000 rural populace in over 10 communities through his various initiatives targeted at the poor and marginalised groups.
  Uche is the Executive Director of Rural Watch  African Initiative (RUWAI), a nonprofit committed to strengthening the production and protective resilience of the vulnerable rural communities whose livelihoods are threatened due to the ecological degradation, worsened by the human errors and climate change. Uche's core interest is on building agroecological systems, sustainable land management and land restoration, livelihoods strategy for self-sufficiency, as well as inspiring young ones to lead in climate action and community development. His initiative is partnering with https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/creating-income-for-rural-youth-through-beekeeping/Accelerator 2020 campaign to support rural poor youths with alternative income livelihood and production skills through beekeeping, as a sustainable way of creating job, income,  and cushion the impact of Covid19 and climate change on rural poor. 

Contact: ucheisieke@gmail.com

Job Opening


Posting Title: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P3

Job Code Title: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station: GENEVA
Posting Period: 22 May 2020 - 05 July 2020

Job Opening Number: 20-Programme Management-UNEP-135030-R-Geneva (X)
Staffing Exercise N/A




The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of UNEP's Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. The Division promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The position is located in the Economy Division, Resources and Markets Branch, Geneva duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Resources and Market Branch and reporting directly to the Head, Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for following duties:

Responsibilities
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions; supervises experts for project implementation.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Performs consulting assignments and provides policy advice to relevant stakeholders. Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Apply here:https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=135030&languageCd=ENG&
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public policy, international relations, economics, environmental policy or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, policy advice related to sustainable development, sustainable infrastructure and green economy, or related area, is required.
Relevant experience on the development, implementation and supervision of GEF programmes / projects is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview

Special Notice
This is a project post and is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by Him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions. and their applications will not be considered.