Read about Muthoni Kangethe

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

I have always had a strong passion for technology and its ability to impact society positively. I have remained interested in the intersection of technology and the environment, and especially the critical role that technology can play in creating a more sustainable future. As technology advances, there are countless opportunities to use it to address environmental challenges, from reducing carbon emissions to improving resource efficiency. When I learned about UNEP's goal to use technology to create sustainable solutions, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I was immediately drawn to the opportunity to be a part of a team that is making a tangible difference in the world. I am impressed by the innovative projects that UNEP is working on. The prospect of working with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future through technology is what truly motivated me to pursue a career with this organization.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

One of my favorite IT projects at the United Nations has been the development of the GEO collaboration platform. Every four years, GEO produces a report that requires the collaboration of authors from all over the world. Before the collaboration platform was developed, this process was manual and cumbersome. However, with the new platform, users can work collaboratively on a shared workspace, making it easier to share documents, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively. As the focal point for this project, my technical contribution has been to act as a liaison between the end-users and the development team. I have been responsible for translating the needs of our users into technical requirements, communicating them to the development team, and working with the team to implement new features and improvements. In addition, I have been responsible for gathering feedback, prioritizing features, and ensuring that the platform meets the needs of our users. Overall, I am proud to play a role in developing a platform that is making a positive impact on the productivity and collaboration of our team and the United Nations as a whole.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

The path to a career in technology may not be linear, setbacks and failures are common. Push yourself, learn from mistakes, and persist in the face of challenges. Speak up and don't be afraid to take on challenging tasks/projects. Remember, diversity in this industry is crucial, and your unique perspectives and experiences can bring immense value to the field.