RESEARCHER • STRATEGIST • PROJECT PROFESSIONAL
I am Naomi June, a researcher and program professional working at the intersection of conservation, agriculture, and community development. I bring together rigorous research, systems thinking, and hands-on program delivery to help ideas move from concept into real, measurable change.
My work sits at the intersection of research and sustainable development, with experience spanning the wildlife economy, sustainable agriculture, and food security. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Entrepreneurial Leadership from the African Leadership University, with a background in international relations and diplomacy a combination that shapes how I approach research grounded in evidence but attentive to the policy and community context around it.
My academic journey has shaped how I approach complex problems combining leadership, entrepreneurship, research, and systems thinking with a strong interest in sustainable development.
Graduated with honours. Coursework: Business Strategy, Project Management, Theory of Change, Quantitative Reasoning, Systems Thinking and Gap Analysis
Foreign Policy and Formulation, International Development and Economics, International Law, Gender and International Relations, Diplomatic Mission and Consular Practice.
Roles across implementation, research, and analysis, always focused on programs that hold up beyond the funded pilot
Conduct in-depth research and synthesis on wildlife economy actors, institutional partners, and funding landscapes across Africa and international markets. Support identification and profiling of strategic stakeholders, including foundations, NGOs, research institutions, and development partners. Analyse organisational reports, policy publications, and sector intelligence to extract insights relevant to partnership and funding opportunities.
Develop and submit compelling fundraising proposals to global foundations and corporate partners. Design and manage funding strategy documents and donor engagement materials. Conduct prospect research and coordinate international communications with stakeholders. Support the planning and execution of virtual donor campaigns and project pitches.
Researched and compiled comprehensive country profiles, focusing on environmental, social, and economic factors relevant to conservation efforts. Supported analysis of country-specific data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for research-driven conservation strategies
Designed and delivered farmer training on sustainable poultry agribusiness and climate-adaptive agricultural practices Mobilised smallholder farmers and translated technical guidance into practical, community-level action
Conducted comprehensive research by gathering and compiling evidence-based papers and academic resources on conservation and community topics. Prepared presentation materials and communication tools to effectively convey insights on conservation and community issues.
Selected work from the past few years, kept here because it's still making a difference.
The Healthy Poultry, Healthy Families Initiative was a six-month community-based project funded by the AL for Agribusiness Co-Creation Fund ($3,000) to address the devastating impact of Newcastle Disease (ND) on smallholder poultry farmers in Mumbuni, Machakos County, Kenya. Implemented from February to July 2026, the initiative brought together four young African leaders alongside a qualified veterinary officer and key community stakeholders.
Exploring how Namib Desert Oils transforms Namibia's desert biodiversity into high-value cosmetic ingredients while supporting conservation, sustainable harvesting, and local communities.
WILDLIFEECONOMY.INFOAn exploration of how food traceability can strengthen transparency, consumer trust, sustainability, and fair compensation for farmers across the food supply chain.
SUBSTACKOpen to research collaborations, program roles, and speaking on the wildlife economy, sustainable agriculture, and community-led food security.