Hellen Njoki Wanjohi-Opil

Hellen Njoki Wanjohi-Opil is the Climate and Engagement Lead in World Resource Institute (WRI) Africa's Cities Program. She plays a critical role in coordinating projects, leading partnership and engagement as well as fund raising activities for the entire WRI-Africa Cities program. Hellen also co-manages the African Climate Resilient Cities Portfolio and team, including the African Cities Water Adaptation (ACWA) Platform and Fund. She is seconded by the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities to the Climate Champions Team as the Urban Resilience and Water Lead for Africa.

Prior to joining WRI, Hellen worked & consulted as an urban planner and climate change expert for UN Agencies (such as UN-Habitat & UNDP) and on multiple donor-funded projects in the areas of informal settlements planning, climate resilience, urban governance, urban investment planning, natural resource master planning and social inclusion. Hellen's work and research has appeared on various books (including the Geography of Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Africa, as well as African Water Cities), and other publications.

Hellen holds a Masters in Climate Change and Adaptation, as well as a B.A in Urban & Regional Planning, both from the University of Nairobi. She has previously served as the Honorary Secretary of the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP) and was received awards as 'Leader in Social Impact 2024' and 'Leader in Leadership 2020' by Women in Real Estate (WIRE).