Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma has been appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna.
The appointment was announced on Friday by António Guterres.
Juma will take over the role from Ghada Fathi Waly, who previously served in the position. In the announcement, Guterres expressed appreciation for Waly’s dedicated service and contribution to the United Nations.
A seasoned diplomat and policy expert, Juma currently serves as National Security Advisor to William Ruto, a position she has held since October 2022.
Over the years, she has occupied several senior government roles, including Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Throughout her career, Ambassador Juma has earned recognition for her work in national security, international diplomacy and policy development.
Her new roles at UNODC and UNOV will place her at the forefront of the United Nations’ global efforts to combat transnational crime, drug trafficking and organised criminal networks.
She will also oversee the administrative and operational responsibilities of the UN’s Vienna office, one of the organisation’s key international hubs.
