Karen Fooks is an East Africa specialist with over 30 years of experience in International Development, having worked with Oxford HR since 2008. She has a strong interest and expertise in private sector/economic development, agriculture/agribusiness, conflict/peace-building, and senior leadership positions. Karen has supported the Gatsby Foundation in filling over 60 roles. Born in Sudan, she has lived and worked in several African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, and Sudan. Her previous roles include positions at Oxfam GB, International Alert, ActionAid, and IDE UK, focusing on market development programs in Africa and Asia. Committed to increasing diversity in leadership in Africa.

Karen Fooks holds a Certificate in Applied Neuroscience from ITS, studied at the International School of Tanganyika, completed NGO Management studies at The Open University, was a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex, and obtained her MA from the University of Oxford.

Throughout her career, Karen Fooks has held various key positions including Associate Director at Oxford Human Resource Consultants Limited, Board Trustee at Elrha, Consultant at Gatsby Charitable Foundation, Management and Executive Search consultant at Karen Twining Consulting, Vice Chair at SOS Sahel International UK, Chief Executive at iDE UK, Africa Regional Coordinator at ActionAid, Head of Rwanda Secretariat at International Alert, Kenya Country Representative at Oxfam GB, among others.

Karen Fooks brings a wealth of experience, skills, and expertise in International Development, focusing on East Africa, private sector development, agriculture, conflict resolution, and leadership. Her diverse background and commitment to diversity in leadership make her a valuable asset in the field.