Professor Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema's work advances regional capacity development and applied research across Southern Africa and beyond.
At UNU-INWEH, as the Evidence-Based Water Action Lead, he contributes to the development of research initiatives that advance evidence-based water action, supporting improved water security, resilient communities, ecosystem health, and equitable access to sustainable water resources. He also supports the Institute’s engagement in the UN Water Conference processes and the UN Water Conference Academic Hub.
In addition to his role at UNU-INWEH, Professor Kileshye Onema serves as Executive Manager and Head of the WaterNet Secretariat, where he oversees the implementation of capacity development activities across the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He is also Secretary General of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), headquartered in Wallingford, United Kingdom.
Professor Kileshye earned his PhD in Water Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. He is a professor of environmental sciences and management at North-West University, South Africa, and also a professor of engineering at the University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.