Dr. Oona Nanka-Bruce is an electrical power engineer with over 25 years of professional experience in the management, planning, development, design and supervision of various power infrastructure projects in developing and developed countries. This includes power system planning and analysis, preparation and review of technical proposals and reports, client relationship development and institution strengthening, technical supervision and training of junior engineers, and mentoring graduate engineers. Her project experience involves a range of activities centered on improving energy infrastructure as a basis for economic development and poverty alleviation.
She has well-developed interpersonal and communications skills essential for leading project teams and interacting at very high levels with various governments and international organizations. Her ability to interact with clients at the highest levels; and Engineering background present a unique capability to communicate with and lead multidisciplinary teams consisting of technical and non-technical professionals.
She obtained a BSc (Hons) in Electronic Engineering in 1985, and a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Control Engineering in 1989, both from the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. Subsequently an MBA in 1998 from the Open University Business School, UK, and an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy in 2009 from the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Oona has worked for a number of engineering consultancies in the UK; Merz and McLellan (1989 – 1993), ERA Technology (1993 – 2005), Parsons Brinckerhoff which is now WSP (2006 to date). Her experience in the power sector covers work in the UK and for international clients in parts of Africa and Asia.
She led the Africa Strategy Team in 2011 to formulate strategic actions for UK Energy Business Unit’s operations in Africa. She is also responsible for the business development of the Business Unit’s activities in Africa, focusing on Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia, from 2011 – 2013.
Oona was the Country Manager for WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff Ethiopia Branch Office from 2012 to 2016. In addition, the Project Manager for the $4.5m Addis Ababa Distribution Master Plan Project in Ethiopia from 2014 to 2016. Currently, she is the Project Manager for WSP on the Millennium Challenge Corporation Ghana Compact, in WSP’s role as Technical Advisor to MCC from 2016 to 2022.