Gemma May

Department for International Development (DfID), UK

Adviser, International Energy Partnerships

Gemma May joined DFID in 2008 and currently works in DFID’s Policy Division, within its Climate & Environment Department. Gemma joined the team leading sustainable energy and low carbon development policy work in December 2012. She serves as DFID’s policy lead for UK engagement on the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative, energy issues within the G8 and G20, and elements of international energy policy with bilateral donors (e.g. EC, Norway). Gemma is also the policy lead for the implementation of DFID Minister Lynne Featherstone’s campaign on energy access for girls and women. Prior to her current role, she was seconded from the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to DFID’s Africa Regional Department, responsible for a forestry and livelihoods focused Trust Fund operating in the Congo Basin. Before joining the UK Civil Service in 2006, Gemma spent 8 years working in global biodiversity conservation at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, in the UK.