Alvina Zafar Email & Phone Number

Dhaka, Bd

Bangladesh

WEConnect International is a global non-profit that facilitates sustainable economic growth by increasing opportunities for women-owned businesses to succeed in global value chains. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women's business enterprises that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women. It is the only global non-profit connecting women-owned businesses outside of the U.S. with large purchasing organizations.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

As Head of Program, I ensure our Social Enterprise schools align with our vision and strategy, providing high-quality education to fee-paying students with exceptional teachers, curriculum, and facilities. I oversee revamping efforts, operational guidance for primary and secondary schools, and capacity-building initiatives for our teams. This ensures both social impact and financial viability while promoting inclusivity for girls and children with disabilities.Key Responsibilities:o Developing a Business Model for Social Enterprise schools; Lead the operation of multiclass primary and secondary schools.o Crafting proposals and partnerships to secure fundingo Providing support for location finalization, marketing, and students enrollment

Kigali City, Rwanda

In my role as Head of Program, I was entrusted with spearheading the strategic direction and operational management. I contributed to developing the Annual Strategic Plan (ASP), managed budgeting, and formulated operational directives, specifically focusing on our microfinance, SME, and Agri-finance portfolio. Leading a portfolio valued at 400 crore (3.7 million USD), I oversaw operations across 35 branches, serving 32,000 clients, and managed a team of over 250 employees.Key Responsibilities:1. Strategic Leadership: Crafted 5 years annual strategic plan and implemented short-term and long-term business strategies for portfolio diversification, quality disbursement, and sustainable growth. Developed a comprehensive 5-year Digital Strategy and integrated it with operational framework. Implemented 5- year project of MasterCard Foundation's, Accelerating Impact for Young Women in Africa (AIM) project2. Operational Oversight: Lead the day-to-day operations involving orchestrating discussions on our Annual Strategic Plan (ASP) and its components, providing insightful analysis on our current performance metrics and their implications, and effectively communicating disbursement targets to our field operations team. 3. Culture, Engagement, and Capacity Building4. Administrative Oversight and Procurement Leadership5. Financial Management and Compliances Management6. Enhanced Donor and Stakeholder Collaboration: Handled donor engagement with WPF, UNFPA, and BRAC Rwanda NGO. Maintained liaison with Internal Audit and Compliance.7. Social Performance Management

Dhaka, Bangladesh

As Head of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Operations in the Microfinance program, I spearhead a critical division driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Managing one of eleven divisions, I oversee a significant business portfolio valued at BDT 1000 crore (USD 1.00 billion) with a dedicated team of over 500 employees, serving a diverse client base exceeding 45 thousand individuals.Key Responsibilities1. Implemented Strategic Leadership: Developed and executed short and long-term divisional strategy, target plans, COVID recovery models, and operational policies in alignment with organizational goals.2. Optimized Operations: Re-engineered internal systems, processes, and organizational policies.Implemented digital transformation strategies and innovative supervision models to enhance operational efficiency.3. Led Talent Development: Managed talent development for a team of over 500 individuals.Provided mentorship, guidance, and skill enhancement opportunities, fostering professional growth and career advancement.4. Supported Strategic Analysis and Decision-Making: Assisted top management with high-level analysis and decision-making processes.5. Implemented Risk Management Strategies: Developed and oversaw robust risk management strategies to safeguard divisional assets and ensure regulatory compliance.6. Cultivated Strategic Partnerships: Established and maintained partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, and industry associations.7. Monitored and Evaluated Performance: Monitored and evaluated divisional performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

As Head of Client Service, I drove initiatives to optimize interactions and satisfaction for 5.5 million clients, expanded our client base, and diversified our product offerings. I have pioneered transition models for Ultra Poor Graduation Program graduates and crafted financial literacy programs. My role included overseeing digital platform development and tailored loyalty programs, ensuring projects align with service objectives. Leveraging technology, I aimed to elevate standards and foster long-term loyalty.1. Risk Assessment Model for BRAC's Microfinance Programme in partnership with Softograph LimitedIn creation of preparing a robust and scalable credit rating platform for BRAC Microfinance. This will determine the risks of issuing loans for existing borrowers under using existing company practices and factors. The system will boast contemporary data management and design practices and outstanding functionality. 2. Service Model Design for the Microfinance clientsA new service model development in progress that will change the way how traditional development organization used to provide services to its clients3. Client Service DigitizationAfter careful consideration of the booming market for smartphones and the widespread use of the internet among people in the rural setting, BRAC Microfinance has responded to these pressing challenges by introducing Digitization of Client Services for SME segment of the client base. The aim of the project is to equip the staff with an improved client service delivery system through the use of a digital software program (Apps) and electronic devices (Tablets). The staff armed with tabs, laptops, the internet and the Progoti App, BRAC strives to make its unique “credit plus” financial service even more affordable, efficient, convenient, user friendly, and easily accessible for both its staff and various target populations.

Brac Centre, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212

In my role as Deputy Manager, I spearheaded strategy-driven projects like SMART Certification (SMAR Campaign initiative of Accion) and Microinsurance initiatives, meticulously ensuring alignment with organizational vision and goals. Overseeing the entire project lifecycle, I worked closely with cross-functional teams to plan, allocate resources, monitor progress, and address challenges. Through effective leadership and strategic decision-making, I aim to deliver impactful outcomes that drive the organization's growth and success.Smart Campaign’s Client protection by Accion International 1. Planned, designed and implemented client protection agenda for BRAC's Microfinance programme. 2. Responsible for national level implementation of the programme3. Managed a team of diversified people for successful implementation of the project.Credit Shield Insurance Project: Designed and implemented Microinsurance project for the clients of Microfinance programme in a partnership with Milvik BIMA and Prime Islami Life Insurance limited. Later, Guardian Life Insurance was added in partners list. Initially, this project was designed to use mobile money (i.e. bKash) for transaction. The project will be nationally expanded to 2000+ branches by 2017 which will reach around 4.4 million clients. Team and Partnership Management:Responsible for managing both national and international partnership for the programme. Along with that, managing a team of diversified people who are working in different innovative projects. Consultant: Experienced in conducting training/workshops and given lectures on Microfinance in different national and international workshops. I was invited as a keynote speaker of Rural Microfinance Innovation Salon organized by Fuping Development Institute in China and taken sessions several times in International Training Workshop on “Governance in Micro Credit Delivery System for Rural Development” in BARD, Bangladesh.

Bangladesh

As a management professional, I have led transformative initiatives that promote inclusivity and empowerment within our organization. My leadership in groundbreaking research has provided deep insights into the youth demographic and migrant workers' remittance flows, enabling the development of targeted support mechanisms. I have pioneered innovative solutions, including a specialized savings product for migrant workers, which has significantly enhanced their financial resilience and economic stability. These efforts underscore my commitment to driving positive change and advancing our organization's mission in social development.Achievements: 1. Spearheaded Groundbreaking Research:* Led comprehensive studies on youth demographics.* Conducted in-depth analysis of migrant workers' remittance flows.* Produced insights that informed the development of targeted interventions and support mechanisms.2. Developed Targeted Interventions:* Utilized research findings to identify key challenges and opportunities for youth and migrant workers.* Guided the creation of tailored support mechanisms addressing specific needs of these populations.* Introduced Specialized Savings Product for Migrant Workers:3. Designed a savings product to meet the unique needs of migrant workers.* Enhanced financial resilience by optimizing savings intake.* Mitigated reliance on external saving mechanisms, fostering long-term economic stability.4. Enhanced Financial Resilience:* Empowered migrant workers with tools to improve their financial security.* Contributed to the economic stability of migrant workers through tailored financial solutions.

Bangladesh

As a management trainee at BRAC, I undertook a comprehensive immersion into the organization's operations, gaining invaluable insights and practical experience across various functions. Here's an overview of the roles I fulfilled and the tasks I accomplished:1. Understanding BRAC's Operations:2. Role Play as Branch Manager, Area Manager, and Regional Manager3. Savings and Loan Product Review and Process Development

Master In Development Studies, Economics And Development, 3.62 On A Scale Of 4

Bachelor In Social Science (Bss), Economics, 3.73 On A Scale Of 4