Worked closely with country directors, program managers, and controllers to ensure that East Africa’s portfolio of $24M with over 30 projects is effectively and efficiently budgeted, monitored, and reported and in compliance with corporate policies as well as specific donors’ rules and regulations. Prepared donor reports and invoices, including those that have cost share, program income, and interest requirements for a range of donors, such as the U.S. government (USAID) and private foundations (BMGF). Oversaw award accounting and provided guidance on policies and procedures to field finance staff ensuring internal control to ensure full compliance to donor requirements. Served as the main liaison and problem solving issues in a timely manner between 5 field offices and HQ. Reviewed monthly close package for 5 field offices by checking whether transactions in the General Ledger accounts and bank reconciliations are processed in accordance with corporate policies and grant agreements. Assist in external and internal audits and providing supporting documentation to the audit team.

Provided programmatic and administrative support to East Africa’s portfolio of over 25 country and regional programs that aim to develop entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Developed several proposal budgets on new business teams that secured new funding to grow East Africa’s portfolio. Reviewed financial and narrative reports for a range of donors including private foundations and the US government. Maintained grants document repository and consistently collect pertinent documentation related to each grant to monitor program activities against contract terms and corporate policies. Prepared financial, evaluation, and board reports and coordinated with Country Directors to achieve program objectives while staying within budget.

Managed a portfolio of up to 20 job openings providing full cycle recruiting support, including resume processing, interviewing, and writing recommendations to hiring managers for headquarter openings and alternative staffing programs such as internships, structured programs, and consultancies. Represented FINCA at various microfinance conferences, university career fairs, and industry panels discussing FINCA’s mission, strategy, operations, financials, and HR practices. Negotiated fee agreements with multiple staffing agencies resulting in fee reduction from an industrial standard of 30% to 22%, including more favorable terms and conditions for replacement of temporary staff. Recruited and supervised intern whom FINCA promoted and hired full-time as Recruiting Coordinator after 5 months. Customized applicant tracking system continuously to improve work flow to better serve recruiting department needs. Designed recruiting brochure and regional career webpages to reflect FINCA as employer of choice.

Managed and expanded online resources network accessible to grantee partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Conducted country background research and formulated recommendations on future partners to Board of Directors. Synthesized and posted weekly news briefs online from a host of news sources on global children’s issues.

Created organizational structure for nascent community radio station serving 250,000 residents in the province. Developed and managed monthly operational budgets and established accounting procedures. Trained local staff of journalists, technicians and managers on basic computer skills and Microsoft Office. Oversaw communications and project plans between local organization and the head office in Washington, DC.

Won more than 25 Dutch national titles. Qualified for 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Ranked top 15 in the World and top 10 in Europe during 10-year diving career.