Dr Cynthia Kunda Simwaka
Lusaka
Summary
Multifaceted, proactive, Confident, result oriented and highly motivated Leader with progressive and successful 14 years work experience in International NGOs managing USAID, NIH and CDC Funded grants and contracts. I have worked for World Vision International, Care International, John Snow Institute and currently working for CIDRZ where I manage 42 research funded grants and contracts with a total portfolio of about $47,000,000. I have expertise in Compliance, Risk management, grants management, financial management, administration, contracts management, human resource management, fleet management and capacity building.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
MANAGING DIRECTOR
CKS GROUP OF COMPANIES
04.2022 - Current
- Established a Multi-Subsidiary Business Group: Founded and scaled CKS Group, comprising three thriving subsidiaries: CKS Global Solutions Ltd (consulting arm), CKS Academy (coaching and training), CKS Financing (business financing solutions)
- Expanded group to support 100+ clients in organizational development, business consulting, and training.
- Developed Cutting-Edge Solutions for NGOs and SMEs: Successfully delivered consulting services to 20+ NGOs and 50+ SMEs, enabling them to enhance efficiency and achieve sustainable growth
- Facilitated funding opportunities for 15+ small businesses, helping clients secure over $500,000 in combined capital
- Expanded CKS Academy’s Training Impact: Trained 1,000+ professionals and entrepreneurs across various industries through workshops, seminars, and executive coaching programs
- Designed and launched the U2U90 Program, aiming to impact 120+ leaders in employment, business, and education
- Driving Business Growth in Lifestyle & Beauty: Grew CKS Lifestyle to serve 500+ clients, providing premium beauty products and lifestyle services
- Launched a successful product line with 30% year-over-year growth in sales
- Leadership & Global Reach: Expanded CKS Group’s operations into 5+ countries, establishing a global presence in consulting, training, and financing
- Keynote speaker and trainer at 20+ international events, impacting audiences of 5,000+ individuals
- Client Retention and Satisfaction: Maintained a 95% client satisfaction rate through innovative, personalized solutions and exceptional service delivery
- Retained 80% of clients for repeat services, showcasing the value of tailored coaching and consulting
- Financial Performance and Strategic Growth: Achieved annual revenue growth of 35% across the CKS Group of companies
- Secured created Employment Opportunities: Built and managed a high-performing team of professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration
- Empowered more than 300 disadvantaged youths by partnering with NGOs, focusing on educational and entrepreneurial advancement.
- Supported the registration and launch of 5+ NGOs through consulting services, amplifying their impact in underserved communities
- Innovative Problem-Solving: Introduced AI and data-driven tools in CKS Global Solutions, enabling clients to increase operational efficiency by 40%
Senior grants and contracts management specialist
CENTRE FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH IN ZAMBIA
Lusaka, Zambia
10.2020 - 03.2022
- Company Overview: Lusaka
- Directed the administration of 42 research projects, consistently delivering essential information to all stakeholders for effective award management.
- Ensured accuracy by reconciling award account receivables in coordination with Finance.
- I sent reminders for all outstanding invoices on a weekly basis and followed up to ensure all outstanding invoices are paid by donors with 90% success rate
- I maintained and reconciled award account payable with Grants Management Officers and ensure uncollected invoices are followed up and settled within 14 days
- I supported with reconciliations and maintenance of staff effort report and effort profiling in ESS by making sure that all staff members on the projects that are under my portfolio charged their efforts correctly and ensure changes to efforts are affected within 3 days
- I ensured that staff follow grants management policies, standards, and procedure on a daily basis by holding trainings on a monthly basis during staff meetings
- Assists in reviewing grantee Notice of Grant Awards (NGAs) and Memorandum of Understanding
- I identified and resolved budget, compliance and/or other problems, in cooperation with appropriate program staff, not excluding audit and/or other issues as required
- I circulated notices for current and closing projects; grant applications in progress/awarded; re-budgeting forms and issues on donor regulations/guidelines as deemed necessary
- I obtained required closeout information and facilitated grant closeout process with project accountants and grant investigators or project teams
- I successfully supported the Head of Grants and Contracts in proposal budget development/reviews to ensure compliance with budget policy
- I monitored research awards milestones, funding mechanism and reconciliation of bridge funding support
- I reviewed awards Budget to Actual for all grants portfolio in department and project meetings and following up on award burn rates
- Coordinated and facilitated the resolution of all Grant and Contract related technical and financial issues between Project Teams and Finance/Operations Teams
- Reviewed all procurements request for relevant projects including, Air Travel Authorizations and Recruitment requisitions
- Lusaka
REGIONAL FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
USAID DISCOVER HEALTH
Lusaka, Zambia
06.2019 - 09.2020
- Company Overview: Lusaka
- Successfully established and implemented a robust system of internal controls in finance, administration and fleet management for the region
- Ensured that the financial policies and procedures are all in line with project requirements and standards (USAID and JSI standards)
- Supervised on a day to day basis all field accounting matters including all field account transactions in QuickBooks, Fieldlink reports, Replicon Time Management and advances
- Efficiently prepared correct and complete monthly reconciliations for submission to JSI Home Office every 10th of the following month
- I took the lead in Pre-Audit preparations across the Project which are done annually in March
- I timely managed the consolidation of financial transactions at the regional Office account
- This included all regional financial reports prepared according to JSI and USAID standards
- On a quarterly basis I conducted periodic supervisory visits to regional field offices and hub offices in Lusaka, Central, Muchinga and Northern Province
- I ensured fleet is well managed by making sure the 47 vehicles are well serviced before they reach 5000 km
- Ensured the fuel receipts have the necessary information for verification
- Ensured tom cards are kept in a safe and usage is recorded correctly and accurately
- I Prepared risk assessment recommendations and shared the financial, administration and fleet compliance results of the quarterly visits with project management teams
- I established and prepared accurate and timely information for budget monitoring and progress reporting of program funds
- I assisted the Operations Director and Finance Director in the preparation of monthly program and administrative budget tracking, cash flow management and analyze financial performance against approved budgets and key performance indicators on a monthly basis
- I successfully provided guidance and support in the preparation of annual budgets that linked with the annual work plan by using activity based budgeting models with the senior technical advisors
- I effectively provided oversight and review of the project payroll for all staff and ensured that salaries and statutory deduction are processed accurately and paid on-time with the support of correct time sheets submitted by the 25th of every month
- I supervised and mentored 2 regional finance officers, 1 senior Transport and Logistics officer and one senior Administrative officers to ensure work performance is closely monitored and supported and the functions of the department are streamlined and efficient
- I efficiently managed VAT of all project expenses in line with statutory requirements and Donor Co-operative Agreement
- I ensure that the project inventory list matches to the financial records periodically and provided an annual inventory report to document the reconciliation
- Effective Management of inventory, property and other assets by working hand in hand with the senior Administration assistant and the Administration clerks in the region
- I successfully tracked and monitored all the Tax and statutory obligations and payments ensuring all payments are made on time and reconciled on a monthly basis
- Lusaka
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR-GRANTS AND AUDIT-SUNFUND
CARE INTERNATIONAL IN ZAMBIA
Zambia
07.2015 - 03.2019
- Company Overview: HEAD OFFICE
- Successfully provided Financial and management technical assistance to the government line ministries implementing partners in 14 districts in audit, finance and procurement, as agreed within institutional strengthening plans
- I oversaw policies to manage risks, of programs as a whole and of individual government line ministries (implementing partners in 14 districts in Zambia) and other local and international NGO (DAPP,UNZA,KEEPER ZAMBIA,IITA,WHO and THET)
- Ensure and oversee adequate assessment of proposals for SUNFUND, including compliance with guidelines and inclusion of adequate budgets for audit and financial risk management
- Leads on developing and agreeing on grants procedures for SUNFUND, including templates and guidelines with involvement of key internal and external stakeholders, adapting existing CARE Zambia sub-grant manual
- Oversees Financial management and reporting, monitoring of financial performance, of over 90 implementing partners who include 6 line ministries in 14 districts, UN agencies, higher learning institutions and other International and local NGOs
- Timely prepared Financial and risk quarterly reports to senior leadership and donors
- Successfully set up systems to monitor and ensure timely delivery against agreed milestones in payment plans for western and central province SUNFUND partners
- Effectively managed relationships with Auditor general, audit firms and donor officers etc
- Timely Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual financial and risk reports
- Effectively facilitated the implementation of sub-grant activities, in accordance with the provisions of the approved sub grants manual
- Intelligently developed and maintained constructive and efficient grants tracking and performance monitoring system and timely compiled necessary reports
- Efficiently Planned and organized mechanisms for ensuring compliance of the grants administration to established CARE Zambia policies, protocols and a 'value for money' guiding principle
- Timely drafted sub-grants agreements with Implementing Partners, for signing and ensured IP staff understand requirements in agreements
- Timely Prepared data on sub-grant performance for quarterly and annual reports
- Checks supporting documentation for IP financial reports, to ensure transactions comply with donor regulations
- HEAD OFFICE
GRANTS COMPLIANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING OFFICER
WORLD VISION ZAMBIA LTD-STEPS OVC
Lusaka, Zambia
04.2013 - 06.2015
- Company Overview: LUSAKA
- Timely Monitor and review partner’s policies, procedures, expenditure and Financial reports to check for accuracy and compliance with donor (USAID) requirements and regulations
- Effectively assess Partners financial systems, documentation and processes and providing the necessary capacity building and financial advice monthly
- The partners include Development Aid For People to People, Salvation Army, Copperbelt Health Education Project, Zambia Open Communities, Expanded church Response, Jesus Cares Ministries, Archdiocese of Kasama, Diocese of Mansa, Diocese of Chipata, Diocese of Solwezi, Diocese of Ndola and Diocese of Mongu
- Regularly monitor and review STEPS OVC partners (and sub-partners) financial transactions to ensure that they are in compliance with the signed agreement and donor regulations and also ensure that the findings are corrected timely
- Provide continuous technical support and capacity building as necessary to the sub grantees to ensure that they fully understand donor requirements and helping them set up the necessary framework and procedures so that they are compliant with donor requirements
- Reconcile all individual sub grantee income and expense reports with WVZ SUN-systems monthly
- Effectively tracked monthly and quarterly expenditure for partners against the budget
- Ensured partners are reimbursed and adequately funded for their activities monthly
- Effectively carry out sub grantee capacity assessments and arranging appropriate trainings in areas that need capacity building
- Capacity building of small grantees to ensure that they fully understand donor requirements and helping them set up the necessary framework and procedures so that they are compliant with donor requirements
- Timely Prepare bank and other balance sheet reconciliations monthly
- Effectively supervise 13 financial officers in 43 districts in field offices
- Ensure partner organizations have funds to meet their target objectives and that advances are correctly cleared before they are reimbursed
- Proposal writing for new grants
- Prepare the partners for Annual audits by ensuring that all the queries are dealt with before they are audited
- LUSAKA
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
WORLD VISION ZAMBIA
Zambia
12.2009 - 04.2013
Assistant Accountant
WORLD VISION ZAMBIA
Mbala, Zambia
06.2007 - 11.2009
Finance officer
CHITI SCHOOL LTD
Kasama, Zambia
07.2004 - 03.2007
Education
PHD - Doctor of Philosophy
Trinity University
01.2021
MBA - General
Lusaka University
Lusaka01.2018
CIMA -
ZCAS
01.2014
NATECH -
Mulungushi University
Kabwe01.2004
Certificate In Secondary Education -
Examination Council Of Zambia
01.2001
Skills
- Donor Funded Grants management
- RPPR and FFR preparation
- Budget planning & Management
- Preparation of budget proposals
- Donor, Accounting & Bookkeeping
- USAID and DFID regulations
- NIH, CDC regulations
- Preparation of Management Reports
- Accounts payable management
- Goods received note maintenance
- Risk analysis and management
- Grant resource mobilization certified
- Zambia govt regulations
- Sun System Financial System Competent
- Records Organization & Management
- Team player
- MS Excel
- MS Word
- MS PowerPoint
- Lotus Notes
- Capacity building & Monitoring
- People Management skills
- Payroll processing
- Cyber security
- Financial and analytical skills
- Gateway to grants certified
- Quick books
- CTRACK
- PIPAT
- Funder relationship management
- Managing funders relationship
Affiliations
- Licentiate Member, ZICA (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants)
- Member: CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
Leadershipandcommunityservice
- Corporate Manager, Professional Authors International, 01/2020, Present
- Finance and Fundraising Coordinator, Christian Prayer Link, 2019, Present
- Group Team Leader (Zambia), Inuka Fragrances, 2017, Present
- Finance Administrator, Bread Of Life Church - Kabwe, 2011, Present
- Finance Administrator, Bread Of Life Church - Mbala, 2007, 2009
Technologysummary
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet)
- Sun System
- Quick Books
Summaryofexpertise
- Donor Funded Grants management
- RPPR and FFR preparation
- Budget planning & Management
- Preparation of budget proposals
- Donor, Accounting & Bookkeeping
- USAID and DFID regulations
- NIH, CDC regulations
- Preparation of Management Reports
- Accounts payable management
- Goods received note maintenance
- Risk analysis and management
- Grant resource mobilization certified
- Zambia govt regulations
- Sun System Financial System Competent
- Records Organization & Management
- Team player
- MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes
- Capacity building & Monitoring
- People Management skills
- Payroll processing
- Cyber security
- Financial and analytical skills
- Gateway to grants certified
- Quick books, CTRACK & PIPAT
- Funder relationship management
- Managing funders relationship
Accomplishments
Professional Accomplishments
1. Entrepreneurship Excellence
United Nations Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Honored for her innovative contributions to social entrepreneurship and sustainable development, solidifying her reputation as a leader in driving positive economic and social change.
Established successful businesses and programs that combine entrepreneurial innovation with community upliftment, helping individuals transition from financial struggle to independence.
2. Business Leadership and Strategy
Leadership in Donor-Funded Projects: Over 10 years of experience managing large-scale USAID and other donor-funded projects in Zambia. Demonstrated exceptional ability in financial management, resource allocation, and strategic execution to achieve impactful results.
Grant Acquisition Specialist: Secured significant funding for development programs, leveraging her expertise in proposal writing and donor engagement.
Strategic Initiatives: Founded and implemented financial literacy programs tailored to empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and investing.
3. Authorship and Thought Leadership
Author of The Wealth Mindset: Published a transformative book that empowers readers with actionable steps to achieve financial independence, personal growth, and professional success. The book has gained significant traction among professionals and students.
Inspirational Speaker: Delivered keynote speeches at various national and international platforms on topics such as personal branding, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial success, inspiring diverse audiences.
4. Coaching and Mentorship
Certified NLP Coach: Helped individuals transform their lives by overcoming limiting beliefs and developing actionable plans for personal and professional growth.
Corporate Training Expertise: Provided free financial literacy and personal development training to employees across Zambian institutions, addressing critical topics such as debt management, wealth building, and career advancement.
5. Academic and Professional Achievements
Doctorate in Philosophy-Social Entrepreneurship: Conducted research and developed practical solutions that blend academic insights with real-world entrepreneurial practices to address societal challenges.
Business Administration Degree: Built a solid foundation in management, leadership, and organizational strategy, enhancing her ability to lead transformative projects.
Chartered Accountant: Possesses advanced knowledge of financial systems, analysis, and compliance, ensuring excellence in all financial and accounting practices.
6. Corporate and Community Initiatives.
Financial Literacy Advocate: Partnered with leading organizations to conduct employee training sessions on budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management, creating lasting change for individuals and their families.
Empowerment Events: Spearheaded programs such as Empowered Women 2025, aimed at inspiring women and young professionals to excel in their careers and personal lives.
Youth Mentorship: Collaborated with academic institutions to teach students the importance of personal branding and innovation, equipping them to thrive in competitive environments.
7. Network Marketing Expertise.
Professional Network Marketer: Built extensive business networks by leveraging her ability to establish relationships, create value, and foster trust among stakeholders.
Sustainable Growth Strategies: Mentored entrepreneurs on leveraging network marketing to achieve financial growth and expand their business reach.
8. Awards and Recognitions
Recognized for my strategic business consultancy and innovative thinking, particularly in the fields of financial literacy, social entrepreneurship, and personal development.
Outstanding Contributions to Economic Empowerment: Honored by various organizations for her work in empowering individuals and communities to break the cycle of poverty and achieve prosperity.
Additional Information
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Additional Expertise and Roles
1. Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Dr. Cynthia is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, equipping women with financial knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership capabilities.
Organized and facilitated workshops and seminars, including the Empowered Women 2025 seminar, tailored to address the unique challenges women face in business and personal development.
2. Visionary in Social Entrepreneurship
Pioneered innovative solutions to societal challenges by integrating entrepreneurial ventures with sustainable development goals.
Consulted for organizations to design and implement projects that foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities.
3. Inspirational Leadership
Recognized as a transformational leader, inspiring teams to achieve outstanding results through mentorship and strategic guidance.
Created customized training programs that enhance productivity, teamwork, and personal growth for corporate teams.
4. Media Presence
Regularly featured as a guest expert on radio and TV programs, discussing financial literacy, wealth creation, and entrepreneurship.
Hosts live webinars and motivational sessions, reaching thousands of viewers with actionable strategies for success.
5. Community Builder
Actively engages with local communities to promote education and entrepreneurship, focusing on youth and underprivileged groups.
Partnered with NGOs to run campaigns that teach financial literacy in rural areas, empowering communities to manage resources effectively.
6. Awards and Recognition
National Financial Literacy Champion: Honored for significant contributions to improving financial education in Zambia.
Recipient of multiple accolades for mentoring young entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in various sectors.
7. Personal Development Advocate
Combines personal and professional development techniques to create holistic growth opportunities for her clients.
Offers one-on-one coaching sessions to help individuals overcome obstacles, set meaningful goals, and achieve success.
8. Author and Educator
Author of The Wealth Mindset and currently working on her second book, focusing on the intersection of faith, business, and personal success.
Frequently develops educational materials, articles, and guides to help people navigate financial challenges and build sustainable wealth.
9. Faith-Based Initiatives
Integrates faith principles into professional and business life, inspiring professionals to align their careers with their values.
Conducts faith-based workshops and seminars, including How to Divinely Overflow in the Marketplace, for Christian entrepreneurs and professionals.
10. Innovator in Networking and Collaboration
Skilled at building strategic partnerships that foster mutual growth and shared success.
Created platforms for professionals and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, collaborate, and grow their networks.
Professional Philosophy
Dr. Cynthia believes in empowering individuals to reach their full potential by combining financial education, strategic planning, and personal growth. Her mission is to create a world where everyone has the tools and mindset to achieve lasting prosperity and make a positive impact in their communities.
Timeline
MANAGING DIRECTOR
CKS GROUP OF COMPANIES
04.2022 - Current
Senior grants and contracts management specialist
CENTRE FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH IN ZAMBIA
10.2020 - 03.2022
REGIONAL FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
USAID DISCOVER HEALTH
06.2019 - 09.2020
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR-GRANTS AND AUDIT-SUNFUND
CARE INTERNATIONAL IN ZAMBIA
07.2015 - 03.2019
GRANTS COMPLIANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING OFFICER
WORLD VISION ZAMBIA LTD-STEPS OVC
04.2013 - 06.2015
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
WORLD VISION ZAMBIA
12.2009 - 04.2013
Assistant Accountant
WORLD VISION ZAMBIA
06.2007 - 11.2009
Finance officer
CHITI SCHOOL LTD
07.2004 - 03.2007
PHD - Doctor of Philosophy
Trinity University
MBA - General
Lusaka University
CIMA -
ZCAS
NATECH -
Mulungushi University
Certificate In Secondary Education -
Examination Council Of Zambia