Leonard Mwansa
Lusaka
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with extensive experience at John Snow Health Zambia, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing program effectiveness. Proven expertise in financial management and project oversight, complemented by strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Adept at fostering teamwork and implementing process improvements to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Operations – USAID eSCMIS Project and JSH Corporate Office
John Snow Health Zambia
Lusaka
05.2022 - 03.2025
- Directed operations portfolio to align with strategic goals, ensuring project objectives met.
- Provided technical oversight and quality accountability to Operations and Admin teams, facilitating development and execution of team objectives and activities.
- Assisted COP and DCOP in shaping overall vision and technical strategic direction for project as part of Senior Management Team (SMT).
- I provided support to the COP and DCOP in developing and updating annual work plans and meeting project deliverables.
- I was also a focal person for all operational and financial matters with the USAID Zambia office.
- Reasons for leaving: Project terminated by USG Executive Order.
Country Operations Director
PATH
Lusaka
08.2016 - 01.2021
- Managed operations portfolio strategically to align with organizational goals.
- Collaborated with Country Director, Senior Management Team, and PATH teams in Nairobi, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. to enhance performance, compliance, and program implementation.
- Explored new career opportunities to advance skills.
Associate Director of Operations
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF)
Lusaka
10.2015 - 07.2016
- Strengthened and led the Operations Unit as Associate Director of Operations in Lusaka, Zambia.
- Oversaw operations department, including finance, contracts and grants, human resources, budget and financial analysis, and administration functions, reporting to Country Director.
- Provided operational and administrative support to align with Foundation’s goals.
Country Operations Manager
PATH - ZAMBIA
Lusaka
11.2010 - 10.2015
- Reported to the Country Director as a member of the Senior Management Team alongside other project managers, contributing to strategic decision-making.
- Directed initiatives that improved organizational effectiveness by leading operational functions.
- Formulated and monitored financial management policies, managed facilities and local human resources, and created organizational and program budgets in collaboration with the Country Director.
Senior Regional Administrative Officer
PATH / MACEPA LEARNING COMMUNITY PROJECT
10.2007 - 11.2010
- Managed financial, facilities, personnel, procurement, and contract functions to support operational effectiveness.
- Collaborated with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - USA to align resources and initiatives.
- Communicated decision to transition to Country Program team to pursue professional development opportunities.
Systems Accountant
FARMER ORGANISATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME (FOSUP)
Lusaka
10.2006 - 10.2007
- Established financial management systems and trained boards of farmers’ organizations to improve financial oversight.
- Transitioned to a more challenging position at PATH to further develop accounting expertise.
- Collaborated with Danish Volunteer Service (MS Zambia) and Harvest Help UK to support local agricultural initiatives.
Senior Finance and Administration Manager
HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS PROGRAMME (HSSP)
Lusaka
01.2006 - 08.2006
- Directed financial and administrative functions for Abt Associates under USAID funding, facilitating project alignment with organizational goals.
- Managed financial and administrative tasks, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Reasons for Leaving: Malaria Project funds reprogrammed.
Finance and Administration Manager
AGRICULTURE SUPPORT PROGRAMME (ASP)
Lusaka
01.2003 - 12.2005
- Secured financial support from Sida, enhancing project funding and sustainability.
- Managed project financial and administrative functions to ensure compliance and effective resource utilization.
- Reasons for Leaving: Opted not to renew contract for an HSSP offer.
Finance and Administration Manager
ECONOMIC EXPANSION IN OUTLYING AREAS (EEOA) PROGRAMME
Lusaka
01.2000 - 12.2002
- Secured financial resources from Sida to support and expand project initiatives.
- Managed financial and administrative functions to ensure project alignment with organizational goals.
- Reasons for Leaving: Project was closed.
Finance and Administration Manager
NORWICH INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED
Lusaka
01.1999 - 12.1999
- Managed financial planning and budgeting for agricultural project initiatives.
- Managed financial and administrative functions to support organizational objectives.
- Oversaw administrative operations to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
- Coordinated resource allocation and logistics for program activities across regions.
- Transitioned to a role with greater responsibilities and challenges.
Audit Assistant
MARK NEWTON CONSULTANTS LIMITED
Lusaka
02.1997 - 12.1998
- Assisted in conducting audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Reviewed financial statements for accuracy and completeness.
- Prepared detailed audit reports for management review.
- Assisted in auditing functions for donor projects, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Explored professional development opportunities to enhance auditing skills and knowledge.
Accounts Assistant
WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Lusaka
06.1996 - 12.1996
- Supported accounting tasks, contributing to accurate financial reporting.
- Obtained funding from NORAD and GTZ, enabling project initiatives.
- Exited position due to project closure and transition to NWASCO.
Accounts Assistant
SMALLHOLDER SERVICES REHABILITATION PROJECT (SSRP)
Lusaka
01.1993 - 05.1996
- Managed funding processes for projects supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC).
- Supported financial recordkeeping in accounting department, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Reasons for Leaving: Project closed and replaced by then ASIP.
Education
Ph.D. - Doctorate of Business Administration
Atlantic International University
Hawaii, USA08-2018
Master of Business Administration -
American University
USA01-2013
Skills
- Project Management
- Data analysis
- Financial modeling
- Database management
- Systems design
- Process Improvement
- Business acumen
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving ability
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Financial modeling
- Process Improvement
Accomplishments
- Re-organized organizational meetings.
- Introduced use of RACI Matrix
- Developed the Senior Management Charter
- Developed the Operations Group Charter.
- Developed Operational Plans.
- Introduction of Compliance Team.
- Development of Stakeholder Matrix.
- Introduction of a Procurement Review Committee.
- Introduction of Coaching and Mentorship Program.
- Introduction of Internship Program.
- Introduction of the concept of Social Committee.
- Introduced Director’s Awards
- Introduction of the Tea Friday concept.
- Introduction of the Gold Star Awards for Operational Excellence.
- Introduction of Business Pitch Box concept.
- Introduction of the Work Smart concept.
- Improved fleet management system.
- Introduced prepaid cards by staff.
- Refined Cash Management System.
- Developed SOP for Mobile Money transactions.
- Introduction of an online Vendors’ Registration Process
Languages
False, True, False, True, False, False, False, True, False
Training
- 2024, USAID & CDC Financial & Compliance, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2024, Ethics Training, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2024, JSI Child Safeguarding Course, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2023, U.S. Family Planning and Abortion Requirements course, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2023, HIV/AIDS Legal and Policy Requirements course, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2023, Compliance & Capacity Development Training for Local IPs (USAID), Lusaka, Zambia
- 2022, USAID Local Partners Meeting (Presented a Poster), Johannesburg, South Africa
- 2022, Ethics Training, JSI/WEI, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2022, Child Safeguarding Course, JSI/WEI, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2020, UNICEF Fraud Awareness Training, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2018, Certification in Strategic Operations Business Executive (SOBE), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- 2018, Code of Ethics: Professional Conduct, PATH, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2018, First Aid Training, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2018, Fire and Safety Training, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2017, Situational Leadership II, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2017, USAID Contract Management for NGOs, Nairobi, Kenya
- 2017, Zambia Occupational Health & Safety Compliance, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2015, Spokesperson and Communication Training, Lusaka, Zambia
- 2014, Performance Management, Johannesburg, South Africa
- 2011, US Government Rules and Regulations, Nairobi, Kenya
- 2010, Financial Management of USAID/CDC Awards, Kampala, Uganda
References
- Ms. Wendy Nicodemus, Former direct supervisor, USAID eSCMIS Project, Lusaka, +260 966 576 154, wnicodemus@gmail.com
- Dr. Chanda Michael Mulimansenga, John Snow Health Zambia, Lusaka, +260 968 418 422, mulimansenga@gmail.com
- Dr. Nanthalile Mugala, Former direct supervisor, PATH, Lusaka, +260 965 768 766, nmugala@path.org
Timeline
Director - Operations – USAID eSCMIS Project and JSH Corporate Office
John Snow Health Zambia
05.2022 - 03.2025
Country Operations Director
PATH
08.2016 - 01.2021
Associate Director of Operations
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF)
10.2015 - 07.2016
Country Operations Manager
PATH - ZAMBIA
11.2010 - 10.2015
Senior Regional Administrative Officer
PATH / MACEPA LEARNING COMMUNITY PROJECT
10.2007 - 11.2010
Systems Accountant
FARMER ORGANISATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME (FOSUP)
10.2006 - 10.2007
Senior Finance and Administration Manager
HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS PROGRAMME (HSSP)
01.2006 - 08.2006
Finance and Administration Manager
AGRICULTURE SUPPORT PROGRAMME (ASP)
01.2003 - 12.2005
Finance and Administration Manager
ECONOMIC EXPANSION IN OUTLYING AREAS (EEOA) PROGRAMME
01.2000 - 12.2002
Finance and Administration Manager
NORWICH INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED
01.1999 - 12.1999
Audit Assistant
MARK NEWTON CONSULTANTS LIMITED
02.1997 - 12.1998
Accounts Assistant
WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT GROUP
06.1996 - 12.1996
Accounts Assistant
SMALLHOLDER SERVICES REHABILITATION PROJECT (SSRP)
01.1993 - 05.1996
Ph.D. - Doctorate of Business Administration
Atlantic International University
Master of Business Administration -
American University