Michelo Mwaka
Ndola
Summary
Results-driven Program Manager with expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Excel at leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability to ensure projects are delivered on time and objectives are met. Bring focus on continuous improvement and team collaboration to drive success in complex environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF)
Mkushi , Zambia
06.2024 - Current
- Oversee the implementation of project activities directly.
- Manage both strategic and operational risks.
- Ensure the delivery of measurable benefits and impacts.
- Establish and clarify the strategy and vision within the program's boundaries for the organization.
- Engage stakeholders at all levels, both internal and external.
- Focus on quality and outcomes. Directly oversee the implementation of project activities.
Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF)
Mkushi , Zambia
06.2017 - 06.2024
- Program Development: Led the design and implementation of programs focused on livelihood and food security, educational support, and economic empowerment, ensuring alignment with climate change and gender considerations.
- Programme Management: Oversaw financial management and contracts, ensuring efficient allocation of donor funds and compliance with organizational standards. Delivered technical guidance and comprehensive reports.
- Program Evaluator: Conducted evaluations of field programs, shared insights gained, and played a key role in enhancing reporting quality among Program Officers.
- Team Supervision and Collaboration: Supervised program officers and junior staff while collaborating with various departments to drive effective program execution, all while reporting directly to the director.
- Communication Lead: Articulated program objectives clearly to stakeholders and developed strategic solutions to challenges discussed in meetings.
- Leadership Coaching: Motivated and guided teams to meet project goals, provided constructive feedback, and fostered a culture of achievement and accountability.
Livelihood and Food Security Programmes Officer
Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF)
Mkushi, Zambia
09.2013 - 06.2017
- Oversaw planning and management of program activities in the assigned districts.
- Developed and monitored detailed work plans, ensuring rigorous progress tracking.
- Built strong relationships with beneficiaries, partners, and stakeholders, maintaining professionalism.
- Managed project assets according to institutional standards and donor expectations.
- Ensured compliance with project management and quality assurance standards during implementation.
- Contributed to the production and dissemination of learning outputs outlined in the project design.
- Led preparation of proposals and donor reports, including log frames, narratives, and budgets
- Integrated agricultural interventions into climate-smart agriculture practices to enhance project impact.
Consultant / Trainer of Trainers
Mutendo Consultants
Chipata , Zambia
08.2013 - 08.2013
- Facilitator/Monitoring and Evaluation - Trainer of Trainers in Gender Mainstreaming & women empowerment tools, Leadership and Group Dynamics and Governance principles of NGOs/CBOS
- The focus was to promote gender mainstreaming and women empowerment at all intervention levels of Production, Finance, and Improved Technology Plus project (PROFIT+) USAID/Zambia, targeting agriculture value chains for PROFIT+ partners in Eastern province Chipata, Katete, Petauke, and Lundazi districts
Assistant Agricultural Engineer (Trainee)
Al-Dhahra Agricultural Company
Keetmanshoop, Namibia
02.2012 - 12.2012
- Manage a project area of 200 hectares (180 hectares for date palm cultivation, and 20 hectares for table grapes).
- Lead and supervise team activities at various levels for optimal efficiency.
- Maintain project schedules by closely monitoring progress and coordinating activities.
- Proactively resolve issues to ensure smooth operations.
- Rigorously evaluate team performance against established planning schedules.
- Enforce strict safety and cleanliness protocols to protect the environment.
- Apply engineering expertise and knowledge of biological sciences to address agricultural challenges.
- Oversee the effective use of the irrigation system and manage land tillage.
- Manage all aspects of planting and fertilization for optimal results.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
The University of Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia03-2019
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture (Honours) (Agricultural Economics)
University of Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia 02-2012
GCE ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY AND ORDINARY LEVEL -
University of Cambridge International Examinations
12-2004
Skills
- Project Management
- Financial Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Personnel Management
- Team Development
- Resource Management
- Business Acumen
- Team training and development
- Strategic Direction
- Budgeting and Resource Management
Languages
Tonga
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
References
- Brandy Mungaila, Country Director, Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF), Mkushi, +260972873200, mungailab@gmail.com
- Mirriam Mwaba Chisangano, Senior Trainer, Spear and Shield Project, Lusaka, +260977246414, mimicherub@gmail.com
- Dr. Victor Muchemwa, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader MBA and MSc, London School Of Management Education, +447459673565, vmuchemwa@yahoo.com
- Nalituba Mudenda, Senior Tax and Accounting Consultant, HLB Zambia, Lusaka, +260973123036, nalitubmb@yahoo.com
Projects Managed
- Managed projects funded by local and international organizations including: DIFID, Egmont Trust, Jamma International, RUFEP, VIIV Health Care, Baynard Zambia Trust, Jephcott Charitable Trust, Mercury Phoenix, Southall Trust, Kleinworts, Evan Cornish and Waterloo, Ripple Effect International, and ELMA Masansa wa Afrika.
Training and Volunteer Experience
- Project management for development professionals (Project DPro) 2024
- AMSCO Leadership and Organisational Behaviour Training, 2023
- Designing for Environment Sustainability and Social Impact, 2022
- Acumen online course in developing entrepreneurial solutions, 2022
- Watts Gould Inc. Anti-Corruption, Anti-Bribery, Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Prevention Training, 2021
- Global Academics Research Academy (GARA), 2020
- YALI RLC-SA Online Cohort 7 (Civic Leadership), 2019
- Attachments at Republic of Zambia Ministry Of Agriculture and Co-operative, 2009-2011
Timeline
Program Manager
Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF)
06.2024 - Current
Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF)
06.2017 - 06.2024
Livelihood and Food Security Programmes Officer
Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF)
09.2013 - 06.2017
Consultant / Trainer of Trainers
Mutendo Consultants
08.2013 - 08.2013
Assistant Agricultural Engineer (Trainee)
Al-Dhahra Agricultural Company
02.2012 - 12.2012
MBA - Business Administration
The University of Zambia
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture (Honours) (Agricultural Economics)
University of Namibia
GCE ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY AND ORDINARY LEVEL -
University of Cambridge International Examinations
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