Sarah Chisanga
Lusaka
Summary
To join a dynamic organization that will fully utilize my expertise and skills, allowing for mutual growth and development. I’m a self-starter, team player and possess integrity, confidentiality, analytical skills and diplomacy in the manne Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
UN World Food Programme
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Head of M&E for the Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) in Zambia and succeeded in managing all M&E activities implemented by three partners in 15 districts
- Took a leadership role in implementing the Farm to Market Alliance Plan and collecting and reporting necessary data as per donor and management requirements
- Maintained strong relationship with the government, private sector partners, and all key stakeholders to maximize resources and avoid duplication of efforts
- Ensured up-to-date progress tracking of the project indicators as contained in the project logical framework including analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data, backed by excellent knowledge of data analysis tools
- Successfully spearheaded all research activities being implemented by FtMA
- This included recruiting, training and supervising research assistants
- Furthermore, monitoring the data collection process considering high quality of submitted data
- Ensured accessibility of M&E data to senior management and other stakeholders, covering input, output, outcome results, impact, and lessons learned from the fund activities
- Development, revision, and implementation of the MEL strategy, MEL Plan and framework for FtMA as a means of ensuring program quality delivery
- Contributed to the development and implementation of a comprehensive M&E framework and Theory of Change aligned with the overall Research Management Framework
- Supported efficient project implementation including consolidating M&E findings and project results into relevant program reports, including semi and annual reports to funders
- Provided technical assistance to the implementing partner staff performance monitoring, program evaluation, dissemination, and utilization of information for the project
- Ability and an expert in conceptualization, design, management and conducting performance monitoring of complex development programs and report writing
- Led in conducting various surveys such as baseline, annual assessments, and evaluations
- Contributed to the formulation of annual work plans and reporting
- Served as focal person for cooperative agreements and contracts associated with M&E for all implementing partner inputs
- Served as a focal person for implementation of research activities, tool development, data management and analysis, including management of consultants
- Expert in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and reporting including dashboard development and data visualization
- Expert in project planning, design, and evaluation processes to ensure M&E considerations are integrated throughout the project cycle
- Identified and conducted relevant capacity building interventions in order to remedy identified gaps for programme success
- Incorporate feedback from implementing partners and the Fund beneficiaries into data analysis, and identify lessons learned inform future project reviews
- Management and maintenance of all M&E databases.
Programme Associate
UN World Food Programme
03.2020 - 01.2021
- Acted as the Head of Nchelenge Field office and provided technical support and assisted in the development and implementation of activities aligned with program policies and guidelines
- Prepared project work plans and an expert in analyzing climatic, socio-economic and local political situations, vulnerabilities and assessing risk accurately for programme success
- Provided technical expertise and guidance in the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective M&E systems for WFP projects and aligned programs
- Offered specialized project management support to ensure activities were performed within targets, following WFP policies and procedures
- Prepared project work plans (Monthly, Annual and Quarterly) and ensured that all activities implemented according to the planned schedule
- Financial management skills and tracked the performance of implementing partners to assess their implementation rate
- Accurately recorded data within the specific technical area, ensuring consistency in information presented to stakeholders
- Collaborated with internal counterparts to support effective implementation and monitoring of project activities
- Coordinated and communicated with local partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and government institutions for accurate food security analyses and efficient delivery of food assistance
- Supported capacity building of WFP staff, cooperating partners, and national government in the specific technical area
- Supervised and reviewed the work of support staff, providing practical advice and guidance to meet objectives and deadlines
- Followed emergency preparedness practices to enable a rapid response and deployment of resources in crisis situations
- Produced timely Monthly, Quarterly and Annual progress reports on the overall Project performance
- Focal person in implementing Cash Based Transfer to Mantapala refugees, and provision of food items to emergency affected individuals.
Program Officer
Jhpiego Zambia Country Office
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Provided day-to-day support for project and office operations to ensure smooth functioning of all programmatic functions of the Care and Treatment project
- Developed work plans, budgets, and liaised with DOD stakeholders and implementing partners, adhering to PEPFAR and USAID methodologies and principles
- Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, as well as technical briefs, abstracts, and other relevant publications related to project interventions
- Collaborated with the finance department to arrange logistics for program activities and drafted correspondence to partners, NGOs, and other agencies as required
- Carried out tracking of project finance and procurement requests and ensured weekly updating of tracking reports onto departmental SharePoint folder
- Ensured compliance with PEPFAR, GHI, USAID regulations and host government agreements throughout program implementation
- Performed Data Quality Assessments on indicators related to the health sectors including performing routine project monitoring
- Coordinated the distribution of all stock to sites and work with project Administrative Assistants to ensure supplies are delivered to end users (facilities) and supply and delivery notes efficiently filed
- Coordinated the planning of meetings and workshops, ensuring logistics arrangements were in place, and timely dissemination of meeting notes to participants
- Gathered technical updates for program planning, training, evaluations, and other related studies
- Conducted site improvement through monitoring systems (SIMS) visits to monitor capacity at facility, community, and above-site levels to provide high-quality HIV/AIDS services in all program areas
- Supported capacity development efforts for provincial project staff and partners in collaboration with the technical teams
- Updated project asset registers as and when supplies are procured, ensuring all items are tagged and branded with logos from the funders and the organization
- In coordination with Administration, ensured weekly finance, procurement and stores status reports were prepared and availed to project leadership.
- Prepared detailed reports on the progress of programs and proposed changes when needed.
- Developed program plans and strategies to meet organizational objectives.
Programme Assistant
International Labour Organization (ILO)
04.2018 - 03.2019
- Provided expertise and support in all aspects of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes and functions for Development Cooperation projects in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique under Country Office Lusaka
- Prepared well-crafted Concept Notes and Project Proposals for CO-Lusaka, targeting new funding opportunities across various subject areas
- Assisted in knowledge management responsibilities within and outside the organization, ensuring effective documentation on the shared drive for easy reference
- Compiling and submission of quality and high standard Annual, Biannual, Quarterly and Monthly Project Narrative Reports to the Country Director
- Regularly reviewed and updated quality assurance procedures, while conducting staff retraining to uphold best practices
- Efficiently managed general office support services, successfully completing arrange of standard tasks with a client-centered approach
- Contributed to the comprehensive development and implementation of an effective M&E framework aligned with the Research Management Framework
- Led the development and upkeep of M&E operational manuals, ensuring the collection and management of high-quality data to achieve desired results
- Actively participated in M&E meetings and engaged with relevant stakeholders to stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging insights.
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2014 - 04.2018
- Conducted regular field visits and surveys to verify beneficiaries' access to services provided by implementing partners and UNHCR
- Monitored the management of resources disbursed to UNHCR partners, ensuring timely utilization of project funds
- Aligned activities with program priorities, goals, and objectives in accordance with donor requirements
- Coordinated and monitored the distribution of non-food items, including food assistance, to refugees and asylum seekers
- Provided leadership, communication, and guidance in identifying refugees eligible for cash and food assistance
- Facilitated the implementation of program activities according to project documents, including reviewing partner agreements and conducting physical monitoring to evaluate project progress
- Ensured proper collection, monitoring, and utilization of baselines, standards, and indicators to measure and analyze program performance and target interventions
- Managed the implementation and coordination of technical program activities within scope, time, and budget
- Prepared and submitted high-quality narrative and financial reports, while conducting capacity building for partner staff under the project
- Enhanced the effectiveness, efficiency, and communication value of UNHCR’s M&E framework and processes, as well as those of aligned programs.
Education
Doctorate (Pursuing) - Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Management (PhD)
The University of Zambia (UNZA)
Master’s Degree - Master’s in Business Administration (MBA General)
Mulungushi University
Bachelor’s Degree - Bachelor of Arts degree in Demography
The University of Zambia (UNZA)
School Certificate - School Certificate
St Theresa Secondary School
Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Team player with strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent networking and relationship building
- Computer skills including MS office & statistical packages
- Top research and problem solving
- Project management with top leadership skills
- Excellent facilitation & capacity building skills
- Data management
- Cost saving
- Excellent report writing and data analytical skills
- Qualitative Research
- Interview techniques
- Research expertise
- Tool development
Certification
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
- Project Cycle Management
- DHIS2 Data Management for M&E and Research
- MORTPARK, SPSS, SPECTRUM, STATA, EPI INFO, EPI DATA and CSPRO under UNZAPOPSA training in association with UNFPA
- Introduction to Results-Based Programme Management course and Assessment
- Managing Project Partnership Agreements
- Managing Projects Within Organizations
- Implementing Programmes and Working in Partnership
- Drawing up a project Budget
- Assessing the Needs of Persons of Concern
- Budgeting and Resource Mobilization
- Planning for Persons of Concern
- Fundamentals of fraud and corruption awareness
- Enterprise Risk Management in UNHCR
- Programming in Emergencies
Personal Information
Nationality: Zambian
References
- Gerald Tembo, National Programme Officer, International Labour Organization, +260 977 636 591, Tembo@ilo.org
- Perry Mayamba, Programme Officer, United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees, +260977368602, mayamba@unhcr.org
- Kelvin Chishimba, Programme Officer, World Food Programme, +260 978 485 816, kelvin.chishimba@wfp.org
Timeline
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
UN World Food Programme
01.2021 - 01.2024
Programme Associate
UN World Food Programme
03.2020 - 01.2021
Program Officer
Jhpiego Zambia Country Office
03.2019 - 03.2020
Programme Assistant
International Labour Organization (ILO)
04.2018 - 03.2019
Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2014 - 04.2018
Doctorate (Pursuing) - Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Management (PhD)
The University of Zambia (UNZA)
Master’s Degree - Master’s in Business Administration (MBA General)
Mulungushi University
Bachelor’s Degree - Bachelor of Arts degree in Demography
The University of Zambia (UNZA)
School Certificate - School Certificate
St Theresa Secondary School
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