SONIA MWIZYE SIMUMBA
Lusaka,09
Summary
Experienced Grants Coordinator with a proven track record of successfully managing grant programs, securing funding and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. Skilled in developing and tracking grant proposals, managing budgets, and preparing detailed reports. Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders and effectively coordinate grant-related activities. Proficient in grant writing, project management, and program evaluation. Dedicated to achieving organizational goals through strategic grant management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grants Coordinator/Management Support Officer
US Peace Corps
07.2019 - Current
- Manage approximately 50 grant applications for DREAMS Volunteers, under Peace Corps VAST-Volunteer Activities Support Training grants (PEPFAR funded), SPA-Small Project Assistance grants (USAID funded) and PCPP-Peace Corps Partnership Program grants (private funders donors).
- In coordination with administrative unit, track grant spending and available funds by grant program and by funding areas (e.g., by Small Project Assistance program element) and work with administrative unit to ensure financial processing of approved grants.
- Training and orientation session for Volunteers to introduce grant programs to Volunteers.
- Receive grant applications from Volunteers and disseminate to small grants committee members and appropriate Manager.
- Assists with trainings, conferences and special events as requested and authorized by Peace Corps Country Director.
- Coordinates international visitors and conferences managed by Country Director’s Office.
- Carry out monitoring visits for grants allocated.
Development Officer
Embassy of Ireland Zambia
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Managed over 100 grant applications under - Irish Ambassador’s Head of Mission Fund and Irish Aid Community Challenge Fund
- Provided technical assistance to grant funded projects in line with Irish Aid priorities.
- Process payments for grants and follow up on reports after implementation.
- Managed the Irish Aid Fellowships Training Program, which is an Irish Government Global Scholarships Program that provides specialist training for mid-career level applicants from partner countries.
- Appraising all scholarship applications and shortlisting and coordinating of the selection committee meeting
- Carry out monitoring visits for grants allocated.
- Developing of the annual Budget for in region fellows compensation and allowances
Site Activities Facilitator (WORLD BANK PROJECT)
SOFRECO
04.2013 - 06.2016
- Facilitated community participation and capacity building for the Irrigation Development Support Project in Musakashi.
- Provided ICT support, office administration, and logistical support.
- Supported international consultants and visitors
- Monitored project implementation and conducted project appraisals.
- Organization and implementation of workshops, surveys, training, community participation and ensuring the Community is aware of the Project.
- Monitoring the site budget, preparation of accounting support documents, propose estimated budget for advance requests.
Administrative Assistant/ICT Support
Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection
10.2007 - 04.2013
- Interact with all programme staff to ensure efficient programme administrative and logistical support is provided
- Participate in development of strategic plans and operational plans and review administration budgets and plans.
- Taking lead in timely implementation of events and ensure incorporation of lessons learnt from quarterly review meetings.
- Prepare and submit accurate and timely activity, quarterly and biannual programme reports with emphasis on outcomes and in line with donor requirements.
- Plan and organize high level meetings, public forums, conferences, seminars and workshops
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Development Studies
Zambian Open University
Lusaka, Zambia01.2019
No Degree - Certificate in Monitoring And Evaluation
University of Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia01.2021
No Degree - Management Information Systems
Zambia Centre For Accountancy Studies
Lusaka, Zambia01.2005
School certificate, Kabulonga Girls Secondary School in Lusaka - Secondary School Certificate
Kabulonga Girls Secondary School
Lusaka, Zambia01.1999
Skills
- Project management
- Time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Written and verbal communication
- Report writing
- Computer skills (Microsoft Teams, Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Publisher, Zoom)
Certification
- 2014, Land Resettlement and Change Management certificate
Accomplishments
- Successfully coordinated the Irish Aid Head of Mission fund and the Fellowship program from July 2016 till June 2019
- Coordinated and facilitated a farmer training programme of a community of approximately 1800 farmers in Musakashi (Mufulira) with classes of up to 80 participates each from April 2013 till June 2016
- Actively worked with American Volunteers to develop and implement grants in various parts of Zambia and closed over 60 grants and participated in the evacuation of over 300 American volunteers in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
- Voluntarily worked with farmers as a community mobilization facilitator in Mufulira from March 2014 to March 2015 to train farmers in basic ICT skills with support from IICD (IICD ceased operations in The Hague on December 31, 2015 after 20 years of service. IICD was a nonprofit foundation that specialized in Information and Communication technology as a toll for development. IICD was active in Africa and Latin America)
- Successfully coordinated exhibition of materials and branding at the yearly Zambia Agriculture Show and the Zambia International Trade Fair from 2008 to 2012
- Successfully managed the 2019 St. Patricks’ day (Irish National Day) greening of the Victoria Falls
Office Address
Peace Corps, Kabulonga Road, Lusaka
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 01/22/82
- Nationality: Zambian
- Driving License: Clean valid class B licence with over 10 years driving experience including off road
References
- Tim Katz, Country Director, Peace Corps / Zambia, 71A Chitemwiko Rd., Lusaka, +260 977 72 0577, tkatz@peacecorps.gov
- Miyanda Kwambwa, Programme Manager, Embassy of Ireland, Plot 6663 Katima Mulilo Road, Lusaka, +260 211 291234/290650 Ext 114, +260 966759269, miyanda.kwambwa@dfa.ie
- Mr Geoffrey Chongo, Country Director/ Diakonia, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, C/o Bellarmine Jesuit Community, Tacoma, WA, 98405, United States of America, 0976 685272, geoffrey.chongo@diakonia.se
- Fr. Dr. Peter J Henriot, SJ, Former Director, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, 2300 S. Washington, Tacoma, WA, 98405, United States of America, 253-761-3535, 253-209-3153, phenriot14@gmail.com, petesj2
- Mr Thomas Mukubwe, District Agricultural Coordinator, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Mufulira District Office, Mufulira, 40057, +260 212 2410558, +260 966902160, tmukubwe@yahoo.com
Accomplishments'
- Successfully coordinated the Irish Aid Head of Mission fund and the Fellowship program from July 2016 till June 2019
- Coordinated and facilitated a farmer training programme of a community of approximately 1800 farmers in Musakashi (Mufulira) with classes of up to 80 participates each from April 2013 till June 2016
- Actively worked with American Volunteers to develop and implement grants in various parts of Zambia and closed over 60 grants and participated in the evacuation of over 300 American volunteers in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
- Voluntarily worked with farmers as a community mobilization facilitator in Mufulira from March 2014 to March 2015 to train farmers in basic ICT skills with support from IICD (IICD ceased operations in The Hague on December 31, 2015 after 20 years of service. IICD was a nonprofit foundation that specialized in Information and Communication technology as a toll for development. IICD was active in Africa and Latin America)
- Successfully coordinated exhibition of materials and branding at the yearly Zambia Agriculture Show and the Zambia International Trade Fair from 2008 to 2012
- Successfully managed the 2019 St. Patricks’ day (Irish National Day) greening of the Victoria Falls.
Timeline
Grants Coordinator/Management Support Officer
US Peace Corps
07.2019 - Current
Development Officer
Embassy of Ireland Zambia
07.2016 - 06.2019
Site Activities Facilitator (WORLD BANK PROJECT)
SOFRECO
04.2013 - 06.2016
Administrative Assistant/ICT Support
Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection
10.2007 - 04.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Development Studies
Zambian Open University
No Degree - Certificate in Monitoring And Evaluation
University of Zambia
No Degree - Management Information Systems
Zambia Centre For Accountancy Studies
School certificate, Kabulonga Girls Secondary School in Lusaka - Secondary School Certificate
Kabulonga Girls Secondary School
Similar Profiles
Donald DeFilippsDonald DeFilipps
Agriculture Volunteer at US Peace CorpsAgriculture Volunteer at US Peace Corps
Tamire ProctorTamire Proctor
Agricultural Extension Officer at US Peace CorpsAgricultural Extension Officer at US Peace Corps
Evelina NP KalengaEvelina NP Kalenga
Community Health, HIV/AIDS Program Manager at US Peace CorpsCommunity Health, HIV/AIDS Program Manager at US Peace Corps