Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Other Relevant Training
Publications
Successful Grants/ Proposals & Budgets Worked in
Fellowships Awards
Trainings Facilitated
References
Timeline
Generic
Frank Ojwang

Frank Ojwang

Nairobi

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in fundraising strategy and compliance management at United States International University – Africa. Proven track record in developing impactful proposals and managing budgets effectively. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and data analysis, fostering partnerships that enhance organizational growth and operational efficiency.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Manager - Development, University Advancement and Partnerships

United States International University – Africa
Nairobi
06.2024 - Current
  • Strengthen the capacity of USIU-Africa to harness non-tuition income of the University.
  • Develop, implement and monitor policies, plans, strategies, and outputs in Facilities management, Security, OHS, Compliance to donor and state regulations, Supply Chain Management, Risk Assessment, Capacity Development and Stakeholder Engagement.
  • Manage compliance for a diverse and innovative portfolio of development (fundraising) programs.
  • Manage the development (fundraising) team and work closely with Alumni Relations, Partnerships and External Linkages, Schools, and other University stakeholders.
  • Maintain a database and monitor all University non-tuition revenues.
  • Work with staff and volunteers to ensure that all fundraising activities are consistent with the overall mission and policies.
  • Develop, implement and monitor effective use of the departmental budget.
  • Any other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.
  • Develope strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency and workflow processes.
  • Coordinate cross-departmental collaborations to streamline communication and task execution.
  • Manage budgets and resource allocation for multiple ongoing projects effectively.
  • Implement performance metrics to track progress on key initiatives regularly.
  • Analyze market trends to inform decision-making and strategic planning efforts.
  • Lead strategic planning initiatives to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Oversee operational performance of team, ensuring compliance with USIU-Africa standards.
  • Provide coaching and guidance to direct reports, fostering an environment of professional development and growth.
  • Maintain open communication channels among staff members at all levels of the organization.
  • Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Develop training programs to enhance employee knowledge and skillset.
  • Oversee staff training programs to improve skills and knowledge across the organization.
  • Analyze data from various sources to develop insights into business performance trends.

Project Coordinator of Africa Networks

University of Jyväskylä
Finland
10.2021 - 05.2024
  • To Coordinating training along the project cycle for joint fundraising/ proposal development processes by researchers in Finnish and African HEIs from Foundations and Government of Finland.
  • To develop and track the fundraising pipeline for the Africa Network pilots program.
  • To coordinate and lead in collaboration and partnerships negotiation between HEIs/ TVETs, private sector, government and local authorities in alignment with the Finland-Africa strategy.
  • To plan and lead in proposal/ grant writing to institutional, Foundations and corporate donors, and support the implementation of the projects – kick-off meetings facilitator, M&E guidance, and Reporting.
  • Managing the small grants (sub grants) to partner institutions in Finland and Africa for the global network pilots program.
  • Coordinating the Faculties participation to the networks in collaboration with the academic leads.
  • Identifying and contacting academic staff relevant or interested in the networks' activities with the selected African HEIs.
  • Preparing annual action plans in collaboration with the academic leads.
  • Preparing required collaboration contracts with partner universities with JYU legal department.
  • Managing internal and external communication related to the networks (website, teams platform, communications with Finnish and African partners).
  • Arranging info sessions and meetings related to the networks at the Faculties and at the University in general.
  • Handling the practicalities related to financial management of participating in the networks with JYU internal service providers.
  • Coordinating M&E, and Reporting for the networks to the Ministry of Education - Finland.

Global Grants Adviser based at the Head Office

Finn Church Aid
Finland
09.2018 - 09.2021
  • Company Overview: ACT Alliance member
  • To develop FCA’s institutional grants capacity through supporting quality proposal development and effective management of grants and contracts in line with donor compliance.
  • To build FCA’s profile and visibility with key stakeholders to maximize funding opportunities for its programme countries.
  • To support/ identify new sources of funding and maintain long-lasting donor relations.
  • To support entrepreneurship labs in fragile states through facilitating of training of trainers sessions and development of curriculum/ training materials.
  • To develop advocacy training strategies and materials for young male and female leaders (legislators) in Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia.
  • Other support: Advocacy towards priority institutions and FCA’s networks as per FCA directions.
  • Actively support and back up other team members, engage in developing Global Grant and International Programme processes and working modalities in cooperation with other departments, and actively participate in team meetings.
  • ACT Alliance member

Senior Administration Officer based at the Africa Regional office

International Potato Center
Nairobi
03.2012 - 08.2018
  • Company Overview: A member of the CGIAR Alliance
  • To develop the Supply chain framework for guiding logistics and supply chain functions across Sub Sahara Africa.
  • To lead the strategic change process for CIP Across SSA through facilitating training on the Delegation of Authority process and the One Corporate System for Finance and Supply Chain.
  • To support with administrative and financial functions including but not limited to policy development, security oversight, fleet management and facility management.
  • To enforce organizational and donor compliance and conduct risk assessment for operational activities of the organization.
  • A member of the CGIAR Alliance

Finance Officer

Center for Health Solution – Kenya
01.2012 - 02.2012
  • Managed financial records for health programs and projects at the organization.
  • Assisted in budget preparation and monitoring for various health initiatives.
  • Processed payments and reimbursements for staff and vendors timely.
  • Maintained accurate financial reporting using accounting software systems.
  • Collaborated with teams to gather financial data for project analysis.
  • Conducted reconciliations of bank statements to ensure accuracy of accounts.
  • Provided support during audits by preparing necessary documentation and reports.
  • Communicated financial policies and procedures to team members effectively.
  • Oversaw all postings and reconciliation of ledgers and accounts.
  • Reviewed contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Conducted financial analysis to identify potential areas of improvement and cost savings.

Head of Finance

Impact Research and Development Organization
  • Developed annual budgets in collaboration with department heads and stakeholders.
  • Created and maintained annual budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections.
  • Negotiated terms of payment from suppliers to secure better discounts or favourable payment terms.
  • Oversaw cash flow management to ensure operational liquidity and stability.
  • Implemented financial reporting systems to enhance transparency and accuracy.
  • Monitored compliance with financial regulations and internal policies consistently.
  • Coordinated audits with external firms to validate financial statements and practices.
  • Provided training sessions on finance software for team members and staff.
  • Analyzed expenditure trends to identify potential cost-saving opportunities regularly.
  • Reviewed contracts and agreements to ensure they are financially viable prior to signing off on them.
  • Analyzed financial data to identify trends in revenue, expenses, profitability and other KPIs.
  • Prepared monthly management accounts with variance analysis for budgeting purposes.
  • Conducted regular internal audits of all financial processes to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Managed and supervised the finance team including recruitment, performance reviews and appraisals.
  • Collaborated closely with other departments such as HR, IT and operations to ensure alignment between business objectives and financial plans.
  • Produced detailed reports highlighting key metrics such as ROI, NPV and IRR when evaluating new investments.
  • Presented board meetings with up-to-date financial information enabling informed decision making.
  • Implemented effective risk management strategies designed to minimise exposure to liabilities and losses.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - Social Science

University of Lapland
Rovaniemi, Finland

Economic empowerment fellowship - Entrepreneurship

Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, United States
09.2015

MBA - Strategic Management

University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
12.2014

BBA - Finance

Maseno University
Maseno, Kenya
12.2010

Skills

  • Fundraising strategy
  • Proposal development
  • Budget management
  • Compliance management
  • Risk assessment
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Training program development
  • Data analysis
  • Market trend analysis
  • Partnership development
  • Reporting management

Other Relevant Training

  • Environmental Collaboration and Conflict Resolution (ECCR), Joint course by University of Eastern Finland and Makerere University, 2023
  • Constitution-Building in Africa, Central European University, 2023
  • Forced Migration and Refugee studies, University of Toronto, 2023
  • Governance Theory and Practice, United Nations University and Maastricht University, 2021
  • Model Arctic Council, University of Akureyri, 2020
  • Executive Diploma in the Art of Diplomacy (EDAD), European Academy of Diplomacy, 2020
  • Social citizenship, Solidarity and Sustainability - The changing landscape of welfare in the Nordic countries, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020
  • Narrative Research? A turn, A method, A paradigm, Southern Denmark University, 2020
  • Human Research Curriculum Completion, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), 2014
  • Responsibility Conduct of Research Curriculum completion, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), 2014

Publications

Understanding Canonization Linkage to Community Betrayal: Deconstructing the Sainthood of Charles Lwanga and Companion Martyrs of Uganda, Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5840/asrr2025617128

Social Injustice Against African Pupils in the Finnish Basic Education System: Deconstructing Institutional Discrimination through the Lenses of Immigrant Twins, European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2024, https://doi.org/10.26417/4vf98f18

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Residence Permit Appeals at the Administrative Courts of Finland: Acquiescence Bias by Legalised Judicial Injustices in Finland, Arctic Review on Law and Politics, 2024, http://doi.org/10.23865/arctic.v15.6260

African Immigrants’ Experiences at the Ukraine Border Points During Russian Invasion: Meta-analysis of Racism during Global Crisis, International Journal of Religion, 2024, https://doi.org/10.61707/cvz4bx52

Virtual Reality for Addressing Depression and Anxiety: A Bibliometric Analysis, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20095621

Efficacy of Language Requirements in Higher Education in Finland: Decolonization through University Admission Criteria, Journal of Negro Education, 2023, https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v33i1.6794

Democracy as an Impediment to Progress in Developing Countries: Social Constructs versus Realities in Kenya, International Journal of Social Science, Management and Economics Research, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61421/IJSSMER.2023.1401

Social injustice in learning of the second language among immigrant children in Finland: conventional narratives and perceptions, EUREKA: Social and Humanities, 2021, https://doi.org/10.21303/2504-5571.2021.002063

Understanding Social Justice Towards Immigrants: Finnish perspective, Culture crossroads, 2021, https://doi.org/10.55877/cc.vol19.26

Deconstructing Socially Constructed Subtle Prejudices During the First Wave of Covid-19 Pandemic Among Immigrant Population in Finland, Sociology Study, 2020, https://doi.org/10.17265/2159-5526/2020.06.002

Successful Grants/ Proposals & Budgets Worked in

1. US Department of State research project for Kirkon Ulkomanaapu, $500,000 for implementation of a 2-year research project in Kenya

2. Norad grant for implementation of 2-year development intervention project on peace in Kenya’s coastal region by Kirkon Ulkomanaapu $600,000

3. Sida grant for 3-year Education project in Cambodia by Kirkon Ulkomanaapu EUR 1,800,000

4. Norad grant for 2.5-year Youth entrepreneurship project in Jordan by Kikron Ulkomanaapu EUR 550,000

5. BMGF-funded Biofortification 4-year project administered through the International Potato Center in East and West Africa. Contact Dr. Adiel Mbabu [+254-711-033682] USD 6,500,000

6. Irish Aid funded project Administered in Southern Africa (Malawi) for a 5-year project on combating malnutrition among children under 5 years implemented through the International Potato Center. Contact Dr. Paul Demo

7. PEPFAR funded youth intervention program budget being a 5-year project, administered through CDC/ US Embassy. Contact Person – Dr. Kawango Agot [+254- 729-390100] approx $7,000,000

8. FEM-PrEP CLINICAL TRIAL, a level III double-blind clinical trial research. Was a 4 year research study administered by the Family Health International and funded by USAID. Site PI – Lut Van Damme, Financial Advisor – Amanda Troxler [+1-919-544- 7040 ext. 11301] Local Site PI – Kawango Agot, PhD & Project Coordinator – Dr. Fred Owino approx $3,500,000

9. Socio-Behavioural Research Study being a 3 1⁄2 year project funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the Family Health international, Study PI – Amy Corneli, PhD & Study Coordinator – Jacob Onyango approx $1,000,000

10. GLOBAL FUNDS being an intervention 5-year program focusing on fight against malaria in areas most affected due to high prevalence rate – currently in the final phase of review. Director – Kawango Agot, PhD [0729-390-100] €8,000,000

11. AED/USAID funded project on drug and substance abuse among the MARPs in Kenya, Nyanza – 2 year project. Director – Kawango Agot, PhD [0729-390-100] $1,500,000

12. NIH funded projects and cohort studies, in collaboration with the University of Washington for various small grants of between $100,000 - $250,000 and with varied short periods ranging from 6 months to 12 months - Director – Kawango Agot, PhD [0729-390-100]

Fellowships Awards

  • US Department of State Professional Fellows, 2014
  • Academy of European Diplomacy Fellow, 2020
  • King of Finance Award, Family Health International, USA

Trainings Facilitated

  • Advanced M&E Training for Graduate students at USIU-Africa, 05/2025 - 07/2025
  • TOT course – trainer on Entrepreneurship course for small scale farmers, 09/2013 - 12/2015
  • Engendered Project Cycle Management and M&E course, 01/2014 - 12/2016
  • Consultant trainer for Ashweb Group, 2015 - Present

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chief Manager - Development, University Advancement and Partnerships

United States International University – Africa
06.2024 - Current

Project Coordinator of Africa Networks

University of Jyväskylä
10.2021 - 05.2024

Global Grants Adviser based at the Head Office

Finn Church Aid
09.2018 - 09.2021

Senior Administration Officer based at the Africa Regional office

International Potato Center
03.2012 - 08.2018

Finance Officer

Center for Health Solution – Kenya
01.2012 - 02.2012

Head of Finance

Impact Research and Development Organization

Doctor of Philosophy - Social Science

University of Lapland

Economic empowerment fellowship - Entrepreneurship

Oklahoma State University

MBA - Strategic Management

University of Nairobi

BBA - Finance

Maseno University

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