Harriet Sanja
Leadership, Management And Sustainability.
Nairobi
Summary
Growth strategist and passionate Impact leader and Program/project manager with 10 + years of work experience driving positive change, success and operational improvements in multiple environments including social enterprises and INGOs. Looking for an opportunity to apply my expertise in streamlining my knowledge and skill in international humanitarianism and servant leadership, developing and initiating community impact projects/programs, managing teams, and implementing best practices to drive excellence and achieve sustainable goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Co-Director Programs and Communication
Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) NGO
2 2023 - Current
- Developing strategic plans and goals to advance organization's mission and objectives in the region
- Designing programs for community enlightenment and engagement, with budgets over $5 million and managing implementation of program activities
- Developing annual, quarterly and monthly plans and budgets for projects and monitor allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
- Developing and implementing communications strategies (internal and external) and work-plans, campaigns, events, and other initiatives in support of MFAI program activities
- Researching, preparing fact-checking, editing, and producing professional media and communications materials for various audiences and ensuring their timely dissemination and amplification via MFAI communications channels
- Formulating and implementing sustainable action plans to build value and strategic partnerships and collaborations
- Managing all internal and external reporting, ensuring high-quality, well-written, timely reports meeting donor and MFAI requirements
- Overseeing MFAI's operations to ensure efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources.
- Enhanced team collaboration by implementing effective communication strategies and regular meetings.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative data analysis, informing future strategy decisions.
- Contributed expertise in strategic planning sessions at executive level leading to well-informed decision making.
- Mentored junior staff members to support their professional development and encourage career progression.
- Developed innovative solutions to complex problems through creative problem-solving techniques and cross-functional collaboration.
- Championed company culture by organizing events, promoting open communication, and fostering positive work environment.
- Fostered inclusive environments that valued diversity of thought, experience, and background among team members.
Founder and Head of Operations
Halisi Naturals Brands (Social Enterprise)
07.2016 - Current
- Championed community outreach projects to teach value addition and soft business skills.
- Selected achievements: Successfully implemented community empowerment projects and won 2 Grants from the US state department for Coffee value addition and a grant for training farmers on vertical farming and integrated paste control
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Overseeing and optimizing all operational processes, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness
- In-charge of Product recipe formulations, Quality assurance, research and development
- Monitoring and managing budgets to ensure cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability
- Originating and securing long-term business partnerships and collaborations with retail outlets to drive product sales (organic botanic products) and increase market share
- Working closely with farmers to skill them on value addition
- Sourcing suppliers, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring cost-effective and timely acquisition of raw materials, packaging materials and production equipment's
- Negotiating contracts and agreements with selected suppliers to secure favorable terms
- Managing and coordinating distribution and logistics to ensure timely delivery of goods
- Implementing lean methodologies and driving continuous improvement initiatives, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity
- Overseeing accounting, bank processes and money handling, monitoring the financial data and implementing solutions to improve profitability
- Leading, motivating, and managing a team of 10 operational staff, ensuring optimal performance and productivity
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain a safe working environment for all staff
- Skyrocketed the company sales by 140% through market research and product development.
- Achieved long-term sustainability for the organization through responsible decision-making processes grounded in ethics.
- Developed strong partnerships with key industry players, contributing to an increased market presence.
- Built a positive organizational culture that fostered creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
Business Manager
Pumaland Investment Co. Ltd.
01.2013 - 06.2016
- Communicated with customers and vendors positively with particular attention to problem resolution.
- Executed business plans to further strengthen and maximize territory sales and profits.
- Developed initial sales roadmaps and market strategies to promote successful product launches.
- Anticipated financial impact from operational issues and worked with leadership to develop solutions.
- Created, managed, and executed business plan and communicated company vision and objectives to motivate teams.
- Supported business management projects by monitoring and tracking risks, issues and action items.
Project Manager
Kenya Rural Roads Authority
10.2011 - 02.2012
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Procurement And Contract Management
09.2022 - 12.2024
Diploma in Procurement and Materials Management -
01.2010 - 05.2011
Advanced Certificate in Business Management -
06.2008 - 11.2008
Certificate in Purchasing & Supplies Management -
06.2007 - 11.2007
Skills
Expertise in improving market share of a company, driving business growth, building high performance teams and maximizing opportunities for financial growth in a dynamic & competitive environment
Business operations management, financial planning and risk management, strategic planning and execution at a senior management level
Adept at managing end -to end Procurement & Supply Chain Management process while enforcing transparency, accountability, integrity, ethical practices and compliance with Public Procurement Laws and Regulations, and Internal policies
Project cycle management ie proposal writing, grant proposals, projects designing & planning, resource mobilization, budgeting and expenditure management, implementing project activities, monitoring, evaluation and evidence -based report writing
Participatory action planning, stakeholder engagement and management skills, developing, strengthening and managing strategic partnerships / collaborations
Expertise in streamlining / implementing structures and roles that boost efficiency while supporting rapidly shifting business demands
Cross-functional team leadership ie ability to selflessly support teams in a fast-paced matrix environment achieve their full potential and career ambitions through training, coaching & mentorship
Community engagement and development
References
- Amy Jamison, Ph.D., Director for Institutional Engagement, Alliance for African Partnerships, jamisona@msu.edu, +13104290644
- Sheillah Awuor, Head of Finance, Halisi Naturals Brands, awuorsheillah.sa@gmail.com, +254719231692
- Raymond Musiima, In-Country Director, Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, raymond.m@mfai-ug.com, +256772542205 , +15174022155
Certifications.
- Certificate in Digital Project management. Google Professional. 2024.
- 21st Century Skills training, Honoris University, 2023
- European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) & University of Turin 2022
- Certificates in: - Farm to FORK; Sustainable food production in a changing environment.
- Circular business models for sustainable urban food systems.
- Revolutionizing the food chain with Technology.
- Botanical Skin and Hair Care Product Formulation Course; Formula Botanical. 2021
- Road to Business Growth Course, SINAPIS & Cherie Blair Foundation. 2021.
- Personal Development; La Femme Coaching. 2020.
- Effective Business Planning, Mbele Na Biz; 2020
Combs and Company
2018
Leading Change and Servant Servant
Certification
Advancing Young Women Agribusiness Entrepreneurs and Innovators Fellowship Program, US State Department & Michigan State University (MSU) .
Timeline
Fellowship Award for One Million Leaders Africa by NELIS
02-2024
Michigan State University and U.S Department of State Bureau of Education & Cultural Grant Award 2022 and 2023 Trained youth and women in sustainable coffee farming and value addition.
01-2023
Became Member of eTrade for Women by UNCTAD
10-2022
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture And Technology - Bachelor of Science, Procurement And Contract Management
09.2022 - 12.2024
Advancing Young Women Agribusiness Entrepreneurs and Innovators Fellowship Program, US State Department & Michigan State University (MSU) .
11-2018
Founder and Head of Operations - Halisi Naturals Brands (Social Enterprise)
07.2016 - Current
Business Manager - Pumaland Investment Co. Ltd.
01.2013 - 06.2016
Project Manager - Kenya Rural Roads Authority
10.2011 - 02.2012
Technical University of Mombasa - Diploma in Procurement and Materials Management,
01.2010 - 05.2011
Kenya Institute of Management - Advanced Certificate in Business Management,
06.2008 - 11.2008
Kenya Institute of Management - Certificate in Purchasing & Supplies Management,
06.2007 - 11.2007
Co-Director Programs and Communication - Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) NGO
2 2023 - Current