JAMES SIFUNA WANG’ANYA
TVET Education And Livelihoods Specialist
Nairobi
Summary
Talented professional is considered knowledgeable leader and dedicated problem solver. Brings 12 years of valuable expertise to the organization's objectives. Attentive to detail with experience in coordinating projects, programs and improvements, capacity development, planning and decision making. Well-versed developer and implementor of livelihood resilient programs with a track record of consistently Experienced Program Manager skilled in managing functional operations and projects related to supplies and logistics.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Electrical and Electronics Lecturer Part Timer
Eldoret Polytechnics
- Teaching Electrical and Electronic Engineering to Diploma and Higher Diploma students.
- Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Organized innovation events in technology for the departnement.
Program Manager
Excel Apprentice Ltd
06.2023 - Current
- Building business strategies and structures
- To build stronger relationships with service providers, customers, vendors and sales and marketing teams
- Lead the company's research initiatives on emerging trends and recommend options that satisfy customers’ needs
- Developing and managing strategic partnerships to grow business
- Leading strategic trainings for staff and clients that aim to improve the performance of the company to meet its goals
- Selecting software platforms and applications that best meet company's needs
- Achievements: Being able to set up a new company that is running toward its goals.
Education Program Coordinator
Norwegian Refugee Council, Kenya/Somalia Mission
04.2021 - 05.2023
- Contributed to developing Country, Area, and Core Competencies strategies and initiated and participated in developing relevant projects
- Management and overall coordination for integrated project implementation (activities, budget, and project documentation) in line with proposals, strategies, and donor requirements
- Manage the implementation of education projects in TVET , livelihoods and Accelerated Education Program (AEP) in Garissa-Dadaab, targeting both refugees and host communities
- Organized special events events to drive mission and values of institution., business tours, graduation and Business networking event., guest speaker presentations, or field trips that reinforced key concepts taught during class sessions while simultaneously broadening the scope of students'' knowledge about various subjects.
- Successfully served as liaison between the organization and community stakeholders, families, and educators in order to maintain open lines of communication regarding program goals and objectives.
- Managed resources efficiently, optimizing budget allocations and securing additional funding through grant writing efforts.
- Recruited hired, and trained top-quality livelihoods' staff, Trainers ,educators who contributed to success of education program by delivering excellent instruction.
- Conferred and resolved program-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials and key stakeholders.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
- Conducted education-specific technical assessments, presented recommendations, and adapted program implementation to needs and context
- Actively participated in relevant coordination forums, including camp-level education, county-level, Education and child protection working groups, and country forums and meetings
- Provided coordinated collaboration and partnerships with Government Agencies for both TVET and Basic Education
- I have managed grants for various donors, including, EU, EU-Trust Fund, BPM, UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Women, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SIDA, CIDA etc
- Promoted NRC's Child Safeguarding Policy and ensured awareness of the policy amongst NRC education staff and partners, including reporting and investigation procedures
- Achievements: Successfully Implemented Refugee Employment and Skills and Microsoft digital learning program which focused on the delivery of skills training through blended learning approaches to over 2000 youth.
- Area-based livelihoods Initiative in Garissa EUROPEAN Trust Fund providing both Digital skills and employment goals and TVET to 1600 persons including business investments.
- Forged and formed relevant partners for the implementation of projects such included relevant government line Ministries like KEPSA, County Governments, International Trade Centre (ITC), International Labour Organization (ILO), Samasource, eMobilis, African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI), UNHCR, INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, Private businesses in the provision of apprenticeship and internships training, Higher learning institutions and finance institutions.
- Coordinated the NGO and Ministry of Education in The development of Accelerated Education Guidelines for Kenya.
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Collaborated with other program coordinators to achieve consistency in program objectives and services.
- Created comprehensive reports on program progress, presenting findings to stakeholders and adjusting strategies as needed.
- Championed program improvement initiatives based on stakeholder feedback, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to excellence.
- Led curriculum review and revision processes to ensure that instructional materials remained up-to-date with current research and best practices in teaching methods.
- Trained faculty and staff to develop courses in learning management systems.
Education Project officer
Norwegian Refugee Council, Kenya/Somalia Mission
01.2011 - 03.2021
- Project Management: Implemented livelihood projects, including ,TVET program, Digital skills training program, business development for refugees and the host community, and the Accelerated Education Program through cash programs.
- Supported the design, implementation, and assessment of the resilience project in Garissa.
- Maintained timely procurement and delivery of training and instructional materials for quality delivery of the program
- This also included sourcing relevant curricular materials for TVET, Business and finance training and the Accelerated Education program.
- Liaise with National examination and assessment bodies and partner institutions to deliver quality training and certification of the Youth Education Pack vocational training program
- Promoted NRC's Child Safeguarding Policy and ensured awareness of the policy amongst NRC education staff and partners, including reporting and investigation procedures
- Supported establishment and growth of businesses established by TVET graduates and apprentice service providers
- Program Implementation: TVET program Implementation (2011–2023) Implemented the vocational training program in, Garowe-Bosaso and Galkayo, Dadaab and, by extension, in Kakuma with a focus on refugees and vulnerable host community youth in Dadaab with the involvement of stakeholders
- Implementation of Digital skills training (2016–May 2023) Provided coordination support to field team in delivering training in digital value chain programs
- Design and manage implementation of Accelerated education program (March 2018–April 2023) Planned and carried out project monitoring during implementation of Accelerated Education Program (AEP) by providing necessary controls in project to ensure quality program deliveries
- Budget Preparation and Monitoring (Tracking) 2011 to 2023
- Develop project proposals and budget, including UNICEF, SIDA UNHCR, BPRM, ECHO, NORAD, NMFA, UNHCR
- Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Developed and reviewed tools and schedules for curriculum implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Education program delivery (vocational training programs and AEP)
- Education Research and Innovation: Completed educational needs assessment/gap assessment on skills training
- Undertook regular monitoring of program implementation, compiling data, and preparing reports
- Achievements: Participated in program budgets preparation and implementation as per the donor requirements for donors like SIDA, UNHCR, NMFA, BPRM and UNICEF, CIDA, EUROPEAN TRUST FUND-EUTF, Porticus, NORAD, The Kingdom of the Netherlands, ECHO, BPRM, and WFP
- Ensured active gender representation at all levels of project implementation and with beneficiaries.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks, and took corrective action as needed.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas for improvement.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
- Maintained tactical control of project budgets and timelines to keep teams on task and achieve schedule targets.
- Adjusted project plans to account for dynamic targets, staffing changes, and operational specifications.
- Developed comprehensive project plans outlining scope, timeline, budget constraints, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Facilitated successful project outcomes by maintaining open lines of communication among team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
- Collaborated closely with clients to clarify project requirements, goals, budgets, and timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Increased team productivity with regular monitoring, feedback sessions, and performance evaluations.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms and optimize resource allocation for projects.
- Analyzed project data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
Teacher
Norwegian Refugee Council-Dadaab
09.2010 - 01.2011
- Prepared and kept learner academic records, taught electronics skills to learners, and monitored and evaluated students learning progress.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to needs of special education students.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in parent teacher conferences to discuss the developments of students and increase support.
The principal
Eldoret Splendid College of Science and Technology
02.2009 - 08.2010
- Coordinated Capacity building for staff development and implemented partnership agreements with Moi University, Masinde Muliro University, and Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA). Technical Institutes and colleges.
- Increased enrolment by 78% of initial enrolment.
- Initiated new training program while leveraging partnerships with existing institutions and private sector players.
- Strengthened capacity for staff through training and mentorship programs.
- organized workshop for exhibitions and skills fair for visibility and posterity of the institution.
- Promoted and marketed institutions to achieve high enrolment and retention.
Head of Engineering Department/ Tutor
Chesters Institute of Science and Technology (Eldoret)
04.2008 - 06.2009
- Coordinated and facilitated implementation of departmental programs, taught and monitored the performance of departmental programs, and facilitated the budgeting and monitoring of departmental budgets.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, using data to inform future instruction and target areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students'' understanding of subject matter by incorporating real-world examples into lessons.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback and support.
- I coached and mentored less-experienced tutors to observe and measure outcomes.
- Assessed student learning needs and provided relevant instruction to close knowledge gaps.
- Issued reports updating students, parents, and teachers on student progress.
Education
MBA - Strategic Management
Africa Nazareen University
Nairobi 04.2022 - 09.2025
Bachelor of Education Technology - undefined
Moi University Eldoret
Eldoret, Kenya 04.2003 - 05.2007
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Ingotse High School
Kakamega 02.1998 - 05.2001
Skills
Education Management: Highly experienced, skilled in all areas concerning safe running and implementing policies within Livelihoods and education sector
Strategic Management: Efficient in setting up overall strategic goals, objectives, budget, policies & procedures besides overseeing execution of all business processes cutting across different departments
Policy Formulation and Implementation: Possess expertise in preparing different policies, contributing to smooth running effective Training and Education operations management
Advocacy: Capable of influencing decisions including asking public to voice their opinion in manner that could make a difference in Public , boost credibility, and prompt action from them
Program Planning and Project Management: Experienced planner and managing implementation and development of education and livelihoods programs and projects to ensure effective execution and performance
Curriculum Development: Successfully improved quality of TVET program delivery through strengthening curriculum delivery and building the management, academic, and pedagogical capacity
Institutional Capacity Building: Experienced in developing action plans based on gaps identified by the assessments and addressing them using various capacity-strengthening approaches and interventions for partner organizations in strategic planning, governance, policy implementation, and resource mobilization
Financial Management: Efficient in handling institutional budgets, ensuring the proper allocation of funds to the different school projects and funds
Leadership Skills: A dedicated and transformative team leader with experience managing teams, including training and mentoring, and working on their performance
Communication and interpersonal skills: Fluency in interacting with people from all levels with capacity to listen to them
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Able to visualize and solve complicated problems best and make accurate and informed decisions
ICT Competencies: Proficient in using MS Suites, email, and the Internet
Certification
Advanced level project management professional (project management institute; 2023- Ongoing
Career Profile Summary
As a TVET Education Specialist, I have effectively used my experience to lead education and livelihoods programs and project implementation. Most importantly, I have created and implemented action plans in line with good policies and practices. I have worked with many different donors successfully. I also bring a blend of strategic capabilities when executing diverse roles. I seek to work as a Senior Programme Assistant - Recovery and Resilience where my skills and extensive experience in in livelihoods programming will be utilized
References
- Amos Kipruto Chemonges, Area Manager, Norwegian Refugee Council, +254 780 743 356, amos.kipruto@nrc.no / kiprutoamos@gmail.com
- Angela Kithao, Regional Director (Teach UNITED- Africa - +254 723 605 809, angiwanja@gmail.com
- Robert Inzikoa, Area Manager, Norwegian Refugee Council, Afghanistan, +256 772 711761, inzikoa@gmail.com
- Halkano Jillo Boru, International Trade Center National Coordinator, International Trade Center, +254 720 493 364, halkanojboru@gmail.com
Accomplishments
- Achieved livelihoods training by reaching over 12,000 youth through the effective management of TVET program.
- Achieved 96 by completing accurate and timely delivery of tasks at high efficiency.
- Achieved over 80% success in project delivery within Garissa host community.
- Collaborated with team of 30 different organisation, government institutions in the development and implementations of Area based livelihoods initiative project and Refugee employment skill initiative project in Garissa.
- Documented and resolved program related issues,which led to 100% achievement of results.
- Used Microsoft Excel, and many other productivity tools to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Timeline
Program Manager
Excel Apprentice Ltd
06.2023 - Current
MBA - Strategic Management
Africa Nazareen University
04.2022 - 09.2025
Education Program Coordinator
Norwegian Refugee Council, Kenya/Somalia Mission
04.2021 - 05.2023
Education Project officer
Norwegian Refugee Council, Kenya/Somalia Mission
01.2011 - 03.2021
Teacher
Norwegian Refugee Council-Dadaab
09.2010 - 01.2011
The principal
Eldoret Splendid College of Science and Technology
02.2009 - 08.2010
Head of Engineering Department/ Tutor
Chesters Institute of Science and Technology (Eldoret)
04.2008 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Education Technology - undefined
Moi University Eldoret
04.2003 - 05.2007
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Ingotse High School
02.1998 - 05.2001
Electrical and Electronics Lecturer Part Timer
Eldoret Polytechnics