Mellanie Nganga
Partnerships / Program Manager
Nairobi,7155
Summary
Accomplished Program and Project Manager with over 15 years of experience specializing in SME financing, banking, capacity building, and relationship management. Proven track record in implementing data-driven strategies and results-based frameworks with a focus on inclusivity and gender mainstreaming. Skilled in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), dedicated to enhancing program effectiveness and impact. Passionate about empowering purpose-driven entrepreneurs through strategic funding and capacity-building initiatives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Partnerships/Program Manager: SME Access to Finance
Transformational Business Network Africa
Nairobi, 30
1 2022 - Current
- Lead strategic initiatives to unlock capital for SMEs, significantly increasing support from 33% to 49% for women-led businesses in 2023
- Serve as Project Lead for Zahara Women SME Program, collaboration with African Development Bank to provide tailored business advisory services and coaching
- Organize and conducted over 200 capacity-building seminars annually, improving operational efficiency for 600+ SMEs.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential barriers to project success.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
- Researched industry best practices in support of training development and program content.
- Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Leveraged technology tools for enhanced project tracking, reporting, and information sharing among team members.
- Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets.
- Worked with subject matter experts to develop and implement mentoring programs to promote better learner experiences.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Worked with subject matter experts to develop and implement mentoring programs to promote better learner experiences
Business Consultant
Independent Consultant
09.2018 - 12.2021
- Provided strategic advice to startups and established SMEs, aiding them in scaling operations and securing funding
- Developed business plans and forecasts that successfully aided over 50 entrepreneurs in securing funding.
Business Development and Client Relations Manager
Institute for Small Business Initiatives
07.2017 - 08.2018
- Drove client acquisition and maintained strong relationships, increasing client base by 35% through networking and strategic partnerships.
- Facilitated business by implementing practical networking techniques
- Assisted in development of marketing materials targeted at potential clients, showcasing ISBI''s strengths and value proposition
- Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and personalized attention
- Actively participated in networking events within industry circles in order to establish new connections as well as strengthen existing relationships
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
SME Relationship Manager
ABC Bank Group
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Managed SME lending portfolios, achieving highest client retention rate of 95% through personalized financial solutions as well various debt solution products.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth
SME Banker
Kingdom Bank Limited
09.2012 - 12.2013
- Managed and enhanced customer relationships, established new borrowing relationships, and implemented credit management strategies to optimize bank's market share.
- Managed loan portfolio of half billion Kenya shillings with Portfolio at Risk at less than 4% industry average.
Relationship Officer-Credit
Equity Bank Limited
11.2010 - 08.2012
- Performed effective credit appraisal and portfolio management, contributing to growth of quality loan book and compliance with statutory requirements.
- Increased loan book to Kenya shillings 250 Million loan book with portfolio at risk at 3.5% way below Industry average.
Credit Officer
Platinum Credit Limited
01.2006 - 11.2009
- In charge of Nyeri Branch, managed retail strategy and customer service, achieving significant growth in customer base and ensuring effective risk management.
- Grew customer base to a loan book of Kenya shillings 50 million.
- Mentored junior staff members in best practices related to credit analysis, instilling a culture of accuracy and diligence within the team
- Facilitated timely decision-making on loan applications through clear communication with internal stakeholders and prompt resolution of any queries or discrepancies
- Conducted regular account reviews to proactively identify potential risks in the credit portfolio, taking corrective actions as needed
- Trained new team members on company-specific processes, ensuring consistent standards across the credit department
Education
Master of Arts - Monitoring & Evaluation -
Africa Nazarene University
Nairobi, 30 01.2024 - Current
Bachelor's Degree in Economics -
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Karen, 30 01.1999 - 1 2003
Skills
Leadership and Team Managementundefined
Websites
Certification
Certified Credit Professional, Kenya School of Credit Management, 2011, 2015
Timeline
Master of Arts - Monitoring & Evaluation -
Africa Nazarene University
01.2024 - Current
Business Consultant
Independent Consultant
09.2018 - 12.2021
Business Development and Client Relations Manager
Institute for Small Business Initiatives
07.2017 - 08.2018
SME Relationship Manager
ABC Bank Group
01.2013 - 01.2014
SME Banker
Kingdom Bank Limited
09.2012 - 12.2013
Relationship Officer-Credit
Equity Bank Limited
11.2010 - 08.2012
Credit Officer
Platinum Credit Limited
01.2006 - 11.2009
Bachelor's Degree in Economics -
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
01.1999 - 1 2003
Partnerships/Program Manager: SME Access to Finance
Transformational Business Network Africa
1 2022 - Current
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