Olivia Achieng Otuoma
Project Manger And Fundraising Specialist
Nairobi
Summary
Strategic and impact-driven development professional with over 15 years of experience in program coordination, project management, partnership development, resource mobilization, and fundraising across Kenya and the region. Demonstrated success in leading multi-sectoral initiatives that promote equity and inclusive community development, mobilizing donor and corporate funding, and coordinating high-impact campaigns with government, civil society, and private sector partners. Expertise in managing volunteer-driven events, strategic communications, and donor relations, complemented by strong leadership and analytical skills grounded in participatory, rights-based approaches that drive sustainable impact. Committed team player thriving in dynamic environments, with a passion for advancing sustainable development through innovation, collaboration, and equity-focused programming.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Fundraising Specialist
Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation
08.2023 - Current
- Supported expansion of telehealth services to 10 underserved counties through strategic donor engagement and proposal development.
- Spearheaded the identification and segmentation of high-impact community fundraising opportunities, collaborating with leadership to develop targeted strategies for events such as golf tournaments, charity walks, and corporate bowling leagues.
- Contributed to the design and execution of the 2023–2026 Resource Mobilization Strategy at Gertrude’s Foundation, aligning with institutional growth targets.
- Spearheaded partnership strategies aligned with SDGs and child health outcomes, positioning the foundation for long-term donor investment and increased funding diversity.
- Introduced quarterly charity bowling events as a new donor engagement model, tested formats, messaging, and timing, using data from each iteration to refine outreach and participation.
- Designed and led the implementation of large-scale, multi-million-shilling health programs, focusing on child and maternal care and community-based health interventions.
- Collaborated with CSR departments to integrate employee volunteering into their corporate giving, resulting in increased volunteer turnout and long-term donor retention.
- Coordinated end-to-end donor engagement processes, from prospecting and relationship management to proposal development and stewardship, resulting in strengthened partnerships and increased funding.
- Coordinated the development of donor newsletters, branded annual reports, fundraising brochures, and social media content tailored for corporate sponsors and individual donors.
- Supported marketing and communications efforts for major fundraising events including charity walks, golf tournaments, and health campaigns.
- Led the design and dissemination of impact stories and visual content across platforms to engage current and prospective funders.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance community health programs, resulting in improved patient outreach and engagement.
- Developed and implemented training workshops for staff, fostering professional growth and improving team performance.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to create impactful fundraising campaigns, increasing donor participation and community awareness.
- Streamlined operational processes by integrating new management systems, enhancing efficiency in program delivery.
- Analyzed program outcomes and developed reports to drive data-informed decision-making and resource allocation.
- Mentored junior staff, providing guidance on best practices and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Engaged with local healthcare partners to strengthen alliances, expanding the foundation's reach and service capabilities.
- Conducted regular assessments of program effectiveness, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
- Ensured regulatory compliance across all departments through diligent monitoring of policies, procedures, documentation requirements.
- Collaborated with other department heads to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities.
- Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company''s mission and vision.
- Increased overall efficiency by identifying areas of improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Managed budgets and financial resources effectively, optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact.
- Liaised between organization and affiliates and managed networking relationships with funders, partners and vendors.
Deputy Director (Voluntary Position)
International Pleroma Convocation (IPC)
01.2023 - Current
- Lead strategic planning, partnership development, and operational oversight.
- Design and implement high-impact initiatives, including nutrition and diagnostic support programs for underserved women and children.
- Cultivate and manage strategic alliances with healthcare institutions, community leaders, and advocacy networks to enhance visibility, influence, and service delivery.
- Direct resource mobilization efforts, including donor engagement, proposal development, and fundraising strategy, ensuring sustainability and alignment with organizational goals.
- Lead and mentor a team of staff in developing grant applications, pitch decks, and donor-facing narratives.
- Provide internal capacity building on donor-centric storytelling, impact communication, and persuasive writing for junior staff and interns.
- Improved coordination and communications across organization to increase operational efficiency.
- Implemented technology solutions that improved workflow efficiency and reduced operational costs.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Monitored performance metrics, analyzing trends to identify areas requiring attention or improvement.
- Optimized team productivity by providing ongoing training and support for staff members.
- Enhanced communication within the organization through regular interdepartmental meetings and updates.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to facilitate successful collaborations on joint projects.
- Determined agenda, developed plans and oversaw implementation of programs and updates.
- Negotiated and administered vendor contracts in strict compliance with corporate policy and procedures.
- Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets and scope.
Project Manager
Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation
03.2021 - 07.2023
- Led the implementation of Daktari Smart, a telemedicine initiative, where I coordinated community awareness and mobilization efforts across five counties. Applied iterative learning from early pilot sites to adapt engagement strategies in later regions and scale up to other counties.
- Supported expansion of telehealth services to 10 underserved counties through strategic donor engagement and proposal development.
- Successfully led the implementation of the Daktari Smart Telemedicine Project from concept to completion across five underserved counties, delivering specialist care to hard-to-reach populations.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams to implement patient care initiatives, resulting in improved health outcomes and enhanced service delivery.
- Developed and maintained project schedules and budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to timelines.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on new healthcare protocols, leading to increased compliance and improved patient safety.
- Championed community-based health initiatives, including training of CHVs and community educators to boost health-seeking behaviors.
- Collaborated with external stakeholders to secure funding for community health programs, expanding service reach and impact.
- Monitored and evaluated project performance metrics, providing insights that drove process improvements and operational efficiency.
- Assisted in the development of program materials and reports, enhancing communication and transparency with stakeholders.
- Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
- Kept stakeholders informed of progress through regular status updates clearly communicating any changes to project scope, timeline or budget.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning by conducting training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing team skills and knowledge.
- Developed and deepened relationships with key stakeholders.
- Facilitated successful project outcomes by maintaining open lines of communication among team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Spearheaded cost-saving initiatives by identifying inefficiencies in processes and recommending optimal solutions for improvement.
Project Officer
Gertrude's Children's Hospital
11.2012 - 02.2021
- Engaged with families and patients to gather feedback, ensuring service delivery met community needs and expectations.
- Designed and conducted training workshops for CHWs, healthcare workers, and project stakeholders to strengthen grassroots service delivery.
- Oriented volunteers on safeguarding protocols, child protection, and confidentiality, particularly for events involving children or vulnerable groups.
- Supported the implementation of the M-Health and Telemedicine platforms in Garissa County, leading to improved access to maternal and child health services.
- Managed volunteer communications, scheduling, task assignments, and on-site support, ensuring smooth operations and high engagement.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Developed and monitored project schedules, budgets and objectives for successful completion.
- Played a central role in proposal development, grant writing, and strategic planning for new programs.
- Presented research findings on maternal and infant mortality reduction through telemedicine and M-Wallet at the Global Health and Innovation Conference at Yale University.
- Enhanced project efficiency by streamlining communication channels and implementing effective collaboration tools.
- Coordinated community health programs, including HIV/TB, child health, and maternal care initiatives, in partnership with NGOs and local governments.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Developed and deepened relationships with key stakeholders.
- Kept stakeholders informed of progress through regular status updates clearly communicating any changes to project scope, timeline or budget.
- Monitored and evaluated project performance metrics, providing insights that drove process improvements and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with external stakeholders to secure funding for community health programs, expanding service reach and impact.
Program Administrator
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
10.2011 - 10.2012
- Led the successful establishment of the Gertrude’s Pediatric Audiology Centre (GPAC), now a regional center of excellence.
- Played a foundational role in setting up the Pediatric Endocrinology Training Centre for Africa (PETCA), which has trained over 60 pediatric endocrinologists in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Successfully implemented and tracked new programs from inception through to evaluation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Maintained strong stakeholder relationships, enhancing engagement from funders and program participants.
- Coordinated day-to-day administrative operations for major hospital-based programs.
- Provided strategic and logistical support to the Program Director in planning, documentation, and reporting.
- Oversaw partner communications and documentation management, maintaining an organized and accessible project records system.
- Managed project timelines, scope changes, and resource allocations using verified techniques and project management tools.
- Supervised program staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, accountable team culture.
- Coordinated patient care initiatives, enhancing service delivery and improving overall patient satisfaction within the hospital environment.
- Oversaw data collection processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in reporting patient outcomes and program effectiveness.
- Assisted in the development of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing pediatric care services and patient engagement strategies.
- Coordinated events with precision, overseeing logistics, registration, catering arrangements, and other critical details to ensure successful outcomes.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive database of program participants, helping to track progress and ensure appropriate follow-up actions were taken as needed.
- Created informative reports for senior management, presenting findings on program performance in concise yet thorough manner.
- Provided comprehensive support by managing schedules, preparing reports, processing invoices, and handling correspondence for program administrators.
- Facilitated smooth communication between stakeholders by serving as a liaison between departments, promoting collaboration and information sharing.
- Assisted in grant application writing process to secure funding necessary for program operations and enhancements.
- Recruited volunteers to support various aspects of the program''s operation while providing them with guidance and mentorship throughout their service tenure.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community partners, facilitating collaborative programs that addressed children's health needs.
Research Assistant
Japan International Corporation Agency Study Team
09.2010 - 09.2011
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews and analyzed data to support research initiatives, enhancing project relevance and depth.
- Assisted in the preparation of research reports and presentations, effectively communicating findings to diverse audiences and facilitating informed decision-making.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Engaged with external partners to coordinate research activities, strengthening collaborative efforts and expanding organizational networks.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Managed research databases with utmost diligence, ensuring data integrity and security.
- Developed and maintained project documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and improving information accessibility for stakeholders.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement research methodologies, improving data collection efficiency and accuracy.
Deputy Registration Officer
Interim Independent Electoral Commission
03.2010 - 08.2010
- Led the implementation of voter registration systems, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in data management processes.
- Collaborated with local agencies to ensure adherence to regulatory standards, enhancing the integrity of the voter registration process.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in voter registration, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
- Managed logistical planning for registration events, ensuring resources were effectively utilized to maximize outreach and impact.
- Ensured compliance with institution policies by diligently monitoring enrollment numbers and managing waitlists accordingly.
- Supported ongoing improvements in internal processes through active participation in staff meetings, professional development seminars, and relevant workshops.
- Enhanced data accuracy by meticulously reviewing and verifying submitted documents during the registration process.
- Trained new team members on best practices for achieving optimal productivity within the Registration Office environment.
- Coordinated special events such as orientation sessions and open houses to ensure successful execution of logistical aspects related to registration operations.
- Developed training programs for staff on registration procedures, resulting in improved compliance and operational effectiveness.
- Coordinated outreach initiatives to educate the public about registration processes, increasing community engagement and participation.
Partnership and Institutional Development Officer
Youth Alive! Kenya
09.2009 - 02.2010
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, enhancing program outreach and strengthening community engagement initiatives.
- Coordinated institutional fundraising efforts, resulting in increased funding opportunities for youth development programs.
- Led capacity-building workshops for partner organizations, significantly improving their operational effectiveness and service delivery.
- Implemented monitoring and evaluation frameworks, ensuring program accountability and aligning activities with organizational goals.
- Completed and submitted monthly and yearly reports to support executive decision making.
- Advocated for youth rights and issues at institutional forums, raising awareness and promoting policy changes in community programs.
- Mentored junior staff in partnership development strategies, strengthening the team's skills and fostering professional growth.
- Analyzed and reported on partnership impact, providing insights that informed strategic decision-making and program adjustments.
- Fostered collaborative relationships with local government agencies, enhancing support for youth empowerment initiatives and resource mobilization.
- Coordinated events to encourage community involvement and increase awareness of organization's mission.
- Attended events to develop professional network of potential donors.
Community Officer
Kituo Cha Sheria
01.2009 - 08.2009
- Facilitated community dialogue sessions to address local issues, enhancing engagement and fostering collaborative problem-solving.
- Developed and implemented outreach programs that increased community participation in legal aid services, strengthening public awareness.
- Coordinated training workshops for community leaders, improving their capacity to advocate for legal rights and resources.
- Led initiatives to gather community feedback, informing program adjustments and enhancing service delivery effectiveness.
- Conducted needs assessments within the community, identifying gaps in legal support and informing strategic planning efforts.
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing and implementing various outreach programs.
- Created and managed a comprehensive database of community resources, streamlining access to services for residents.
- Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
- Gathered opinions and support from grass-roots supporters to solidify group position.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
- Led group discussions and activities to meet different community needs.
Education
Master's - Gender And Development Studies
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya01.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, KenyaSkills
Project planning expertise
Resource mobilization
Stakeholder engagement strategies
Donor communication strategies
Project management expertise
Proposal development, Grant writing & Fundraising event coordination
Community engagement and training
Team leadership
Skilled in multitasking and problem-solving
Fundraising strategy development
Documentation expertise
Procurement management
Certification
2021: Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health; University of Washington
References
- Robert, Nyarango, Chief Executive Officer, rnyarango@gerties.org, +254 735 512 010, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Muthaiga
- Thomas, Ngwiri, Program Director and Head of Clinical Services, tngwiri@gerties.org, +254 733 753 650, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Muthaiga
- Owuor, Olungah, Lecturer and Research Fellow, owuorolungah@uonbi.ac.ke, cmcolungah@yahoo.co.uk, +254 722 217 132, Institute of Anthropology and Gender Studies, University of Nairobi
Affiliations
- Kenya Association of Fundraising Professionals (KAFP), 203
- Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), M-64803
- Anthropological Association of Kenya (AAKe), OMAAKe/0046/2021
Interests
Global Health, Diplomacy, Advocacy, women's rights and Empowerment, Community Service, Sexual and Reproductive Health
Awards
- Recognition for Outstanding Services and Professionalism, 2016-01-01
- Employee of the Year award for going above and beyond, 2023-01-01
Training And Workshop
- Policy Development and Advocacy for Global Health, University of Washington
- Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health, University of Washington
- Project Management in Global Health, University of Washington
- Leadership and Management in Health, University of Washington
- Public Health Planning for Hearing Impairment (PHPHI), University of Nairobi
- Management in Health, World Bank Training Institute
- Constitution and citizenship, Académie of Law and Constitutional Justice in Africa
- Basic Counseling Skills I & II, Amani counseling center
- HIV/AIDS Management, Care and Support, I choose life, Kenya
Computer And Technical Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, budgeting, reporting, and presentations
- Comfortable navigating online collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) for remote coordination and stakeholder engagement
- Experienced in using fundraising and event management tools, including Little Events
Seminars And Conferences
- Reduction of Maternal and Infant Mortality Rate in Garissa County, Kenya, through Telemedicine and M-Wallet, The Global Health and Innovation Conference at Yale University, 2016-04-16
- Results of An Infant and Children Hearing Screening Program across Three Health Facilities in Kenya, Kenya Pediatric Association Conference, 2014-06-01
- The Kenya Association of Fundraising Professionals (KAFP) 29th Eastern Africa Resource Mobilization Workshop, 2023-11-28
Accomplishments
- Raised over KES 610 million (~USD 4,721,362) in donor and corporate contributions through annual fundraising events and proposals between 2021–2025.
- Increased donor retention by 35% and volunteer participation by 40% through personalized stewardship and recognition strategies.
- Supported expansion of telehealth services to 10 underserved counties through strategic donor engagement and proposal development.
- Spearheaded the identification and segmentation of high-impact community fundraising opportunities, collaborating with leadership to develop targeted strategies for events such as golf tournaments, charity walks, and corporate bowling leagues.
- Forged and managed strategic partnerships with Mpesa Foundation and County Governments (Lamu, Samburu, Baringo, Homabay, and Narok), securing multi-stakeholder support and sustainability.
- Contributed to post-event reports and donor impact summaries, linking volunteer activity to community health outcomes and awareness indicators.
- Twice recognized with corporate awards for excellence in project management, achieving a 90% success rate in project delivery.
- Supervised team of 20 staff members.
- Attained a 95% stakeholder satisfaction rating across all counties within one fiscal year.
- Led the successful establishment of the Gertrude’s Pediatric Audiology Centre (GPAC), now a regional center of excellence.
- Played a foundational role in setting up the Pediatric Endocrinology Training Centre for Africa (PETCA), which has trained over 60 pediatric endocrinologists in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Presented a research paper at the Unite for Sight 13thAnnual conference titled "Reduction of Maternal and Infant Mortality Rate in Garissa County, Kenya, through Telemedicine and M-Wallet": The Global Health and Innovation Conference at Yale University. April 16-17, 2016
- Poster presentation at the Kenya Pediatric Association Conference titled “Results of An Infant and Children Hearing Screening Program across Three Health Facilities in Kenya June 2014 – Dec 2015.”
Volunteering & Community Service, Event Planning, Public Speaking, Networking & Professional Meetups
I am deeply committed to community development and global engagement through volunteer service.
- Deputy Director, International Pleroma Concocation – Provided strategic leadership and coordination for international programs and events.
- International Youth Fellowship, South Korea – Volunteered for one year, supporting youth empowerment initiatives and cross-cultural exchange programs.
- Founder & Lead, HERRoots Initiative – Established and currently run an advocacy platform championing women’s and girls’ health, empowerment, and rights through education, outreach, and policy engagement.
These experiences have strengthened my leadership, project management, and advocacy skills while reinforcing my passion for gender equality and social impact.
Timeline
Fundraising Specialist
Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation
08.2023 - Current
Deputy Director (Voluntary Position)
International Pleroma Convocation (IPC)
01.2023 - Current
Project Manager
Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation
03.2021 - 07.2023
Project Officer
Gertrude's Children's Hospital
11.2012 - 02.2021
Program Administrator
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
10.2011 - 10.2012
Research Assistant
Japan International Corporation Agency Study Team
09.2010 - 09.2011
Deputy Registration Officer
Interim Independent Electoral Commission
03.2010 - 08.2010
Partnership and Institutional Development Officer
Youth Alive! Kenya
09.2009 - 02.2010
Community Officer
Kituo Cha Sheria
01.2009 - 08.2009
Master's - Gender And Development Studies
University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Nairobi