Sonia Rasugu
Development And Organization Effectiveness Consultant
Nairobi
Summary
Proven leader in organizational development and strategic planning, with a track record of enhancing program efficiency Skilled in donor management and problem-solving, strengthening stakeholder relationships through innovative solutions. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Lucid Options Consulting Ltd
01.2016 - Current
- Responsible for day-to-day management of the consultancy firm. The firm provides accompaniment and support on organization effectiveness to private, public and civil society organizations with focus on four practice areas: (i) Policy (ii) Leadership (iii) Sustainability Management (iv) Strategy.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Program Director/Executive Secretary
Africa Alliance Of Of YMCAs
02.2011 - 12.2015
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility. This focused particularly on support to 12 national YMCAs in East (Kenya, Tanzania), South (Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Zambia) and West Africa (Ghana, Liberia, the Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo). This involved development of assessment tools, moderating capacity assessment, development of action plans, and monitoring implementation of those plans.
- Support to national YMCAs program design and fundraising efforts.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Provided direction and leadership for program operations.
- Championed process improvements that resulted in streamlined operations and cost savings.
- Optimized resource allocation, ensuring the successful completion of multiple concurrent projects in the organization and within 12 national YMCA member organizations.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to secure resources necessary for program sustainability and success. Raised USD 600,000 in 36 months from non-traditional AAYMCA sources, that complimented traditional funders.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Increased stakeholder satisfaction with proactive communication and timely issue resolution.
- Consistently exceeded key performance indicators by adapting quickly to changes in program needs.
- Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth. Included development of a board and performance manual; and role in the governance (Executive Committee) meetings.
- Established strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative problemsolving.
- Maintained and updated project related documents.
- Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
- Developed high-impact programs for optimal results, focusing on strategic planning and execution.
National Program Coordinator
Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF)
10.2007 - 01.2011
- Managed World Bank/Japan Social Development Fund grant of USD 1.9m
- Disbursed sub-grants to 62 youth led and youth serving organizations across Kenya, including to marginalized communities and groups serving persons with disability
- Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact: government agencies, youth-led and youth-serving organizations; and technical and funding organizations.
- Provided technical support to staff with necessary resources to carry out duties successfully. Within my project and across the organization to better appreciate youth development.
- Organized events and workshops to engage participants, enhancing their learning experience within the program framework. Designed and delivered training on Leadership; Social Accountability; Peace and Conflict Management.
- Provided direction and leadership for program operations.
- Implemented evaluation tools to measure program effectiveness, utilizing data-driven insights for continuous improvement.
- Assisted with grant writing and fundraising efforts to secure funding and sustain program long-term.
- Provided exceptional customer service to program participants through prompt response times and attentive assistance with inquiries or concerns.
- Tracked and reported expenses accurately to manage program budgets.
- Monitored programming trends to keep content relevant and up-to-date.
- Identified risks and developed mitigation plans.
Advisor, Development Advisory Services (DAS)
KPMG East Africa
10.2003 - 09.2007
- Built and maintained relationships with clients to provide ongoing support.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration between departments to help business function smoothly.
- Participated in networking events to expand professional connections and attract new clientele.
- Increased client portfolio performance through diligent market research and analysis for optimal asset allocation.
- Delivered on client assignments in the public sector and development sector: (i) Global Fund pre-gran assessments in Ethiopia, Kenya and the Sudan (ii) Development of strategic plans for infrastructure ministries in Government of Kenya: Energy, Transport, Local Government; (iii) Financial Management Agent for the Governance, Justice, Law and Order SEctor (GJLOS) Reform Programme (iv) Strategic Plan development for various civil society/development agencies
Project Assistant Intern
Ufadhili Trust
04.2001 - 09.2003
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills by juggling multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising quality or timeliness. This included organizing the East African Community Service Awards ceremonies in 2001, 2002, and 2003 which recognized individuals and organizations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania who demonstrated commitment in their service to the community.
- Contributed to successful project completion by conducting thorough research and providing valuable insights in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
- Set up the resource centre and ensured smooth operations by managing supplies inventory, organizing files, and addressing any technical issues promptly.
- Enhanced project efficiency by streamlining communication channels and organizing essential documentation.
- Developed comprehensive reports on project progress, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.
- Collaborated closely with team members, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged open communication and creative problemsolving.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Political Science
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Nairobi, Kenya 04.2001 -
Master of Arts - Development Studies
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya 04.2001 -
Skills
Organizational Development
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Timeline
Director
Lucid Options Consulting Ltd
01.2016 - Current
Program Director/Executive Secretary
Africa Alliance Of Of YMCAs
02.2011 - 12.2015
National Program Coordinator
Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF)
10.2007 - 01.2011
Advisor, Development Advisory Services (DAS)
KPMG East Africa
10.2003 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Political Science
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
04.2001 -
Master of Arts - Development Studies
University of Nairobi
04.2001 -
Project Assistant Intern
Ufadhili Trust
04.2001 - 09.2003
Similar Profiles
Patrick OnyeokoroPatrick Onyeokoro
Tactical Security Officer at Secured Options ConsultingTactical Security Officer at Secured Options Consulting
Alexa GomezAlexa Gomez
Outbound Logistics Supervisor at Lucid MotorsOutbound Logistics Supervisor at Lucid Motors
Amanda WilsonAmanda Wilson
Production Team Member at Lucid MotorsProduction Team Member at Lucid Motors