Winnie Muhia
Operations Manager
Nairobi, Nairobi Province,30
Summary
Seasoned Operations Manager with 12+ years of experience leading multi-country operations across Africa. Strong background in operational delivery, compliance, and systems strengthening within donor-funded programmes (EU, FCDO, USAID). Experienced in managing cross-functional teams, complex logistics, and financial oversight in high-pressure and fragile environments. Known for building practical systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and program delivery.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Operations Manager
Adam Smith International
Nairobi, 30
04.2018 - Current
- Lead multi-country operational delivery across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, supporting complex donor-funded programmes
- Oversee end-to-end planning and coordination of international travel, workshops, and high-level meetings, including logistics, budgeting, and reporting
- Manage complex travel operations (visas, flights, accommodation, security briefings, per diems), ensuring compliance with organizational and donor policies
- Coordinate internal and external engagements, including government and donor meetings, ensuring smooth execution and stakeholder alignment
- Lead regional operations meetings, setting agendas, managing work plans, and driving accountability on deliverables across teams
- Provide oversight to facilities and business support functions, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations
- Design and implement onboarding processes in collaboration with People & Talent teams, ensuring seamless staff integration into systems and policies
- Act as a key operational liaison across country, regional, and global teams
- Oversee sub-recipient processes, including due diligence, contracting, and compliance monitoring in collaboration with legal and grants teams
- Lead capacity assessments of partners, evaluating financial, technical, and statutory compliance
- Manage invoice workflows end-to-end, ensuring accurate coding, complete documentation, and compliance before approval and payment
- Support budget oversight and cost control, ensuring efficient resource utilization and value for money
- Strengthen operational systems and workflows, improving efficiency, turnaround times, and service delivery
- Lead the design and implementation of a regional shared services platform, reducing costs and improving coordination across Africa programmes
- Drive knowledge management and information-sharing practices, ensuring accessibility of operational data and documentation
- Coach and mentor team members, supporting performance management and professional development
- Develop reports, presentations, and briefing materials for senior leadership and external stakeholders
- Maintain organized systems for program documentation and institutional knowledge, ensuring long-term accessibility and continuity
- Act as a strategic partner to leadership on operational efficiency, team effectiveness, and process improvement
Finance & Administration Manager
Adam Smith International - KUZA Project
03.2014 - 06.2017
- Conducted due diligence for sub-grantees and ensured timely fund disbursements, maintaining compliance with financial policies.
- Conducted risk assessments, financial audits, and process compliance reviews, improving operational efficiency and value for money.
- Provided comprehensive logistical and administrative support to project teams, enhancing service delivery.
- Led the implementation of security protocols and maintained operational oversight of the project office, ensuring a secure work environment.
Accountant
International Centre for AIDS Care & Treatment Programs (ICAP)
01.2012 - 02.2014
- Managed accounts payable, petty cash, and advance reconciliations, ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions.
- Prepared financial reports and facilitated audits, ensuring compliance with donor (USAID) requirements and local tax regulations.
Operations & Administration Executive
Gap Marketing (Nokia Account)
11.2008 - 08.2010
- Oversaw HR functions including payroll, KPIs, and recruitment.
- Managed finance tasks such as expense claims, client invoicing, and cost tracking.
- Organized training venues, transport, and other materials for field operations.
- Fleet management for field force teams.
Accounts Assistant
Consumer Insight Limited
09.2008 - 11.2008
- Managed comprehensive filing systems, ensuring accurate and up-to-date record-keeping for financial documentation.
- Performed regular bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy in financial records and banking transactions.
- Conducted wages analysis and prepared Local Purchase Orders (LPOs), ensuring timely and accurate financial operations.
- Handled the registration and processing of supplier invoices, posted transactions in PASTEL, and ensured timely processing of supplier payments.
- Maintained and reconciled supplier accounts, ensuring all payments were accurately recorded and discrepancies were resolved.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
European Business University
Luxembourg03-2024
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance
Kenyatta University
Kenya12-2007
ACCA - Level II - Accounting
Strathmore University
Kenya12-2003
Websites
Accomplishments
- Shared Services Platform: Set up a regional operational shared platform, enhancing project delivery and ensuring efficient resource management across diverse teams.
- Duty-of-Care: Implemented safety protocols and led crisis response teams in high-risk countries.
- Sustainability Leadership: Appointed Africa Environment Champion, driving climate-conscious practices.
- Operational Resilience During Crisis: Played a key role in the successful scaling up and down of operations during budget constraints and the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of critical services and maintaining operational momentum.
Certification
Women in Leadership, European Business University, Luxembourg
LINKEDINPROFILE
https://bit.ly/3LtWydn
Timeline
Operations Manager
Adam Smith International
04.2018 - Current
Finance & Administration Manager
Adam Smith International - KUZA Project
03.2014 - 06.2017
Accountant
International Centre for AIDS Care & Treatment Programs (ICAP)
01.2012 - 02.2014
Operations & Administration Executive
Gap Marketing (Nokia Account)
11.2008 - 08.2010
Accounts Assistant
Consumer Insight Limited
09.2008 - 11.2008
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance
Kenyatta University
ACCA - Level II - Accounting
Strathmore University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
European Business University