I am an intersectional non-binary queer feminist, human rights activist with experience in leading and supporting movement building, community development, advocacy, grants administration and management, advocacy, participatory grant making, resource mobilisation, entrepreneurship. My lived experiences and observation of issues such as ableism, patriarchy, oppression, inequality and injustice shape a big part of who I am, how I think, and how I see and experience the world I live in. I am passionate about organising, creating, designing and redesigning structures to contribute that push away from the status quo of how philanthropy organises. I am passionate about dismantling power structures, reimagining and shaping social justice movements and philanthropy. I am a natural leader with experience in coordinating diverse, multicultural and multi dynamic teams.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager: Grants Administration, PO Grant Making
UHAI EASHRI
Nairobi
06.2024 - Current
Oversaw the timely and quality production of information for donor reports from the Grants Admin Docket, including grantee summaries, analysis of outcomes, and key learnings.
Designed and developed the processes, procedures, policies, and SOPs related to grant administration to ensure compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness.
I represented my organization at a range of external, national, and international programmatic or operational events and activities, including consortia working groups and philanthropic partnerships.
Coordinated the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of data management and grant-making systems.
Streamline data workflows and automate repetitive tasks to enhance productivity.
Programme officer: Grant Compliance and Risk Management
UHAI EASHRI
01.2023 - 01.2024
Assessed grant processes using key metrics to identify improvements and support strategic decision-making, in line with practicing participatory grant making practices.
Strategically managed contract administration to ensure legal compliance and accuracy in grant documentation, effectively resolving issues as they arose while keeping the practice of trust based philanthropy.
Conducted in-depth compliance evaluations to identify and address regulatory and funding requirement gaps.
Analyzed grant processes using key metrics to identify improvement opportunities, driving strategic decision-making and enhancing overall efficiency.
Developed and Launched learning frameworks that enhanced partnership engagements.
Cultivated an inclusive learning environment within the grant administration program and among partners by actively engaging in meetings, workshops, and training sessions that prioritize diverse perspectives and trust-based relationships.
Contributed to the development of educational resources and best practices that promote continuous improvement and equitable knowledge sharing among program staff, emphasizing transparency and collaboration.
Organized and facilitated donor education sessions that ensure accessible understanding of compliance and risk management, while addressing potential barriers to engagement through a lens of trust and mutual respect.
Provided ongoing support and training to staff and stakeholders on compliance and risk management, empowering them with knowledge and tools to navigate challenges while advocating for gender equity and inclusivity in a trust-based philanthropic framework.
Programme Assistant
UHAI EASHRI
01.2022 - 01.2023
I coordinated internal and external grants correspondence by reviewing mail for support and action, rerouting.
I was part the team that continuously evaluates reporting tools and ensure changes are done to capture implementation/ report results.
I set up and maintain a Grants programme calendar, scheduling and coordinating grantee outreach, meetings, and visits, per UHAI EASHRI’s work plan and responding to emerging needs.
I supported end to end management of consultants; developing ToRs for consultants to be engaged by the programmes team and negotiate consultancy fees et al.
I acted as a liaison between the grants team and the finance department payments and compliance.
I support in the bi-weekly grants payments reconciliations.
Updated electronic grant files regularly and ensured that files are well arranged with full grantee information.
Supported the preparation of programme reports, including quarterly Board reports, yearly organisation reports, and various donor reports.
Facility coordinator and Senior sales representative
MM Mineral Exports
01.2020 - 01.2022
Anonymous queer organisation
01.2018 - 01.2022
I developed and implemented social media strategies to raise awareness about LGBTIQ and GNC rights in Ethiopia.
I created engaging content, including written posts, and images, for various social media platforms.
I regularly monitored and responded to social media engagements e.g comments, messages, and mentions on social media channels.
I organised and facilitated outreach programs, workshops, and events to engage with the LGBTIQ and GNC communities in Ethiopia.
Collaborated with local and international organisations, activists, and allies to build networks, provide support, and promote community engagement and empowerment.
I compiled data, statistics, and case studies to support evidence-based advocacy.
Prepared reports, presentations, and publications to highlight findings and recommendations.
Coordinated support and resources to individuals facing discrimination, harassment, and/or violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Senior Marketing and Sales Manager
Lummier Gemstone Exports
01.2017 - 01.2019
Facility Maintenance and Design Engineer
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
01.2016 - 01.2017
Education
BSc - Construction Technology Management
Addis Ababa University
Entrepreneurial leadership training -
Addis Ababa University
Leadership and Debate club training program -
Center For Creative Leadership
Leadership and Excellence training -
One world use project
Time management skills -
ENAT Bank Initiative for Women in Leadership
Reimagining Facilitation in Complex Times -
Spring Strategies
Skills
Grant making and Administration
Conflict and compliance strategies
Research coordination
Trust based philanthropy
Feminist response
Project management
Budget management
Financial reporting
Leadership
Team management
References
Available on request.
Skills - Key Competencies
Grant making and Administration, I have supported the participatory grant-making process, from fostering partnerships, co-creating proposals, contracting, managing disbursement of funds, building and learning from partners' work and fostering knowledge driven decision making in the administration of grants. I have led, and coordinated conflict and compliance strategies that not only meet regulatory requirements but also align to the commitment to equity and justice. I coordinated, analysed, implemented and supported in different researches geared towards moving resources to restrictive countries grounded in trust based philanthropy and feminist response.
Project management, I have been proficient in actively leading the planning, organising, and coordination of projects, designing and implementing activities to ensure successful implementation and timely completion. I have experience in managing budgets, financial reporting, and understanding financial concepts related to project execution.
Leadership and management, I am part of the OD committee, UHAI’s drivers of culture. The committee role is to interrogate the intersection of culture, policy, and values. Shaping and grounding the ideologies that speak to an indigenous, feminist and activist led movement fund. In my role as Acting Manager, I have been responsible for the Grants Administration team i.e. strategic leadership, professional growth, fostering a supportive work culture and ensuring excellence in work delivery.
Timeline
Manager: Grants Administration, PO Grant Making
UHAI EASHRI
06.2024 - Current
Programme officer: Grant Compliance and Risk Management
UHAI EASHRI
01.2023 - 01.2024
Programme Assistant
UHAI EASHRI
01.2022 - 01.2023
Facility coordinator and Senior sales representative
Grant Coordinator (Grants and Research Operations) at HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSGrant Coordinator (Grants and Research Operations) at HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS