Key skills and expertise

With 32 years of experience, the expert is proficient in strategic financial planning, grants and compliance management, and project management. Expertise includes managing multi-million dollar budgets and leading financial operations for USAID and CDC-funded projects. The expert has successfully turned around overspending projects and developed SOPs for operations. Leadership roles include Financial Planning and Analysis Lead, overseeing a $53 million budget, and building a finance team of 20. Accomplishments include securing unqualified audit opinions and contributing to the development of a $155 million funding proposal.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving international donors such as USAID, CDC, World Bank, and UNICEF, engaging in governance, health, and education sectors. Responsibilities have included project implementation, financial management, and capacity building. The expert managed regional programs in countries including South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, and Malawi. Notable projects include the USAID-funded Enhancing Strategic Information project and the Human Resource Alliance for Africa, with roles encompassing financial oversight, compliance management, and strategic planning.

Sectors and geographic focus

Bringing over three decades of experience, the expert has worked across sectors including health, education, transport, and banking. Previously held roles such as financial manager and grants compliance officer, with responsibilities spanning strategic planning, budget management, and project implementation. The expert's interdisciplinary knowledge includes financial systems development and governance, with a geographic scope covering Southern Africa and Southeast Asia. Significant experience in USAID-funded health projects and education initiatives funded by Belgium highlights the expert's capability in managing complex, multi-country programs. The expert has extensive geographic experience in Southern Africa and Southeast Asia, having worked in countries such as South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Vietnam. This includes deep familiarity with regional development issues, governance, and cultural dynamics, particularly through long-term assignments and recurring involvement in donor-funded projects.

Languages and education

With a background in extensive professional settings, the expert is fluent in English, utilized in in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams across various international projects. The expert holds a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Witwatersrand Business School and a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, both in South Africa. Additionally, the expert obtained a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences from the University of Transkei, also in South Africa.