EVELYN OKWUDOLOR
Summary
Seasoned Operations Manager and talented leader with over 15 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing project plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with strategic approach. Excellent understanding of USAID, FCDO, EU and other policies and procedures.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
DAI USAID funded State2State Project
02.2022 - Current
- Oversee day-to-day operational matters and ensures adherence to policies
- Support daily administrative operations of the project offices in six locations, including human resources, procurement, logistics, facility management and record and file management
- Ensure that strong internal control systems are in place, and that DAI Ethics policy are well understood by all staff in country
- Implement operations manual, conduct training and ensure staff compliance with procedures and update manual, as necessary
- Develop operations annual goals and manage operations budget in coordination with the Senior Accounting Manager
- Update project operational forms and templates to comply with DAI policies
- Coordinate with the country office HQ recruiter and management team to hire, train, and supervise local professional or support staff as required
- Assist to manage human resources activities under the project, including the recruitment and hiring of personnel.
Office Manager
DAI USAID State2State Project
03.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed the day-to-day business operations of the office
- Managed the security of the office premises, property therein, and the motor pool
- Worked with the IT support staff to ensure the efficient operation of the local area network
- Performed competitive procurement for goods and services (examples: security, cleaning, office supplies, temporary drivers) and negotiated with vendors
- Coordinated the inspection and receipt of goods and updated inventory register
- Ensured that project staff needs for office equipment, supplies, and furniture were met
- Developed and maintain an efficient up-to-date stock of items in the store
- Communicated with landlord on facilities management, improvement, and repair issues
- Performed regular walkthrough maintenance inspections of facilities and grounds to identify maintenance problems, damaged or inoperable property and equipment, and unsafe conditions
- Coordinated the insurance of project vehicles and other property
- Conducted periodic assets verification and tagging of assets
- Coordinated the disposition of assets when necessary
- Organized staff events and assisted in administering training and provided guidance to staff involved in operational or administrative activities
- Assisted in customs clearance or project equipment and onward transportation to regional locations if required
- Evaluate personnel liability in cases of reported lost, damaged, misused, or stolen property and assist in investigations as required; report and recommend appropriate follow-up actions.
Senior Procurement, Admin & Logistics Manager
Search for Common Ground
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Implemented, enforced and monitored Search standard operating procedures in administration, logistics, procurement, and security for Search operations in Nigeria
- Prepared, reviewed and implemented multi-year procurement plans that ensured timely availability of products for program activities
- Provided budget estimates for operations for all projects and track usage
- Provided support in developing operations budgets for donor proposals
- Created and managed subcontracts, leases, service level agreements and Blank Purchase Agreements.
Procurement, Admin & Logistics Manager
Search for Common Ground
04.2019 - 12.2020
- Worked closely with program team to develop quarterly/annually procurement plans (based on quarterly distribution plans and annual work plan) to ensure timely availability of the products for program activities
- Supervised the current procurement system to ensure maximum transparency and accountability
- Updated the monthly budget estimation and tracking to Finance Department
- Track and evaluate vendor performance and improvements related to pricing, contractual terms, and/or scope of services
- Developed and/or updated relevant organizational policies, processes and tools to ensure full compliance with Search as well as donor regulations and procedures
- Reviewed all contracts (for product and/or service procurements) to ensure quality standards are met, prior to submitting for review and approval as required by Search procedures
- Supervised monthly stock reconciliation
- Set up/maintain a system for centralized management of all contracts including service contracts and production contracts
- Reviewed terms of reference to ensure the quality of inputs to be procured
- Work with suppliers/agencies in the selection of the most qualified and cost-effective vendors
- Coached, supervised and supported the procurement staff on a daily basis.
Senior Operations Manager
Chemonics International – USAID funded SACE Project
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Ensured the smooth functioning of the project office, assisted senior management in supervising administrative staff, and ensured compliance with USAID regulations
- Key areas included human resource functions such as recruitment, employee compensation, training and development, employee relations, facilities management, procurement oversight, development and monitoring of service-level agreements (SLAs), blanket purchase agreements (BPAs), and subcontracts, fleet management and security
- Ensured that the activities in the Niger Delta office complied with Chemonics and USAID policies
- Oversaw all operations, capacity building interventions with SACE partners and provided assistance to the SACE grants unit in ensuring that all related partner process were in line with their own organizational procedures, recognized best practices, and USAID policy.
Operations Manager
Chemonics International – USAID funded SACE Project
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Managed human resources activities under the project, including the recruitment and hiring of personnel
- Implemented HR systems, policies and procedures that strengthened Chemonics best practices
- Coordinated new employee setup within SACE, ensuring relevant individuals within Operations were notified of new employee to set up workspace, e-mail account and appropriate materials/equipment before they resumed work
- Ensured compliance with Nigerian legislation in all activities related to hiring and management of personnel
- Managed annual performance evaluation timeline and process
- Oversaw the home office life insurance provision for local staff forms were collected with each salary change and for new employees and sent forms to the home office
- Managed employee training and career development administered the training funds allowed through the home office and identified opportunities for staff to utilize their training funds outside of office trainings
- Liaised with the local insurance company to ensure that staff were enrolled for the group life insurance.
Human Resource Manager
GRM International - now Palladium Group (Propcom Mai-Karfi) DFID funded Programme
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Managed the recruitment process for local staff which included the preparation of staffing requests and appointment records, employment contracts and appraisals, benefits enrollments and personnel record maintenance
- Also developed, refined and fine-tuned effective methods or tools for selection or provision of external consultants that ensured the right people with the desired level of competence were brought into the organization or are promoted
- Interpreted Propcom Mai-karfi policies with regards to security, health, and safety, administration and ensured these were applied consistently and efficiently
- Provided advice on Nigeria's regulation and policy issues such as employment and immigration issues, ensuring compliance
- Ensured Consultants and new staff were offered quality induction on the resumption of duties
- Supported in the upkeep of payroll, pension details and tax details for Propcom Mai-karfi staff in close coordination with the Finance & Administration Manager
- Ensured proper record and maintenance of Staff health/life insurance details and the administration of all employee benefit programs
- Ensured the quality and consistency of implementation of administrative and logistical procedures and practices (including interpretation of policies) in Propcom Mai-karfi and identified where smarter working was possible
- Negotiated and managed all service providers' contracts (IT; travel, housing, equipment, etc.) keeping lease, bill payment, etc
- Up to date
- Took responsibility for ensuring that systems were in place to safeguard Propcom Mai-karfi assets, including ensuring that assets/inventory register was kept up-to-date
- Supported the Operations Manager's central procurement (Crown Agents and direct purchase), select preferred suppliers through a competitive process, for items including flights and supplies
- Maintain an updated preferred suppliers list and liaise with other programmes and DFID.
Administration Coordinator
GRM International (Propcom Mai-Karfi) DFID funded Programme
02.2012 - 12.2012
- Supported the smooth running of the office and ensured good condition of facilities
- Updated the existing office systems including administration, human resources (HR), and ICT systems based on Propcom Mai-karfi Programme Manual and ensured conformity to DFID requirements
- Overseen all personnel and HR matters and actions, managed all recruitment process, initiated probation evaluation and yearly performance appraisal of staff
- Negotiated and managed contracts for a variety of services
- Initiated and managed procurement of office equipment and furniture ensuring they matched the required specifications and at the same time ensured there was value for money
- Reviewed and modified the programme personnel policy and procedure manual ensuring that it was in cognizance with the Nigeria Labour law and the donor agency
- Provided oversight function to all office logistics, including the management of drivers' schedules and vehicles
- Managed visa and work permit needs of project staff
- As the Designated Security Coordinator for the programme, regularly liaised with the GRM Security Manager in managing the security requirements of the programme, and also tracked staff movement whenever they were in the field using the travel log and the GPS/Argos device
- Ensured safety and health standards were maintained in Propcom Mai-karfi at all times
- Organized security trainings for staff
- Send weekly updates to staff and Consultants of Propcom Mai-karfi
- Ensure drivers are properly trained on the use of the GPS tracking device (reporting of incidents, adequate stock of batteries, etc.) Maintained an up-to-date call log for consultants and staff in transit
- Maintained and improved office management systems (e.g., trackers), modified trackers for better measurement and representation.
Secretary
Africa Fertilizer Summit - International Center for Soil Fertility & Agricultural Development
10.2005 - 06.2006
- Typed documents, reports, and letters towards the preparation of hosting a successful Summit
- Made contact with invitees in Nigeria, Europe, USA and other African countries
- Purchased all the materials needed for the Summit such as stationeries and printing materials
- Contracted vendors such as printers, event managers, courier companies, car hire service providers and hotels
- Coordinated logistics which included travels for staff and over 1500 summit invitees, airline reservations, hotel accommodation and travel expense reports
- Closed outstanding bills and made sure that all refunds from 9 hotels and 7 service providers were cleared
- Compiled a complete inventory of equipment; laptops, cell phones and provided feedback for the proper disposal of assets
- Followed up on missing information such as number of attendees that were Heads of States and Eminent Persons who attended the Summit
- Finalized list of over 1500 delegates and entered this information into the database
- Followed up on the implementation and plans for Nigeria's $10 million pledge, made sure that proper implementation of plan was followed
- Made contacts with the Technical Committee of NEPAD Food Security Summit on the inclusion in the Programme of event, the Resolutions of the Africa Fertilizer Summit
- Follow up on the development of a sound proposal for dealer development activities, such as the introduction of an expanded Voucher Scheme on a pilot basis in selected States.
Secretary to Chief of Party
International Center for Soil Fertility & Agricultural Development funded by USAID Developing Agri Input Markets in Nigeria (DAIMINA) Project
11.2001 - 09.2005
- Typed reports, memos, and letters and accessed the email of the Chief of Party
- Took minutes during meetings and scheduled appointments for the Chief of Party
- Answered phone calls, screened and distributed mails and maintained copies of mails making sure that they were properly filed
- Organized workshops/Seminars which included logistics such as accommodation booking, transportation, preparation of materials
- Processed purchase requisitions; maintained office supply and ensured that supplies were replenished at the appropriate time
- Prepared invitation letters for expatriates and got clearance letters from US Embassy
- Prepared the Chief of Party's travel claims and ensured that all expenses were properly retired.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Business School, Netherlands
Buren10.2017
Post Graduate Diploma - Management
Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria08.2010
Bachelor of Science - Library Science
Delta State University
Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria10.1998
Skills
- Solutions Development
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Management Team Building
- Decision-Making
- Administrative Management
- Problem-Solving
- Supply Chain Management
- Contract Development
- Recruitment
- Supply Chain Distribution
- Contract Review and Recommendations
- Project Development
- Workflow Planning
- Staff Training
- Process Improvement Strategies
- Systems Implementations
- Staff Management
- Policy and Procedure Implementation
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Team Leadership
- Inventory Control
- Contract Administration
- Staff Development
- Interpersonal Communications
- Budget Development and Management
- Planning and Implementation
- Negotiation
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Don’t postpone joy until you’ve learned all your lessons. Joy is your lesson.
Alan Cohen
Timeline
Operations Manager
DAI USAID funded State2State Project
02.2022 - Current
Office Manager
DAI USAID State2State Project
03.2021 - 01.2022
Senior Procurement, Admin & Logistics Manager
Search for Common Ground
01.2021 - 03.2021
Procurement, Admin & Logistics Manager
Search for Common Ground
04.2019 - 12.2020
Senior Operations Manager
Chemonics International – USAID funded SACE Project
12.2017 - 12.2018
Operations Manager
Chemonics International – USAID funded SACE Project
01.2014 - 12.2017
Human Resource Manager
GRM International - now Palladium Group (Propcom Mai-Karfi) DFID funded Programme
01.2013 - 01.2014
Administration Coordinator
GRM International (Propcom Mai-Karfi) DFID funded Programme
02.2012 - 12.2012
Secretary
Africa Fertilizer Summit - International Center for Soil Fertility & Agricultural Development
10.2005 - 06.2006
Secretary to Chief of Party
International Center for Soil Fertility & Agricultural Development funded by USAID Developing Agri Input Markets in Nigeria (DAIMINA) Project
11.2001 - 09.2005
MBA - Business Administration
Business School, Netherlands
Post Graduate Diploma - Management
Obafemi Awolowo University
Bachelor of Science - Library Science
Delta State University
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