Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Volunteer Experience
Hobbies and Interests
Work Availability
Quote
Languages
Websites
Timeline
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Esther Wanja

Esther Wanja

Federal Way,WA

Summary

A dynamic and results-oriented learning and development expert with over twenty years of experience in implementing multifaceted programs. I have a strong background in private sector engagement, team management, and working with volunteers, donors, foundations, and governmental agencies in sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout my career, I have led organization development efforts and successfully implemented customized program strategies across multiple countries and themes. My expertise lies in creating and institutionalizing learning cultures through facilitating internal and stakeholder dialogues to inform organizational strategy and guide change management.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification

Work History

Country Director

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
12.2021 - 12.2023
  • Responsible for leading and managing all aspects of Heifer International's Kenya Country office, including all administrative and business development, building relationships, and providing strategic leadership
  • I oversee operations and financial management, compliance with local laws, fiscal planning, human resource planning, and creating a shared vision among all staff.

Regional Deputy Chief of Party

TECHNOSERVE INC
03.2018 - 12.2021
  • Responsible for spearheading the learning and capacity development activities and ensuring the program leverages the power of government, regional institutions, and the private sector.

Regional Deputy Director

TECHNOSERVE INC.
04.2013 - 02.2018
  • In charge of implementing program activities for the USAID-funded multi-country portfolio
  • Responsible for providing operational, management, and strategic oversight.

Regional Training and Capacity Building Manager

TECHNOSERVE INC.
09.2011 - 03.2013
  • Led the Training component and resource mobilization for the four-year $11.5 Million youth program funded by the MasterCard Foundation
  • Provided managerial and technical support for a team of full-time project staff and over 20 international and local volunteer consultants and sub-contractors with a wide array of expertise.

Regional Training Manager

TECHNOSERVE INC.
09.2008 - 08.2011
  • Contributed to the successful implementation of the training strategy and the overall effectiveness of the $46.9 million program targeting to help small-scale farmers improve coffee quality, increase production, and link them to markets.

Business Advisor

TECHNOSERVE INC.
08.2006 - 08.2008
  • Charged with the overall responsibility of providing business advisory services for a two-year Program through group mobilization and organization, facilitation of entrepreneurship and life skills training, and identifying market linkages and support services to help generate employment and income-earning opportunities for young, disadvantaged women.

Retail Manager, Prestige Banking

BARCLAYS BANK
07.2000 - 07.2006
  • Overall Management of a prestige branch offering various banking services to high-net-worth customers.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations - Management

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY-AFRICA
01.1998

Skills

  • Excellent written, oral, and public speaking skills, communicating effectively across all channels
  • Extensive leadership and managing multicultural teams remotely
  • Strong Financial acumen and budget management abilities
  • Proven track record of identifying and nurturing partnerships
  • Demonstrated experience in fundraising, major gifts, grant writing, and development leadership, particularly in a nonprofit or NGO
  • Proficient in collaborating with diverse stakeholders A high degree of cultural sensitivity and proven ability to engage with stakeholders internationally

Certification

  • PMD Pro 1 Certified- The Essentials of Project Management
  • Certified in USAID Assistance Management
  • Certified ILO trainer (Build Your Own Business)
  • Certified Dale Carnegie Trainer- Effective communication and presentation
  • Trained on USAID Rules & Regulations
  • Trained in Financial Management for US Government Funding
  • Trained in USAID Contract Management
  • Trained Trainer of Trainers
  • Trained Coach (Coaching and Feedback)

Volunteer Experience

  • Valeo Futbal Kenya, Volunteer Soccer Team Manager, Planned, coordinated, and promoted successful fundraising events to support the ladies' grassroots soccer team for disadvantaged girls from informal settlements of Nairobi.
  • Junior Achievement Program, Volunteer Trainer

Hobbies and Interests

Travelling, Soccer, History and Music

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote

Don't you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct.
Barbara Corcoran

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary

Timeline

Country Director

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
12.2021 - 12.2023

Regional Deputy Chief of Party

TECHNOSERVE INC
03.2018 - 12.2021

Regional Deputy Director

TECHNOSERVE INC.
04.2013 - 02.2018

Regional Training and Capacity Building Manager

TECHNOSERVE INC.
09.2011 - 03.2013

Regional Training Manager

TECHNOSERVE INC.
09.2008 - 08.2011

Business Advisor

TECHNOSERVE INC.
08.2006 - 08.2008

Retail Manager, Prestige Banking

BARCLAYS BANK
07.2000 - 07.2006

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations - Management

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY-AFRICA
Esther Wanja