JOCELYN BHAHATIE KUMWENDA
Strategist
Venice,FL
Summary
Innovative leader in corporate banking and sustainability, adept at forging impactful collaborations and advancing ESG initiatives. Successfully co-founded a charity that empowered underserved youth and managed high-performing teams to achieve substantial growth in banking portfolios and social development projects.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
8
8
Certification
Work History
Strategic Partnerships Fellow
Africa Windmill Project
Orlando
09.2025 - Current
- Supporting Africa Windmill Project's mission to end hunger in Malawi by strengthening strategic partnerships, advancing fundraising initiatives, cultivating donor engagement, and collaborating with leadership on ESG strategic collaborations that expand food security and sustainable agriculture efforts.
- Developed strategic partnerships that improved collaboration among stakeholders
- Facilitated business development initiatives that identified and explored growth opportunities
- Oversaw project management, ensuring projects were completed on time and aligned with strategic goals
- Implemented ESG strategy to align with sustainability goals
- Performed grant writing to secure funding for projects
Co-Founder & Country Lead (Volunteer)
The Dress Project
Lilongwe
11.2011 - Current
- Co-founded a charity providing scholarships and mentorship to over underserved youth in Malawi; 9 tertiary university graduates, 6 vocational college trainees & 20 secondary school scholars
- Led fundraising efforts through donor outreach and grant writing, securing essential resources for program sustainability
- Built partnerships with 4 schools/colleges, NGOs-COTN, donors, and community leaders to expand impact
- Developed and managed mentorship networks and volunteer teams, enhancing support for students' educational journeys
- Established nonprofit social enterprise to address local needs and promote social change.
- Skills: Strategic Partnerships
- Sales
- Project Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Mentorship
- Networking
- Reporting
- Financial management leadership & Grant Writing
Research Assistant - Sustainability
GoSpace LLC
Tampa
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Researched EV charging market trends, opportunities, and challenges to provide strategic insights that informed business expansion and improved customer experience.
- Analyzed policy and regulatory changes to support EV infrastructure development.
- Developed business models using Lean Six Sigma principles to drive innovation and support sustainability initiatives.
- Proposed strategic partnerships to enhance sustainable transportation solutions and advance organizational goals.
- Supported business strategy aligned with sustainability goals and EV integration.
- Utilized GIS and Google Maps for site acquisition and ownership mapping.
- Developed RFPs to support business growth and expansion.
- Prepared estimates and invoices for new projects using QuickBooks.
Corporate Banking Regional Manager
NBS Bank Plc
Lilongwe
03.2021 - 08.2023
- Led and oversaw a high-performing Corporate Banking Relationship Management team serving high-value clients across multiple sectors, strengthening strategic partnerships and long-term profitability.
- Developed and executed annual and five-year corporate banking strategies through SWOT, PESTEL, and market analysis, leading to the Bank's rise from position 7 to position 3 in Malawi's banking sector.
- Exceeded new corporate client acquisition targets by 257% above budget, expanding the bank's high-value client base.
- Achieved exceptional portfolio growth, including 574% deposit growth (MK57.5Bn to MK372Bn), 50% loan growth (MK28Bn to MK42Bn), and 180% growth in foreign exchange supply.
- Delivered data-driven market insights and client-centric financial solutions aligned with corporate growth objectives, enhancing client value and balance-sheet growth.
- Drove strategic partnerships and collaborations across upstream and downstream value-chain segments, resulting in improved financial performance and developmental impact.
- Structured and executed impact financing and trade finance solutions, increasing the structured trade finance portfolio from USD 0 to USD 20Mn.
- Structured and reviewed corporate credit origination while maintaining a strong risk profile with 1% non-performing loans (NPLs).
Acting Team Lead, Corporate & Investment Banking
NBS Bank Plc
Lilongwe
05.2020 - 02.2021
- Guided deal structuring, credit origination, and risk assessment to support strategic objectives.
- Led business development team in executing CIB strategy, enhancing profitability.
- Led team to streamline customer service workflows and enhance client satisfaction.
- Developed strategies to improve internal communication and collaboration among departments.
- Coordinated training programs for new staff to ensure operational efficiency.
Corporate Relationship Manager
NBS Bank Plc
Lilongwe
09.2015 - 04.2020
- Developed strategic plans that align financial services with clients' long-term goals, enhancing client value and boosting overall profitability for the bank.
- Managed high-end corporate clients across sectors, strengthening partnerships and driving profitability.
- Administered client relationship management, providing exceptional service to Private and Not-for-Profit clients and fostering lasting partnerships.
Trainee-Talent Development Program
Rabobank
05.2019 - 07.2019
- Engaged in rotational talent management and practical training, acquiring skills in sustainable financing, financial inclusion, strategic partnership development, client relationship management, innovation in food & agribusiness, and corporate strategy.
- Worked in Netherlands to support team operations
- Supported team in daily operations and client interactions.
- Assisted in processing client transactions and account inquiries.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance customer service experiences.
Corporate Relationship Manager
Standard Bank Plc
Lilongwe
07.2013 - 11.2014
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with key corporate clients.
- Managed Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) client portfolios, strengthening financial partnerships through tailored solutions.
- Developed tailored financial solutions to meet client needs.
- Collaborated with internal teams to ensure service delivery excellence.
Graduate Trainee & Corporate Relationship Officer
Standard Bank Plc
Malawi
05.2008 - 06.2013
- Completed hands-on training in universal banking through rotational program, gaining comprehensive understanding of banking operations.
- Supported corporate banking division by coordinating operational processes and contributing to strategic initiatives.
Education
M.A. - Global Sustainability: Sustainable Business
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL05-2025
Executive MBA -
Eastern and Southern African Management Institute. (ESAMI)
Tanzania11-2017
BSc. - Technical Education
Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
Malawi11-2006
Skills
- Strategy, Business Development & ESG Leadership
- Sustainable Finance & Investment Structuring (Blended Finance, Trade & Agribusiness Finance)
- Climate & Sustainability Solutions (Energy, Carbon Reduction, Circular Economy)
- Public-Private Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Policy, Regulatory & Economic Analysis
- Data Analytics, Research & Impact Measurement
- Project Management & Operational Excellence
- Food Systems, Food Security & Community Development
- Leadership, Innovation & Cross-functional Collaboration
- Client Relationship Management & High-Level Negotiation
- Proposal Writing, Visual Presentations & Strategic Communication
Certification
- Food Sustainability & Security graduate certificate, University of South Florida, 2024
- Lean Six Sigma White Belt, Council for Six Sigma Certification, 2024
- Professional Banker, Chartered Banker Institute, London, 2023
- Balanced Scorecard Strategy Execution, George Washington University, 2023
- Leadership & Management Programs, GIBS, Stellenbosch, Rabo Bank, 2020-2023
- International Trade Finance, Standard Bank, South Africa, 07/01/14, 08/31/14
- Client Relationship Management Certifications, Salesforce, B & C Consultancy-London, Standard Bank, NBS Bank Plc, Rabo Bank-Netherlands, 2009-2010
- Advanced Credit Evaluation, Global Leadership Centre-Standard Bank, 2011
Accomplishments
- Developed a pricing model, proposed strategic partnerships and designed/developed tools for continuous improvement to drive EV infrastructure expansion and carbon footprint reduction at GoSpace LLC. (2025)
- Contributed to 574% deposit growth and 50% CIB asset book increase at NBS Bank Plc. (2021-2023)
- Facilitated the process of securing a $10M Loan Portfolio Guaranty Agreement with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to expand financial access for SMEs in Malawi. (2021)
- Successfully attended a competitive Talent Development Programme for 3rd world countries at Rabo Bank-Netherlands. (May 2019 to July 2019)
- Spearheaded financial inclusion initiatives and/or blended financing with USAID, GIZ, DFC, WFP, WVI, Christian Aid, Heifer, and Plan Malawi.
- Structured and re-launched NBS Bank's revamped Food & Agribusiness Department. (May 2020- March 2023)
- Contributed to the Securing of a $20M Credit Line from Afreximbank. (2021-2023)
- Co-Founded a charity foundation (The Dress Project) and sponsored over 22 scholars to attain high school and tertiary education in Malawi. (November 2011-Present)
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Chichewa, Native
Leadership And Volunteer Work
- Strategic Partnerships Fellow, Africa Windmill Project, 09/01/25, Present
- Student Ambassador, University of South Florida, 2024, 08/31/25
- Co-Founder & Country Lead, The Dress Project, Malawi, 2011, Present
- Board Director, Malawi Assemblies of God University, 2021, 2023
- Treasurer & Founder, 4 Village Bank Savings & Loans Groups in Malawi, 2012, Present
- Children's Church Leader, Bridge Church, Venice, FL, 2023, Present
Timeline
Strategic Partnerships Fellow
Africa Windmill Project
09.2025 - Current
Research Assistant - Sustainability
GoSpace LLC
01.2025 - 04.2025
Corporate Banking Regional Manager
NBS Bank Plc
03.2021 - 08.2023
Acting Team Lead, Corporate & Investment Banking
NBS Bank Plc
05.2020 - 02.2021
Trainee-Talent Development Program
Rabobank
05.2019 - 07.2019
Corporate Relationship Manager
NBS Bank Plc
09.2015 - 04.2020
Corporate Relationship Manager
Standard Bank Plc
07.2013 - 11.2014
Co-Founder & Country Lead (Volunteer)
The Dress Project
11.2011 - Current
Graduate Trainee & Corporate Relationship Officer
Standard Bank Plc
05.2008 - 06.2013
M.A. - Global Sustainability: Sustainable Business
University of South Florida
Executive MBA -
Eastern and Southern African Management Institute. (ESAMI)
BSc. - Technical Education
Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences