OMONE TESSY OKOLO

• Increased Advisory Board effectiveness by providing strategic guidance and insight into industry trends.
• Assisted in the development of long-term business strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
• Mentored executive leadership team on best practices for decision-making and problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborated with fellow board members to identify potential risks and opportunities for organizational improvement.
• Played an instrumental role in the recruitment of top talent for key leadership positions within the organization.
• Supported company''s pursuit of innovation by staying informed on emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive landscape analysis.
• Ensured compliance with corporate governance policies, regulations, and ethical standards across all levels of the organization.
• Participated in regular board meetings to provide constructive feedback on proposed projects or plans that aligned with the organization''s mission statement.
• Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
• Provided guidance and leadership on strategic planning initiatives and organizational development.
• Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
• Researched potential local, regional, and national funders and assisted in relationship building.

• Lead, plan, and oversee activities within the People Management department.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
• Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
• Ensure alignment of departmental initiatives with organizational objectives.
• Contribute to the development of goals, objectives, and systems for the People Management
  department.
• Ensure the alignment of departmental objectives with the overall business strategy.
• Implement and monitor the organizations compensation program.
• Review and revise the compensation program to maintain competitiveness.
• Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive HR strategies, systems, tactics, and procedures across the organization.
• Develop, update, and maintain accurate employee job descriptions and letters.
• Collaborate with the Finance department to develop and review staff cost budgets.
• Facilitate accurate payroll processing by sending monthly salary advice statements to the
  Finance department.
• Design, implement, and manage a performance appraisal system.
• Maintain, update, and revise the organization's policies and procedures handbook.
• Oversee the administration of employee benefits.
• Strategically forecast staffing needs and review new hire requisition forms.
• Manage end-to-end staffing processes, including recruitment, interviewing, assessments,
  and onboarding.
• Coordinate and manage the probationary review process.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and organization of employment records.
• Facilitate the exit processes for departing employees.
• Address employee demands, grievances, and issues to maintain positive relations.
• Assess training needs, recommend, and monitor training programs.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and international employment regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee and workplace-related information.
• Efficiently manage staff members' leave duration and administration.
• Maintain updated employee directories and organizational charts.
• Develop and execute Knowledge Sharing Sessions (KSS).
  
  Achievements: In this role, I have accomplished several noteworthy milestones, including implementing a comprehensive mental wellness plan for all team members, introducing a passion project initiative for the team, optimizing the recruitment process through data-driven approaches, incorporating skill gap hiring strategies, overhauling the appraisal processes, reimaging the approach to team bonding, and initiating cadre listing tours.

• Developed and executed strategic initiatives for improved company growth and long-term success.
• Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and completion of high-priority projects.
• Provided comprehensive support to the Executive Director and the Board, enabling them to focus on critical decision-making and leadership tasks.
• Facilitated productive meetings by creating well-organized agendas and ensuring clear communication of objectives.
• Established successful partnerships with external organizations, expanding business opportunities and resources available to the company.
• Championed employee development programs, promoting personal growth and career advancement within the organization.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms that led to significant cost savings without compromising quality or service delivery.
• Mentored and developed junior staff members; fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the organization.
• Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.
• Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff and clients.
• Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected Executive Department and the board
• Managed supervisor itinerary and appointments and streamlined scheduling procedures.
• Maintained primary relationship accountability for partners, overall servicing responsibility and partners satisfaction to maximize profitability of client relationships.
• In charge of a diplomatic mission, conducting and coordinating diplomatic engagements.
• Managing and supporting the AfriLabs board in setting meetings, preparing minutes, implementation of key points at the board meeting.

Accomplishments in this role include representing AfriLabs during the DC Advocacy Week in Washington DC where I met with different law makers to review the USAID funding policy to Africa and African organizations, I also organized a session in DC with a focus on Women Global Inclusion: having a seat at the table.

Additionally, I assumed an additional responsibility within the organization by supporting the board. I have also represented the organization in panel sessions specifically centered on gender and artificial intelligence with different organisations such as UNCATD.

• Developed strategic partnerships with key industry players, resulting in mutually beneficial collaborations such as Smart Africa and UNDP Accelerator labs.
• Mentored and developed junior staff members for optimal performance and career progression.
• Negotiated high-value contracts with partners and vendors, securing favorable terms for the organization.
• Streamlined communication channels between the office of the Executive Director and departments for improved collaboration and decision-making efficiency.
• Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting organisations goals.
• Represented organization at external meetings and events to promote and build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Managed crisis response to minimize potential negative impacts on company.
• Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
• Undertake high-level executive support to the Executive Director and the Board
• Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Plan and execute Annual General Meetings of over 300 hub members and the board.
• Schedule, prepare documents and accurately record management minutes from meetings held.
• Travel arrangements for the Executive Director and the Board
• Organize and oversee the office of the Executive Director, ensuring improved performance.
• Perform admin duties and manage internal team relationships.

• Spearheaded major organizational restructuring efforts, resulting in a more agile and responsive team structure.
• Championed continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
• Oversaw day-to-day operations across multiple departments, ensuring timely delivery of projects and streamlined workflows.
• Guided teams through periods of significant change by providing clear communication and decisive leadership.
• Promoted a positive corporate culture by implementing employee engagement programs that recognized achievement and fostered collaboration among teams.
• Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals.
• Developed and implemented recommendations for performance improvement.
• Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.

• Supported board members with timely updates and comprehensive reports, resulting in better decision making.
• Developed and executed strategic plans to align with the organization''s mission and goals.
• Collaborated with department heads to improve cross-functional communication and teamwork.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors, achieving cost savings without compromising quality or service delivery.
• Fostered a positive work environment by creating open lines of communication and addressing concerns promptly.
• Oversaw facility management tasks including maintenance scheduling, safety inspections, and space allocation planning.
• Liaised with government agencies to secure grant funding for critical programs and initiatives.
• Formulated policies in accordance with regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance across all aspects of the organization''s operations.
• Supported and assisted Executive Director in management the organizations and goals.
• Developed positive relationships on behalf of the department with partners, team and community at large.
• Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
• Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
• Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive organisational excellence.
• Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
• Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
• Managed senior-level personnel working in the organisation.
• Make travel arrangements which include visas, lodging, shuttle
• Recruiting staff: involves developing job descriptions and person specifications, shortlisting and selecting candidates.
• Schedule board meetings and prepare board minutes

• Achieved favorable outcomes by drafting persuasive legal documents and presenting strong arguments to clients.
• Enhanced employers satisfaction with timely and accurate legal advice on various matters.
• Reduced potential litigation risks by conducting thorough research and providing preemptive solutions to clients.
• Streamlined contract negotiation processes, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Managed complex cases effectively, prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance.
• Advised executive teams on proper corporate governance practices, minimizing legal exposure and liability.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive risk management strategies for organizations.
• Improved internal processes by developing policies, procedures, and guidelines for the legal department''s operations.
• Maintained strict confidentiality while managing sensitive information related to clients'' legal affairs.
• Developed compliance best practices for company.
• Directed and supported staff with business registrations and other legal requirements.
• Monitored state and federal regulations to keep company up to date with changing laws.
• Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts and other legal documents to support employers needs.
• Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise employer on business and legal transactions.
• Provided legal counsel to employer on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
• Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies.
• Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for employer.
• Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for employer.

• Streamlined recruitment processes for faster and more efficient hiring of top talent.
• Reduced employee turnover through implementing comprehensive onboarding programs and ongoing training initiatives.
• Improved company culture by conducting regular employee surveys and addressing concerns promptly.
• Conducted thorough job analyses to create clear and concise job descriptions, facilitating improved candidate selection.
• Led conflict resolution efforts between employees, fostering improved working relationships among staff members.
• Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
• Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.

• Increased client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate legal advice.
• Managed complex caseloads for successful case resolution and client satisfaction.
• Streamlined office procedures to improve efficiency and reduce errors in legal documentation.
• Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty in the firm''s services.
• Conducted thorough legal research to support case strategies and inform decision-making processes.
• Implemented innovative solutions for managing time-sensitive cases, meeting deadlines without compromising quality of work.
• Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, motions, and briefs for successful outcomes in various corporate matters.
• Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
• Used knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcome of cases.
• Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
• Represented clients in court proceedings, and hearings.
• Directed and supported staff with business registrations and other legal requirements.
• Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
• Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
• Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
• Researched, wrote and filed motions, and briefs for each case.