Rachael Davis
Washington,DC
Summary
Proactive program manager with specialization in grant oversight and strategic program growth. Expertise in leading proposal development and managing cross-office teams to secure substantial funding through high-quality submissions. Proven ability to navigate complex challenges strategically, delivering impactful results.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Jesuit Refugee Service/ USA
Washington, DC
01.2023 - 06.2026
- Lead on grant monitoring and program oversight for 14 JRS County offices in Africa, for U.S. government (US DOS) and private donors
- Led proposal development for U.S. government and private funding, offering feedback and recommendations on proposal content and program design, ensuring submission of high-quality proposals
- Recruited, trained, and managed program coordinator, overseeing international programs team to enhance program effectiveness
- Coordinated global surveys across 58 JRS country and regional offices to collect data on gender responsive programming and improve accountability to affected populations
Senior Program Officer
Jesuit Refugee Service/ USA
Washington, DC
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Led program development initiatives to support refugee integration and community engagement
- Managed relationships with international partners, enhancing collaboration to improve service delivery for refugees
- Analyzed program funding priorities, identified new funding opportunities, and expanded partnerships to strengthen program sustainability
- Provided capacity strengthening and training support to JRS field offices, addressing specific training needs to improve operational effectiveness
- Coordinated training sessions for staff on best practices and donor compliance, ensuring alignment with humanitarian response standards
Program Officer
Jesuit Refugee Service/ USA
Washington, DC
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Coordinated and tracked U.S. government and private funding distribution to JRS Country Offices in Africa, ensuring timely disbursement and donor compliance while enhancing program impact
- Reviewed quarterly program and financial reports for quality and accuracy for U.S. government-funded programs, ensuring compliance and accountability
- Traveled to JRS locations in Africa to monitor program quality and progress, train staff on U.S. government and private funding guidelines, and contribute to program management in planning, design, implementation, and evaluation stages
- Developed training materials to enhance staff understanding of program protocols
Program Grants Assistant
USAID-Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance/PAE
Washington, DC
06.2017 - 07.2019
- Supported the Nigeria Response Management Team and the DRC Ebola Disaster Assistance Response Team in the role of Program Grants Assistant
- Supported program and grants management for portfolios in Africa Division, ensuring alignment with organizational standards
- Assisted in program and grants management tasks, streamlining proposal review processes for multiple country portfolios
- Monitored compliance for current and completed grants, generating data quality reports and tracking audit issues to enhance accountability
- Coordinated onboarding sessions for new team members in the Africa Division. Onboarding of new Africa Division members on grant processing and management procedures
- Documented internal and external meetings, capturing key insights and action items for follow-up, including sessions with U.S. government representatives
Program Associate
Institute of International Education
Washington, DC
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Delivered administrative support to The Language Flagship and Project GO, enhancing program operations and participant engagement
- Liaised with sponsors, U.S. institutions, and vendors to improve program management and foster partnerships
- Assisted with the coordination of proposal submissions by conducting technical reviews of submitted proposals to ensure that participants' documents were in compliance with IIE policy/program and federal requirements
- Planned and coordinated conferences and meetings, overseeing travel, catering, and event logistics while representing IIE
- Evaluated CRM student database and developed statistical charts and graphs to inform program assessment
Intern
Lutheran Family Service- Refugee Alyssum
Denver, CO
09.2013 - 05.2014
- Mentored clients on resume development and job skills, preparing them for successful job placements
- Conducted weekly English and job skills training classes for newly arrived refugees, improving their communication and employability
- Collaborated with staff to coordinate refugee relocation efforts in the Denver area, ensuring smooth transitions for families
Intern
UN OCHA/ Inter-Agency Standing Committee Secretariat
New York, NY
06.2013 - 09.2013
- Organized two IASC Principals meetings on the Syrian response to successfully coordinate humanitarian relief efforts
- Monitored and reported on Sub Working Group on Gender in Humanitarian Action, influencing the development of effective policies
- Contributed to the restructuring of the Terms of Reference of the IASC bodies' guidelines
- Supported daily operations of the IASC Secretariat to ensure effective coordination
Health Education Volunteer
Peace Corps
Senegal, West Africa
02.2009 - 04.2011
- Wrote grant for six health talks and free HIV testing, educating 200 community members about HIV/AIDS prevention
- Organized training for 15 regional health workers on childhood and maternity health issues, increasing community awareness of maternal health
- Promoted health and environmental improvements, enhancing community wellbeing in a rural area
- Facilitated the design and secured grant money for a trash collection system, and implemented it in 117 households within the village of Ouarkhokh, resulting in improved community sanitation
- Collaborated with teachers at the local primary and middle school to promote girls' education using various interventions, including co-ed basketball camp, scholarship programs, and Girl's Club
Volunteer CPR and First Aid Instructor
American Red Cross
Gainesville, FL
04.2007 - 02.2008
- Achieved CPR and First Aid instructor certification, enabling instruction in lifesaving skills including CPR, First Aid, AED, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
- Conducted two CPR/First Aid classes monthly, equipping participants with essential life-saving skills
- Designed and implemented first aid training programs tailored to diverse audiences, enhancing knowledge and preparedness.
- Assessed participant performance through practical evaluations and written tests, ensuring competency in lifesaving techniques.
- Ensured compliance with American Red Cross standards in all training materials.
Education
M.A. - International Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance Certificate
Josef Korbel School of International Relations at The University of Denver
06.2014
B.A. - History
University of Florida
12.2008
Skills
- Program management
- Proposal development
- Grant writing
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Capacity building
- Budget management
- Program compliance
- Data analysis
Languages
- English, Native
- French, Beginner
- Wolof, Beginner
Timeline
Program Manager
Jesuit Refugee Service/ USA
01.2023 - 06.2026
Senior Program Officer
Jesuit Refugee Service/ USA
06.2022 - 12.2022
Program Officer
Jesuit Refugee Service/ USA
08.2019 - 06.2022
Program Grants Assistant
USAID-Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance/PAE
06.2017 - 07.2019
Program Associate
Institute of International Education
01.2015 - 05.2017
Intern
Lutheran Family Service- Refugee Alyssum
09.2013 - 05.2014
Intern
UN OCHA/ Inter-Agency Standing Committee Secretariat
06.2013 - 09.2013
Health Education Volunteer
Peace Corps
02.2009 - 04.2011
Volunteer CPR and First Aid Instructor
American Red Cross
04.2007 - 02.2008
B.A. - History
University of Florida
M.A. - International Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance Certificate
Josef Korbel School of International Relations at The University of Denver