Violet Buluma
Eswatini
Summary
An experienced professional with over 20 years of creating and delivering sustained results and effective change for firms across a wide range of industries including public health, environmental sustainability, financial and consulting in public and private sector as well as not for profit organizations. Major experience lies in strategizing and leading cross-functional teams to bring about fundamental change and enhancement in strategy, process, and profitability – both as a leader, team member and expert consultant. Highly experienced and skilled at building lasting relationships with stakeholders and business executives at all levels including major bilateral and multilateral partner development agencies such as World Bank, UN, PEPFAR, Gates Foundation, CHAI and Global Fund.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Program Manager Consultant
Georgetown University- GU (Eswatini)
04.2022 - 11.2023
- Delivered a world class website for the LISTEN project, facilitated and performed event management for a cross country meeting as well as improved relationships between GU and the Ministry of health at the executive level
Technical Program Manager
Georgetown University (Eswatini)
10.2020 - 03.2022
- Provided project management and technical support and advisory for multiple projects funded by Gates Foundation and PEPFAR.
- Streamlined project delivery by implementing agile methodologies and optimizing team collaboration.
- Improved cross-functional communication by establishing regular meetings and facilitating clear documentation.
- Championed process improvements, introducing streamlined workflows that increased productivity across teams.
- Led international project teams to successfully deliver complex initiatives within budgetary constraints.
- Delivered high-impact presentations to stakeholders demonstrating program value, progress updates, and strategic recommendations.
- Nurtured strong client relationships by maintaining open lines of communication throughout program lifecycle stages.
- Successfully managed multiple simultaneous projects while adhering to strict deadlines for optimal progress tracking.
- Achieved scalability in systems architecture by identifying growth areas and planning proactively for future expansion.
- Implemented monitoring tools and performance metrics for increased visibility into project health and risk mitigation strategies.
Head: Business Process For Impact
Ministry of Health Eswatini
11.2018 - 08.2021
- Successfully initiated a gates funded project introducing the Local Innovations Scaled Through Enterprise Networks (LISTEN) concept as a response to HIV/TB and other health issues
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
National Covid Coordinator
Ministry of Health Eswatini
03.2020 - 09.2020
- Successfully performed and coordinated resource mobilization for the Covid -19 response at national level from both local and international donors, provided interim coordination of the Covid-19 Response from the Ministers office for the initial stages of the response including weekly updates for cabinet and local and international health partners
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Increased efficiency by streamlining coordination processes and implementing new organizational systems.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through resource allocation optimization, leading to significant budget reductions.
Project Coordinator Essential Health Care Package
Ministry of Health Swaziland
12.2012 - 09.2018
- Successfully established and set up a new office (EHCP) and successfully merged the EHCP office into Ministry of Health's normative operations
- Developed comprehensive project plans, outlining scopes, timelines, deliverables, and milestones.
- Elevated overall quality of completed projects by consistently monitoring progress and addressing issues proactively.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve seamless collaboration in achieving project objectives.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all projects, facilitating efficient audits and future reference.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define clear project goals, leading to consistent alignment with expectations throughout the process.
- Assisted in developing training materials and organized workshops aimed at enhancing skill sets among staff members working under various capacities on different projects within the organization.
- Played an active role in brainstorming sessions held for the purpose of generating innovative ideas/solutions which could potentially be incorporated into existing/new projects being undertaken by the company.
Accounts Executive
Standard Bank of Swaziland
02.2008 - 11.2012
- Successfully completed management program, obtained ACI dealership certificate and grew portfolio by increasing number of clients and cross selling within a diverse portfolio to grow revenue streams
- Developed strong relationships with key clients including Agriculture, fostering trust and loyalty to facilitate long-term business growth.
- Evaluated credit risks associated with new customers, safeguarding the company''s assets while supporting business expansion efforts.
- Deepened customer relationships through strong attention to needs and knowledgeable service.
- Delivered engaging sales presentations to new clients, explaining technical information in simplified language to promote features and increase client base.
- Leveraged industry trends and competitive analysis to improve customer relationship building.
- Gained understanding of goals, objectives and processes to meet client business needs.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
Coordinator: Business Information and Training
Federation of Swaziland Employers and Chamber of Commerce
03.2006 - 01.2008
- Founded the Business women's forum of Swaziland and obtained seed funding for its operations, obtained funding from International Labour Organization for and implemented a capacity building program for SMEs in the chamber of Commerce
- Arranged the Swaziland – Italy Business to Business meetings for entrepreneurs involved in Agriculture
- Improved efficiency by streamlining coordination processes and implementing new organizational systems.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
- Developed comprehensive reports for senior management, enabling informed decision-making based on data-driven insights.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
- Participated in workshops and in-service meetings to enhance personal growth and professional development.
Business Development Officer
Africa South Developments
08.2005 - 02.2006
- Experienced in starting up new ventures (property, hospitality, agricultural, consulting) starting from formulating new business proposals and plans, budgeting and financial cash flow forecasting for new business ventures, accessing financing, setting up operations and recruitment
- Expanded market share by conducting comprehensive market research and competitor analysis
- Managed a diverse portfolio of projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and budgets constraints
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Stayed current on company offerings and industry trends.
Graduate Assistant
Southwest Missouri State University
08.2003 - 05.2005
- Assisting professors with preparation of teaching materials and research, grading student projects and exams, working on projects with students
Tax Assistant Intern
Central Tax Services
01.2005 - 04.2005
- Preparing personal tax returns using pro series tax system, assisting customers with tax queries
Project Officer
Yonge Nawe Environmental Action Group
06.2001 - 12.2002
- Organized, facilitated and attended national and regional on social, economic and environmental issues, involved in project planning, management and creating annual work plans, collaborated with schools and communities on environmental issues
- Reduced project delivery timelines through meticulous planning, scheduling, and resource management.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion of project milestones and deliverables.
- Developed comprehensive project plans outlining scope, timeline, budget constraints, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Led multi-disciplinary teams in executing complex projects on time, within budget constraints, while adhering to stringent quality standards.
- Coordinated work efforts across multiple departments fostering a cohesive environment conducive to achieving project success efficiently.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
Education
Certificate in Project Management -
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas10.2019
Masters in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management -
Wits University
Johannesburg, South Africa05.2017
Post Graduate Diploma in Development Finance -
University of Stellenbosch
Capetown, South Africa04.2014
Master's in Business Administration – Finance -
Missouri State University (MSU)
Springfield, Missouri05.2005
Bachelor of Science -
University of Malawi
Blantyre, Malawi04.2001
Skills
- Project Management
- Project Leadership
- Work Process Optimization
- Presentation and facilitation
- Business Relationship Management
- Program implementation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Policy Development
- Strategic Planning
- Client Relationship Building
- Continuous process improvements
Consultancies
- Financial Advisory and Capital Raising, Eswatini Railways, 08/2020
- Due diligence for real estate development, Eswatini Railways, 01/2020
- Development of a credit policy, International Development Company of Eswatini, 04/2019
- Due diligence for residential real estate development, Ekhaya Properties, 09/2019
- Market research of the Insurance Market in Swaziland, Potential new entrants, 08/2017
- Development of coaching and mentoring tool for SME, 05/2016 - 08/2016
- Provide expert advice on tax and legal issues in Swaziland, 05/2015, 12/2015
Leadership Roles
- Chairperson of secretariat organizing SADC Ministers meeting - 2017
- Senior Management Team - Ministry of health - 2012-2016
- Management Team – Standard Bank of Swaziland - 2008-2012
- Founding member – Business women's Forum of Swaziland - 2007
- Swaziland International Trade Fair Management Committee - 2006-2007
- Management Committee member – Entrepreneur of the year awards - 2007
- National Essential Services Committee - 2006
- Volunteer Mentor for Missouri Mentoring Partnership - 2003-2005
- Member of Association of International Students - 2003-2005
- Graduate Student Council - MSU - 2004 - 2005
- Country Coordinator of GWP Southern African Youth Team - 2002
- Task Team Member of Swaziland Recycling Group - 2002
References
- Steve Kretschmer, DESIRELine, Istanbul | Mbabane | Washington DC, +90 532 058 1395, stevek@desireline.org
- Susan Kim, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Department of Health and Human Services, suskim@gmail.com, +1 (734) 546 1422
- Sarah Hamm Rush, Senior Program Officer (New Product planning and introduction, TB and HIV), Gates Foundation, Sarah.HammRush@gatesfoundation.org, +1 206 641 1382
Timeline
Technical Program Manager Consultant
Georgetown University- GU (Eswatini)
04.2022 - 11.2023
Technical Program Manager
Georgetown University (Eswatini)
10.2020 - 03.2022
National Covid Coordinator
Ministry of Health Eswatini
03.2020 - 09.2020
Head: Business Process For Impact
Ministry of Health Eswatini
11.2018 - 08.2021
Project Coordinator Essential Health Care Package
Ministry of Health Swaziland
12.2012 - 09.2018
Accounts Executive
Standard Bank of Swaziland
02.2008 - 11.2012
Coordinator: Business Information and Training
Federation of Swaziland Employers and Chamber of Commerce
03.2006 - 01.2008
Business Development Officer
Africa South Developments
08.2005 - 02.2006
Tax Assistant Intern
Central Tax Services
01.2005 - 04.2005
Graduate Assistant
Southwest Missouri State University
08.2003 - 05.2005
Project Officer
Yonge Nawe Environmental Action Group
06.2001 - 12.2002
Certificate in Project Management -
Southern Methodist University
Masters in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management -
Wits University
Post Graduate Diploma in Development Finance -
University of Stellenbosch
Master's in Business Administration – Finance -
Missouri State University (MSU)
Bachelor of Science -
University of Malawi
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