Project Manager

Location:

Rosedale, MD

Posted:

November 14, 2012

Contact this candidate

Resume:

Mamadou Augustin Dembele (see end for USA contact)

Email: ********@*********.***

Address:

City: Rosedale

State: MD

Zip: 21237

Country: USA

Phone: 443-***-****

Skill Level: Any

Salary Range:

Primary Skills/Experience:

Creative professional with extensive project experience from concept to development. Talents include:

Monitoring and Evaluation (from elaboration of Performance Monitoring Plans, Data Quality Assessment, results consolidation, analysis and reporting, to project evaluation).

Agricultural production development ( from Ag. Extension, Ag. technologies field testing, to farmers' organization capacity strengthening), including integrating Ag. production and Natural Resources Management (NRM).

Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) which make any project environmentally sound.

Have more than 20 years in projects management, and about 16 years in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), and in projects environmental impact assessment, with USAID (United States Agency for International Development). My strength is that I always want a well accomplish job, through appropriate planning, good supervision/monitoring, paying attention to details, beneficiaries and results oriented. During my career I have been evaluated "Exceeds Requirements, Outstanding and Exceptional".

Held three positions at the same time with my last empIoyer USAID: M&E (60percentage of effort), NRM projects Management (30percentage) and EIA(10percentage),. I desire a challenging position in one of the talents listed above either as permanent staff or as consultant.

Master of Science degree in Ag. Extension and Education, and went through many trainings in various topics under Ag. development, M&E, NRM, EIA, gender, and finance.

Educational Background:

High School Dipolma from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA 1/2001 to 5/1995 (Extension Education)

High School Dipolma from Institut Polytechnique Rural, Baton Rouge LA 1/2001 to 11/2012

Job History / Details:

Professional Summary

Creative professional with extensive project experience from concept to development. Talents include:

Monitoring and Evaluation (from elaboration of Performance Monitoring Plans, Data Quality Assessment, results consolidation, analysis and reporting, to project evaluation).

Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) which make any project environmentally sound.

Held three positions at the same time with my last empIoyer USAID: M&E (60 percentage of effort), NRM projects Management (30 percentage ) and EIA(10 percentage ),. I desire a challenging position in one of the talents listed above either as permanent staff or as consultant.

Master of Science degree in Ag. Extension and Education, and went through many trainings in various topics under Ag. development, M&E, NRM, EIA, gender, and finance.

Core Qualifications

Results-oriented

Ag. Extension/Education

Monitoring and Evaluation

Projects Sustainability and Gender oriented

Environmentally sound project management oriented (NRM, GCC)

Environmental Impact Assessment

Beneficiary-focused

Data management

Dependable

Pay attention to details

Extremely organized

Self-motivated

Fast learning

Experience

January 1996 to Current

USAID Bamako, Mali

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.

Monitoring and Evaluation ( M&E) specialist for the Accelerated Economic Growth (AEG) Division or Team, covering M&E management activities under 14 new projects. Projects covered agriculture, livestock, fishery, micro-finance, trade, and natural resources management activities. Partners were Private, Government, Regional, International institutions, PVOs, Universities, such as Abt. Associates, Chemonics, Winrock Int., Near East Foundation, Trickle Up, ICRISAT, World Bank, AED, Save the Children, CARE Int, Texas A.M University, etc.

This is another management position requiring impeccable judgment, maturity, resourcefulness, and meticulous attention to details.

The monitoring activities which helped yield good results for AEG Division went through appropriate planning, results assessment and analysis approaches, and involving co-workers and partners.

During Partners' proposals review, particular attention was paid to a section on activities performance monitoring, ensuring that it is appropriate.

A consolidated Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) was prepared for AEG Team, and complied with USAID/Washington conditions in terms of results reporting.

PMP is a very critical document for projects implementation: it helps plan all technical activities of programs or projects in an integrated approach, in order to have coherent results.

Appropriate assistance was brought to the Technical Assistance (T.A) teams of AEG Division, including Government partners, to prepare adequate PMPs for their activities, (including critical elements such as the Results Framework, results to be achieved, appropriate indicators and measures, baselines and targets, how to collect data, etc).

Partners' knowledge was strengthened in a specific important element of the Results Framework, which is the indicator characteristics and others (definition, rationale, and measurement, disaggregation into gender and into others). The difference between some indicators such as NRM and agronomic indicators which has been an issue for long was clarified. This clarification helped improve the activities planning and the results reporting.

Projects monitoring in the field, for compliance with the PMPs, was carried out; Data Quality Assessment (DQA) conducted to ensure that the performance is properly assessed and reported. Suggestions and recommendations reinforced the improvement of project performance and results reporting, because activities were also more focused.

The success of a project depends much on the way the Results Framework is elaborated.

M&E work with USAID has been greatly appreciated by USAID and its partners. In 2003, during a review of a Strategy of USAID/Mali, the Economic Growth Results Framework (RF) was appreciated by the Headquarter as a model for emulation.

As far as projects evaluation is concerned, I actively participated in the evaluation of rural development projects such as Operation Haute Valléee du Niger (OHVN) in Mali (USAID project), National Agricultural Extension Project (PNVA) of Mali (World Bank project), Farming System Research and Extension (FSRE) in Mali (USAID project), and Democratic Governance project in Ghana (USAID project). Not only I prepared important sections, but also guided the team members' approaches, as a Performance Management Plan, particularly Results Framework writer and analyst.

In May 2012, I took the lead of an evaluation of food security project (with agriculture, livestock and nutrition components) for "Intercooperation Suisse" in Mali (Swiss project).

I participated to, and reviewed for improvement, many studies conducted for USAID (feasibility studies for projects, studies to clarify issues or to find solutions etc.).

January 1999 to Current

USAID Bamako, Mali

Mission Environmental Officer

This is a management position requiring impeccable judgment, maturity, resourcefulness, and meticulous attention to details.

All projects or any activity, financed by USAID, fully complied with USA Environmental regulations and procedures,under close monitoring.

Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) documents for USAID Economic Growth, Education, Health and Democratic Governance programs and for any related activity were documented . No activity can be implemented without approved IEE.

Monitoring of all USAID/Mali projects activities IEE recommendations including mitigation measures implementation was carried out; and project or activity Environmental compliance documented.

Even with short notice for projects to be implemented, but requiring IEE, the later was always ready on time in order to avoid delay in project start up.

Presentations on environmental impact assessment concepts and importance were made to USAID and Partners staff.

January 1998 to Current

USAID Bamako, Mali

Natural Resources Management (NRM)

I managed all environmental protection projects, including Biodiversity, and NRM related activities under projects financed by USIAD. As results oriented person, I brought partners to focus to the objectives and to results to be achieved, when elaborating Result Frameworks, analyzing results, and reporting.

The portfolio included NRM and pests management projects.

NRM activities managed were under the following: OHVN (Office de la Haute Valléee du Niger) Ag/NRM Extension project, "Sustainable Ag.production project" with CLUSA (Cooperative Leagues of USA), IICEM Ag/NRM project (Initiatives Integréees pour la Croissance Economique au Mali) with Abt. Associates. NRM related projects fully managed were Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance (GSTA) under AED (Academy for Educational Development), Global Climate Change (GCC) under NEF (Near East Foundation), and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) under Virginia Tech.

Partners work performance and any required documents were reviewed and if necessary comments provided to correct any deficiency.

With my technical contribution, NEF Global Climate Change project proposal was approved by USAID/Washington.

With appropriate indicators setting and advice, our partners undertook the right activities to improve not only the production and land degradation protection, but also the reporting of results. In addition, as the Contracting Technical Officer Representative (COTR) or Project Manager of GSTA, I tackled the challenge of resolving existing conflicts with local Government authorities in Mopti Region.

I have been adviser and catalyst for all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) requiring the integration of Environment/Natural Resources Management (E/NRM) issues (such as Community Based Natural Resources Management, CBNRM) into development programs.

Major player in two critical tasks that USAID/Mali had to initiate for emergency locust eradication in 2004 and for Avian Influenza (AI) virus threat prevention in 2006. These unplanned and unforeseen potential catastrophes demanded a significant amount of attention and assistance which enabled USAID to play a pivotal role in their control.

January 1987 to January 1997

USAID Bamako, Mali

Project Manager

In addition to NRM projects, other projects managed before 2000 such as Semi-Arid Tropics Crop Research project under an International Research Institution, ICRISAT; Dirée Agronomic Research project, Farming System Research and Extension (FSRE) and Natural Resources Management (NRM) projects; Strengthening Research Planning and Research on Commodities (The three projects under the Malian Agricultural Research Institute, IER); Agricultural Research and NRM project under a Regional Organization, INSAH (Institut du Sahel); Appropriate Technologies and Vegetable Production development project under Enterprises Work Worldwide (EWW).

A good technical and financial management of activities were provided under these projects.

Annual budgets were reviewed against the annual work plan. Sometimes discrepancies occurred, and then correction was suggested.

In order to improve the results quality, suggestions and recommendations were provided in field trips reports and on contractors' reports. Some recommendations went on field trials set up in farmers' field, data collection methods in order to obtain reliable results; others went on appropriate activities planning, indicators improvement and targets setting, in order to achieve the targeted objectives.

Because of implementation of suggestions, the projects staff had the reporting easier, and therefore appreciated by USAID. Even though USAID/Mali went to a severe budget cut at that time, most of these projects even had an extension approval.

Today the appropriate technologies developed under EWW are adopted (pedal treadle pumps for water, economic charcoal stoves, new varieties of onion). From INSAH, NRM practices adopted by farmers have been capitalized for use over Africa Sahel region. From the Agronomic Research Institute, sorghum, cowpea varieties, and NRM practices have been made available to farmers.

January 1987 to March 1987

World Vision Gao, Mali

Rice production specialist

Work aimed to increase rice production in the irrigated perimeters in Gao Region, through yield performance.

Field agents and farmers received training in rice production and management techniques.

In a short time, an assessment of the cultural practices was conducted and then new rice planting system and new fertilizer formula were recommended. This change increased yield by 50 - 100 percentage (according to field agents after I left).

January 1977 to January 1987

West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA) Mopti, Mali

Research and Extension Liaison Officer

Head of the Research and Extension Liaison Division. In order to better orient the applied Research and to transfer appropriate production technologies to farmers, rice production technologies constraints assessment, farmers' fields trials, and demonstration plots took place in some WARDA member countries.

Other technical divisions (Agronomy, Varietal Improvement, Weed Science, Entomology), because of the assessment results, undertook appropriate research themes to alleviate the constraints to deep water and floating rice production.

Activities were carried out with 12 field agents. They received training on the basics of rice plants, rice production, and on agro-socio-economic data collection, before taking them into the field work.

In order for the extension agents and farmers to understand and appreciate the work they will teach to others for adoption, they participated in the activities execution.

Rice production constraints assessment took place in Nigeria and in Guinea.

In order to take into account the concerns of women in rice production, I wrote a specific questionnaire, for women interview, to be taken with any researcher going into field trip.

Farmers in shallow water areas, where it was hard to find appropriate varieties, adopted new introduced varieties.

January 1976 to July 1976

Operation Riz Mopti (0RM) Mopti, Mali

Rice Extension Specialist

Operation Riz Mopti, ORM) is a Rice Production Extension Agency.

The few months spent there were focused on training farmers and annual report writing. I helped improve the writing with farmers and results oriented focus, and precise recommendations.

Education

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Master of Science Extension Education

Minor in Agronomy.

Academic Achievement Award: PHI KAPPA PHI; GAMMA SIGMA DELTA.

GPA: 4.0.

Coursework in Cooperative Extension Service; Educational Objectives development, planning and implementation; communication; cooperative development; crops production; fertilizers use; soils science; paddy soils science; statistics; Women in Development etc.

Institut Polytechnique Rural Koulikoro,

Bachelor of Science Agriculture

Coursework in crop production (millet, sorghum, rice, fruits, vegetable, oilseed plants, fertilizers etc.), soils science, microbiology, physiology, research trials, pests and their management,

Coursework in hydrology, nutrition technology, extension, statistics, mechanization, crop production equipment, sociology etc.

Trainings.

1977. Six months "Rice production Specialist course" (International rice Research Institute, IRRI in Philippines).

1978. Three months in learning India experience in transfer of agricultural technology (Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR, India).

1984. Keys to agricultural development (University of Wisconsin, USA).

Development and Operation of agricultural extension programs (University of Missouri, USA).

1990. USAID Project Implementation course, (Kenya).

1991. Roôle et Participation de la Femme dans le Deéveloppement : contexte et outils analytiques, (au Mali). "Role and Participation of Woman in Development".

1992. Project planning and analysis for agricultural and rural development. (USA).

1994. USA Government Audit Norms Training workshop (Mali).

1994. Vouchers Payment processing (Mali).

1994. Management Skills (Mali).

1997. Agricultural and Environment/NRM staff workshop (USA).

1997 and 1999. Africa Regional Environmental Assessment Training course (Mali and Tanzania respectively).

1999. Reaching for Result Training Workshop; Mali.

2000. Regional Environment Assessment Training course for PVO/ ONG. I also served as resource person.

2000 and 2003. Acquisition and Assistance course for Cognizant Technical Officer, CTO (Mali).

2001. USAID Performance Management training course (Senegal).

2001. Global Climate Change workshop (USA).

2004. Financial Management overview (Mali)

2004. Certificate Program in Evaluation : Phase I (theory), Phase II (practice), Ghana.

2005: Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) training course with USEPA. I was also a resource person (Mali).

2006 Principles of EIA review (USEPA). - Principles of Environmental Laws Enforcement (USEPA) - Biosafety and risk management in GMO crops (USEPA) - Cleaner Production training course (Mali). I also played resource person role.

2008 Project and its Monitoring and Evaluation" course (one month, July); Illinois State University.

2009. Overview of NRM and Global climate Change in depth workshops (USA).

2010. Detailed Implementation and Management Planning workshop (Senegal). I also served as resource person. Presentations were made on M&E related topics and on financial management.

2010. Climate Change and its Impact on Economic Development (IP3, USA).

2010. International Colloquium on Adaptation to Climate Change (Senegal).

USAID West Africa workshop on food security (Feed the Future Strategy) planning workshop.

Awards

From Louisiana State University for outstanding achievement in Master of Science degree (GPA: 4.0): Honor Society of PHI KAPPA PHI, and GAMMA SIGMA DELTA Awards.

From USAID: Meritorious Honor Awards (3); Certificate of Recognition (1); Cash Performance Awards (8); On the Spot Awards (3).

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