Executive Assistant Director
Resume:
OMONE
TESSY
OKOLO
*******@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/omone-
tessy-okolo-esq-1a202a107/
https://bold.pro/my/omone-okolo-
SKILLS,
Excellent communication and diplomacy
Organizational skills
Time management
Attention to detail
Adaptability
Discretion and confidentiality
Problem-solving skills
Tech-savviness
Professionalism
Interpersonal skills
Strategic planning and execution
Operational proficiency
Critical thinking
Leadership and team development
Executive management
Board management
Minutes and presentations
Emotional intelligence
Google suite
PROFILE SUMMARY
As an experienced professional specialized in executive support, I am dedicated to facilitating seamless
communication and fostering efficient solutions for organizational success. Collaborating with prestigious organizations such as UNDP, UnlockAid, and Smart Africa, I have honed my skills in driving impactful outcomes in executive support roles. My strategic vision, effective communication, and collaborative leadership style enables me to thrive in dynamic environments where innovation intersects with administrative excellence. I am deeply passionate about contributing to organizational growth and success on a global scale, making me an ideal candidate for executive assistant positions where I can provide invaluable support to senior executives and enhance operational efficiency.
EDUCATION
NIGERIA LAW SCHOOL, / BL. LAW / 2015
HOUDEGBE NORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, / LL.b. LAW/
2014
FEDERAL GOVT. GIRLS COLLEGE, ABAJI, ABUJA /WEST
AFRICAN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE / 2007 EXPERIENCE
AFRILABS FOUNDATION.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT LEAD / BOARD SUPPORT
JULY 2023 – FEB /2024
· Achieved people-centricity by transitioning the
Human Resources department to the People
Management.
· Improved work efficiency by implementing a
mental wellness plan consisting of workshops
and therapy session.
· Drafted new policy frameworks to address
identified gaps including Anti-harassment &
bullying, Severance and disciplinary policies.
· Pioneered the first organization wide
disciplinary committee.
· Optimized the recruitment process by
introducing skill gap hiring analysis, and data-
driven approaches.
· Created a long-term moonshot strategy for the
people management department.
2 P a g e
· Boosted the
diversification of the
team across the continent.
· Maintained an updated payroll system for monthly salaries.
· Sorted, interviewed, and onboarded new hires for different positions like the Audit & Compliance Lead, Procurement, Program & Event Associates, Senior Program Manager etc. across the continent.
· Created performance and personal improvement plans for employees after performance appraisal.
· Aligned policies with local, state, federal, and international employment regulations ensuring tax compliance.
· Introduced the organization’s first passion project and summer internship program
· Prepared presentations decks for Annual General Meetings of over 400 hub members. AFRILABS FOUNDATION.
CHIEF OF STAFF / BOARD SUPPORT
JAN 2023 – JULY 2023
· Managed the executive director’s calendar, scheduling meetings planning international travels, and securing visas and accommodation.
· Prepared all the Executive Director’s speech and presentations.
· Created agendas, presentations and minutes of high-level meetings, management meetings and board meetings.
· Negotiated MoUs to secure successful partnerships with external organizations, such as DCO and UnlockAid.
· Secured diplomatic relationships with the USA, Sweden and Finland Embassies in Nigeria.
· Participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for effective outcomes.
· Coordinated the first town hall for the team.
· Maintained relationships with partners such as UNDP, Smart Africa, UNCTAD, UnlockAid and others.
· Led the implementation of key points from the board meeting. AFRILABS FOUNDATION.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER / BOARD SUPPORT
JAN 2021 – JAN 2023
· Managed the Executive Director’s calendar, scheduling meetings planning international travels, and securing visas and accommodation.
· Negotiated high-value contracts with partners and vendors.
· Managed all communication between the office of the Executive Director and department leads.
· Represented the organization at external meetings and events to promote and build relationships with key stakeholders.
· Managed crisis response from the office of the ED to minimize potential negative impacts on the organization.
· Planned and executed the 2022 Annual General Meetings of over 300 hub members and the board meeting in Lusaka Zambia.
· Scheduled, prepared documents and accurately recorded management minutes.
· Travel arrangements for the Executive Director and the Board.
· Oversaw all department work and project plans.
· Managed the board calendar, board meetings, and minutes and managed board subgroups.
· Supported the recruitment team in interviews and sorting AFRILABS FOUNDATION
ACTING CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
JUNE. 2021 – SEPT 2021
3 P a g e
· 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.
· Developed and implemented recommendations for performance improvement.
· Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
· I tracked all department work and project plans. AFRILABS FOUNDATION
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / BOARD SUPPORT DEC. 2019 – JAN. 2021
· Prepared confidential and sensitive documents.
· Drafted and reviewed internal and external contracts.
· Fostered a positive work environment by creating open lines of communication and addressing concerns promptly between the ED & team.
· Formulated policies per regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance across all aspects of the organization’s operations.
· Developed positive relationships on behalf of the department with partners, team and community at large.
· Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive organizational excellence.
· Made travel arrangements including visas, lodging, & accommodations
· Recruited staff and developed job descriptions and person specifications.
· Scheduled board meetings, prepared presentations and board minutes. LIGHTSYDE INDUSTRIES LTD.
COMPANY SECRETARY / LEGAL ADVISER
AUG. 2017 – JUN. 2019
· Created and updated physical records and digital files
· Enhanced employer's satisfaction with timely and accurate legal advice on various matters.
· Reduced potential litigation risks by conducting thorough research and providing preemptive solutions to employers.
· Streamlined contract negotiation processes, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
· Advised executive teams on proper corporate governance practices, minimizing legal exposure and liability.
· Monitored state and federal regulations to keep the 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 employers on business and legal transactions.
· Fostered a positive work environment by creating open lines of communication and addressing concerns promptly between the ED & team.
· Formulated policies per regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance across all aspects of the organization’s operations.
· Developed positive relationships on behalf of the department with partners, team and community at large.
RESATONIE CREATIONS.
HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT
NOV. 2016 – JUL. 2017
· 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.
· Led conflict resolution efforts between employees, fostering improved working relationships among staff members
4 P a g e
JOHN ADELE & CO.
(GOD GUIDANCE CHAMBERS)
LEGAL PRACTICIONER.
NOV. 2015 – OCT. 2016
· Used internal templates to prepare subpoenas and client correspondence.
· 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.
· Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, motions, and briefs for successful outcomes in various corporate recruitment processes for faster and more efficient hiring of top talent. VOLUNTEERING ROLES
Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation, Abuja.
· Advisory board member. 2023 - Date
· Mentor 2019 - Date
Legal Aid Clinic, Lokoja.
· Probono clinic Nov. 2015 – Oct 2016
TRAININGS / CERTIFICATIONS
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
· People Analytics 2023
University of Minnesota
· Preparing to manage Human Resources 2023
Udemy
· Management Skills – Team Leadership 2023
PUBLICATIONS
·
· The State of The Innovation Policy Environment In Nigeria https://www.afrilabs.com/the-state-of-the-innovation-policy-environment-in-nigeria/
· Her Network Feature and website
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7134888751809314817/ https://www.hernetwork.co/meet-the-women-of-afrilabs-fostering-a-thriving-innovation-economy/
· The Future of Work regional report (pages 97-108) http://n/
Awards / Recognitions
Received the FGN Women Ambassadors Network Award on International Women’s Day 2023 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Nigeria
5 P a g e
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Advocated for the - Fostering Innovation in Global Development Act (FIGDA),during DC Advocacy Week in Washington DC 2023.
• Hosted a session on African Women's Inclusion in Global Innovation in Washington DC in collaboration with UnlockAid.
• Facilitated the localization of funds to Africa from USAID, engaging with key stakeholders at the Hart Senate Office Building and Rayburn House 2023.
• Presented the global visionary award to Rep. Chrissy Houlahan for her advocacy in funding localization and transparency.
• Delivered a keynote address at the 1st webinar of the Bloc Smart Africa Fund. a $100 million impact fund managed by Bamboo Capitals Partners, Luxembourg Aid & Development and SDG 500.
• Participated in the UNCTAD, eTrade for Women WSIS Forum, discussing inclusion for women digital entrepreneurs, co-hosted by the Confederation of Switzerland in Geneva.
• Executed the first multi-stakeholder dialogue session in Kigali with 25 government and private delegates from over 7 African countries during the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023.
• Participated at the virtual panel event on AI for Industry in Africa, focused on unleashing potential for development. Hosted by ITU in partnership with UNIDO.
• I shared insights on the needs of Africa's ICT, startups, and innovation ecosystem during a virtual panel event hosted by Smart Africa.
• Presented at the 2 INDIA AFRICA ICT EXPO 2021, speaking on the Development of ICT Startup and innovation ecosystem in Africa.
• Planned panel sessions on the state of the innovation policy environment in Nigeria and Kenya.
• Presented on the relevance of innovation, science, and technology in reducing the digital gap and improving economic opportunities for women at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria on International Women’s Day 2023.
• Presented at the AfriLabs Annual General Meeting 2023 held in Kigali, Rwanda on the goals and achievements of the People Management department and organized the annual general meeting for over 400 AfriLabs hub members.
REFEREES
Available on request
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