Operations Manager Program

Mr. SAIFULLAH SAIFI

Saint Paul, MN ******.****@*****.*** +1-651-***-****

SUMMARY

Experienced and result oriented operations manager with over 23 years of general experience and 15 years of professional experience in managing the operations of the International and National Non-Governmental Organizations (I/NGOs) and Financial Institutions (MFIs) that provided services to clients in humanitarian and financial sectors. Proven track record of managing the operations of multi-sector and large-scale organizations and projects, with expertise in team building, administration, financial management, and capacity building. Seeking a role of managing the operations/administration team in an organization where I can transfer my skill to the team and strengthen my management skills.

SKILLS

Accountability

Time management

Critical thinking and decision making

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Team building

Budgeting and Financial Management

Interpersonal Skills

Conflict resolution and problem solving

Computer and internet skills

Multi-lingual (English, Pashto, Persian, Urdu and Hindi)

WORK HISTORY

Head of Program Operations Jun 2022 – Sep 2024

BRAC International Kabul, Afghanistan

Led and managed the operations of BRAC Afghanistan programs, with a primary focus on the UNDP-funded ABADEI project implemented in 52 districts across 17 provinces.

Managed the operations of 10 regional and 15 area offices through the supervision of regional operation teams

Collaborated with the HR department to streamline recruitment processes and oversaw the onboarding of the projects staff as per the recruitment plans.

Ensured seamless coordination between Program, Finance, and Operation departments by developing and implementing procurement plans, spending plans, and activity plans.

Collaborated with Information and Technology (IT) team to ensure the regional and area offices have access to IT services and tools.

Collaborated with Admin and Logistic teams in supporting the Field Operations.

Collaborated with Government Liaison and Security team to ensure required coordination is done with government departments at central and regional levels and the required security measures are in place in at central and field level.

Program Manager Jan 2019 – May 2022

BRAC International Kabul, Afghanistan

As Program Manager, successfully completed the implementation of the multi-year Citizens’ Charter Afghanistan Project (CCAP).

Led the implementation of the program in three regions through capacitating program team on program objectives.

Supervised the program DIP implementation through regular meeting with regional program team and conducting field visits.

Managed the operations of the regional office in collaboration with support departments

Managed the execution of program budget through follow up on budget execution and procurement plans with finance and procurement departments.

Collaborated HR team in staff onboarding and staff performance evaluation on semi and annual basis.

Worked with Government Liaison and Security team to ensure coordination with government and security department and to ensure the security measures are in place in central and regional offices.

Head of Livelihoods & Eco-Empowerment Sector Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 Afghan Development Association (ADA) Kabul, Afghanistan

Led and managed the Economic Empowerment Program funded by NCA (Norwegian Church Aid), covering Value chain development for the existing MSMEs, 2) Establishment of New Enterprises and 3) Vocational skill development for youths

Led and managed WASH, DRR and Free Food/Cash distribution projects funded by UNOCHA, DKH, CAID, WFP and OXFAM in various provinces of the country.

Project Manager Apr 2011 – Dec 2015

Tadbeer Consulting Inc. Kabul, Afghanistan

Worked as Project Manager (PM) for Police and Justice Sector- Community Consultation project (UNOPs)

Worked as Program Coordinator (PC) for Community-Police Consultation project funded by LOTFA (Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan)/UNDP.

Worked as Project Manager (PM) for Community-Police Consultation project funded by US Embassy.

Head of Operations Oct 2009 – Mar 2011

MISFA-Afghanistan Kabul, Afghanistan

As Head of Operations, led and managed the operations of the transitioning/merging MFIs and was assigned as:

Acting General Manager - MoFAD (Microfinance Agency for Development), CARE – Afghanistan Microfinance program - 7th Oct-2009 – 31st Mar-2011 (18 months)

Acting General Manager- AMFI (Afghanistan Microfinance Institution), CFH International Microfinance program -1st Dec-2009 – 31st Mar-2011 (16 months)

Acting Managing Director - Parwaz Microfinance Institution -1st Dec-2010 – 31st Mar-2011 (4 months)

Worked as member of the Transition Management Team, assigned for the merging process of the transitioning MFIs into a New Entity – Mutahid DFI

Technical Support Manager Mar 2004 – Sep 2009 MISFA – Afghanistan Kabul, Afghanistan

Provided technical support to Financial Institutions – Microfinance Institutions and Commercial Banks, in developing products and systems.

Provided capacity building support to Financial Institutions - MFIs’ and Banks staff through class room and on the job training programs and through exposure trips to best performing financial institutions globally.

Monitored and evaluated the performance of Financial Institutions – Through conducting due diligence of partner MFIs and banks for technical and financial support, and conducting performance analysis of MFIs and Banks through their financial and portfolio quality reports, etc.

Microfinance Coordinator Jan 2003 – Feb 2004 DACAAR Kabul, Afghanistan

Led and managed the Microfinance program implemented in three regions of the country by providing technical support to program team in establishing Village Organizations (VOs), Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), mobilizing savings and lending to farmers and small business holders.

Led and managed the operations of the regional offices through the support from the support departments.

Facilitated the microfinance program transformation into an independent MFI (MADRAC).

EDUCATION

Masters of Science (M.Sc.) May 1999

University of Peshawar Peshawar, Pakistan

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Apr 1995

University of Peshawar Peshawar, Pakistan

CERTIFICATIONS

Professional Leadership Program Feb 2025 – Present

International Institute of Minnesota Minneapolis/MN, USA

Disaster Risk Management Oct-2016

JICA Afghanistan Tokyo, Japan

Humanitarian Principles in Practice May-2015 Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) Kabul, Afghanistan

ToT Certificate Nov2014

Business Edge (IFC –World Bank Group) Kabul, Afghanistan

Strategic Leadership Jun-2012

GIZ/Tadbeer Consulting Inc. Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Microfinance for Rural Poor Oct-2009

CIRDAP Dhaka, Bangladesh

Individual Lending Mar 2007

SHOREBANK INTERNATIONAL Kabul, Afghanistan

External Audit Dec-2006

EDA Rural Systems Pvt. Ltd Gurgaon, India

ToT in Microfinance Sep 2005- Feb 2006

UNCDF Kabul, Afghanistan

Internal Audit Sep-2006

EDA Rural Systems Pvt. Ltd Kabul, Afghanistan

Certificate in Microfinance Jul-Aug 2006

Boulder Microfinance Institute Turin, Italy

Financial Analysis Dec-2005 CGAP/EDA–Rural Systems Pvt. Ltd Gurgaon, India

Accounting Nov-2005 CGAP and EDA–Rural Systems Pvt. Ltd Kabul, Afghanistan

ACHEIVEMENTS

Achieved UNHCR Scholarship during education as a result of getting first division in B.Sc.

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE

As part of my profession, I had structured exposures to finance management and development works in countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Japan, and Uzbekistan and have attended various international conferences in India, UK, Italy, Sri Lanka, UAE and elsewhere.

REFERENCES

Available upon request

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