Adjaratou Fall (Mrs Fall)
Administrative & Finance Specialist Budget Specialist/HACT/HCT Specialist
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Congo, DRC Mobile: +243-***-***-*** (WhatsApp) /+221*********/+1-857-***-**** Email: ******@******.*** - *****************@*******.*** PROFILE
With over 14 years of experience within the United Nations and other NGOs, I am a dynamic and results-oriented professional specializing in financial management, financial planning, and administrative operations. My background shows a proven ability to manage implementation partnerships while ensuring financial transparency and regulatory compliance. I am deeply committed to promoting operational efficiency, strategic collaboration, and capacity building within UNICEF. My ability in internal controls and strategic financial planning reflects my dedication to achieving my work plan
Strong Knowledge in analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail, I excel in fostering effective partnerships and collaborations. My goal is to actively contribute to sustainable and impactful solutions in finance and beyond.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Administration and Finance Officer - July 2021 to December 2023 - UNICEF DRC- Goma Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
In charge of Financial Management & Risk Compliance’s guidance and oversight for financial services/Administration support at the East Goma Coordination office, focusing on Emergency Outreach Response outcomes and donor’s funds allocated. My main task was to Ensure a effective use of financial resources through quality assurance activities, Payroll, Funds and Grants monitoring including spot- checks and audits, while collaborating with UN agencies for efficient costing and joint audits. Provide technical input to the establishment of financial guidelines using business model (workflow processes) and internal SOP (Standards Operations Process) for best practices. o Budget Oversight: Developed and managed budgets for multiple projects, performing detailed financial analysis to ensure compliance with financial regulations. o Operations Leadership: Supported comprehensive operations functions, driving change, and providing risk-informed, solution-focused advice. Contributed to program and management decisions for delivering results in emergency contexts. o Compliance & Financial Reporting/Payroll: Monitored compliance with financial reporting timelines, contributing to the delivery of funds for UNICEF operations while minimizing financial risks. Provided technical support and capacity building on financial and budgetary matters. o Policy & Risk Management: Contributed to the development of financial guidelines, safeguarding cost-effective resource use through systematic monitoring. Participated in the update of the Country Office Annual Risk Assessment and supported the Enterprise Risk Management process. o Audit & Evaluation Collaboration: Collaborated on audit/evaluation reports, addressing recommendations, and ensuring compliance with rules and guidelines. o Lead of Inter-UN agency of Finance & Administrative Support/ Travel group: Fostered internal and external networks, contributing to inter-agency collaboration. Supported the management and control of assets, fuel ensuring compliance with IPSAS rules, and gave authoritative advice on administrative/Financial policies and procedures aligned to Business Operations Strategy- Operations Common Services activities.
Administration & Finance Specialist in MENA Regional Office Türkiye- January to October 2024 Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
I Managed the budget and financial resources effectively to ensure smooth office operations, strict budget oversight, and finance coordination with Global Shared services center (GSSC). Provided timely program and administrative support, ensuring compliance with LTAs and risk mitigation frameworks. Oversaw asset management, office maintenance, and inventory control, supporting Property Survey Board activities. Played a key role in partnership and risk management, o Budget Oversight: Ensured strict adherence to budgetary objectives for seamless office operations.
o Finance Coordination: Served as the primary finance contact, managing all GSSC documentation and requests.
o Program & Admin Execution: Ensured timely and accurate fulfillment of program and admin service requests per LTAs.
o Risk & Partnership Management: Supported risk mitigation and assurance activities, working closely with the Operations Manager and HACT Specialist (matrix of risk assessment and monitoring)
o Asset Management: Controlled administrative supplies, office equipment, and vehicles, supporting inventory and overseeing Property Survey Board activities. o Premises & Resource Management: Enforced compliance with standards for supply usage and office maintenance.
o Successfully managed budget and financial resources to support office operations effectively. o Provided crucial support in partnership and risk management, contributing to the smooth implementation of assurance activities.
o Demonstrated excellence in property management and administrative support, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with standards.
Operations Manager, November 2022 to January 2023 Bukavu Office -DRC UNICEF Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
I provided strategic, managerial, and technical leadership for the Operations section. My responsibilities encompassed staff management, budget oversight, financial management, facility management, and reporting, with a focus on coordinating activities related to annual budget closure and performance monitoring of 2022.
o Reviewed and approved all payments including Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs), liquidations, and procurement documents.
o Conducted thorough reviews following spot checks with implementing partners to monitor ineligible expenditures.
o Emphasized rapid and appropriate justifications for Direct Cash Transfer reports and collaborated effectively with the Programme on partner implementation. o Achievements
o Successful effectively monitored and controlled the closure of annual activities in 2022, ensuring financial quality analysis and informed decision-making. o Successfully conducted orientation sessions on financial rules, procedures, and HACT, including risk mitigations, for the Bukavu DSP partner.
o Contributed to the implementation of UNICEF DRC's anti-fraud strategy, particularly in the Bukavu Office.
o Facilitated productive sessions for government health division partners on financial management of funds and key risks related to cash transfers.
Program Budget and Finance Officer, Ebola and Polio outbreaks- September 2019 to August 2020- UNICEF Kinshasa
Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
I oversaw spending a lot of money on health projects. I made sure that the money was used correctly and that everything was done efficiently. I oversaw the monitoring of grants, reporting to donors, and financial reviews, including projects funded by the European Union over 2 million of Dollars. I also oversaw payroll and treasury management, making sure that it matched the monthly bank statements and standards. I helped develop proposals for donors, reviewed budgets, and assessed the feasibility of potential partners. I led workshops to build capacity and implemented the best practices for managing funds, which increased compliance by creating procedures
o Grant & Budget Management: Strong financial oversight – Managing multimillion-dollar health sector budgets with compliance & efficiency.
o Financial Monitoring & Reporting: Strategic grant management – Monitoring donor contributions, fund allocations, and reporting requirements.
o European Union (EU) Report Analysis: Conducting detailed financial reviews to ensure alignment with donor guidelines and budget allocations.
o Donor Proposal & Budget Review: Supporting proposal development for projects and reviewing partners' budgets for financial feasibility.
o Workshops & Training: Conducting capacity-building sessions on financial and budget monitoring, particularly for external partners and program teams. o Financial Compliance & Best Practices: Implementing best practices in fund management, Capacity-building & process improvement developing SOPs, and ensuring financial Senior Finance & Finance Officer January 2016- June 2021 UNICEF WCARO- Senegal Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
Managed financial planning, reporting, and compliance, overseeing payroll, cash flow, and risk controls. Led DCT approvals, audits, and KPI monitoring, ensuring efficiency and regulatory adherence. Trained Finance staff and Program Assistants, Program Officer for enhancing financial management and partners o Conducted financial forecasting and analysis to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
o Ensured compliance with financial regulations and organizational standards. o Review and approve all payments including Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs), liquidations, and procurement documents. Financial analysis to support strategic decision-making. o Focal point for payroll management, cash management and bank reconciliation. o Assessment and analysis of financial risks associated with transactions, and enhancement of internal controls to manage segregation of duties in Finance unit with regular monitoring of financial KPI Operations o Participate in review committees for audit and spot check reports. o Conduct close monitoring of spot checks/audits for ineligible expenditure by implementing partners.
o Implemented quality assurance activities, including HACT and HCT, to ensure compliance with UNICEF's standards.
o Successfully implemented financial management systems that improved operational efficiency. o Conducted training sessions for local staff, resulting in improved financial management practices. o Fostered strong relationships with regional stakeholders, leading to increased support for UNICEF initiatives.
Finance & Administrative WFP Senegal- January 2014 - December 2015 Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
o Managed financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. o Conducted financial analysis to support strategic decision-making. o Ensured compliance with financial regulations and organizational policies. o Achievements:
o Improved financial reporting accuracy by 15% through enhanced data analysis. o Streamlined financial operations.
o Conducted financial training sessions for staff, enhancing their financial management skills. Financial Analyst - (Internation Federation Red Cross - Dakar January 2010 - December 2013 Key Responsibilities &Achievements:
o Supported the development and implementation of financial strategies. o Ensured compliance with financial regulations and organizational policies. o Organized, documented, and tracked all grant and contract documents, monitoring individual grant budgets and overall expenditures for each project/activity based on approved action plans.
o Ensured the review and conformity of accounting documents received before classification, maintaining accuracy and compliance with financial standards. o Prepared monthly and quarterly financial reports for project accounts and sub-office finance systems, strictly adhering to Geneva HQ deadlines. o Improved financial analysis processes, resulting in more accurate financial reporting. o Supported the successful implementation of financial strategies that improved operational efficiency.
o Conducted financial training sessions for staff, partners enhancing their financial management. EDUCATION & TRAININGS
o Master’s degree in finance – Cheikh Anta Diop University in 2013 o Bachelor's degree in business administration – Cheikh Anta Diop University in 2010 o Baccalaureate in Accounting and Economics (High School serial G) Technical school o Humanitarian Cash Transfer (HCT) UNICEF-Training of trainer’s certificate in 2021 o BOS-Business Ops Strategy -Training of trainer's certificate in 2015 o IPSAS Training of trainers (7 certificates on IPSAS) SKILLS/ REFERENCES & BILINGUAL (French/English speaking) REFERENCES
• Abdul Fofana: ********@*****.*** Deputy Regional Operations MENARO
• Benjamin Meyer: ******@******.***- Deputy Operations Country Office WCARO
• Gilles Fagninou : *********@******.*** Regional Director WCARO