Betssy Quintero

As Manager of Operations, I led key operational functions to ensure compliance, efficiency, and sustainability across multiple projects in Colombia and Venezuela. My role encompassed a broad range of responsibilities in finance, logistics, human resources, and security—all crucial to delivering successful programmes in high-risk environments. Key highlights include:

• Financial Oversight & Risk Management:
  Contributed to the development of the Country Strategic Plan, focusing on financial planning, budgeting, and compliance with internal policies and donor regulations.
  Managed monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and financial standards.
  Coordinated audits and provided actionable recommendations, enhancing financial compliance in a high-stakes context.
• Logistics & Operational Efficiency:
  Supervised logistics operations, including office management, asset control, fleet management, and logistical support for field teams.
  Developed and implemented logistics and IT policies in alignment with ZOA’s global framework, improving operational efficiency.
  Optimized inventory and stock management processes, achieving cost savings and enhancing resource utilization.
• Human Resources & Organizational Development:
  Led the adaptation of global HR policies to local contexts, promoting gender equity and compliance with local labour laws.
  Directed recruitment, selection, and staff evaluations to ensure the right talent was in place to drive programme success.
  Collaborated with senior leadership to incorporate HR components into funding proposals, strengthening the organization’s ability to attract and manage resources.
• Security & Crisis Management:
  Supported the Country Director in the implementation of security standards and the development of local security plans, ensuring the safety of staff in challenging environments.
  Led staff training and induction on security policies, enhancing overall organizational resilience.
  Actively participated in interagency networks and responded to security incidents, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Leadership & Team Management:
  Led the operations team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture while ensuring team motivation, professional development, and performance evaluations.
  Contributed to crisis management teams, providing operational insights during emergency response efforts.

• Designed and executed climate resilience programmes for infrastructure clients in Latin America, integrating operational excellence frameworks.
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented adaptive planning tools that increased programme flexibility.
• Drafted business cases with stakeholders, resulting in successful adoption of sustainability-focused projects.

• Integrated sustainability and operational processes into infrastructure projects (energy, transport, water).
• Conducted compliance monitoring and risk-based assessments to ensure sustainability standards.
• Managed stakeholder engagement initiatives, aligning project outcomes with SDG goals.

• Managed procurement for national infrastructure projects, introducing ISO 9001 quality compliance systems.
• Achieved 20% cost savings through process optimisation and supplier negotiations.
• Ensured sustainability criteria in procurement, strengthening compliance with organisational standards.

• Oversaw procurement of infrastructure materials, embedding sustainability and compliance requirements.
• Achieved 5% annual savings through process improvements and supplier management.