María Alejandra Hernández Álvarez
Bogotá
Summary
Assertive and holistic director with +10 years of expertise in the formulation and management of international cooperation projects with a postgraduate degree in Project Management for Development. With a proven track record of building effective alliances with public, private, and community actors and deep knowledge in diplomacy, finance, accountability, policy making, business sustainability strategies, and talent management within international NGOs. Strong ability to lead interdepartmental teams and adapt communication to different stakeholders.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Sustainability Director
Oxfam
02.2023 - Current
- Leading the implementation of the sustainability strategy, strengthening Oxfam’s positioning and securing over $5 million USD per year in funding through strategic resource mobilization
- Facilitating multi-sector alliances, enhancing collaboration with 10 institutional donors, 2 private sector partners, and 20 civil society organizations to support the programmatic strategy
- Driving institutional leadership efforts, positioning Oxfam Colombia as a coherent and values-driven organization, ensuring growth in donor engagement and strategic partnerships
- Implementing innovative financing mechanisms that have improved Oxfam’s long-term sustainability, reducing financial dependency on traditional donors by 15%
Assistant Professor of Public Policy Analysis Methods
Universidad Externado de Colombia
07.2014 - 12.2024
- Supported the implementation of 4 academic projects to analyze public policies by reviewing the students papers
Business Sustainability Coordinator
Oxfam Colombia
11.2021 - 02.2023
- Led 4 team members in the sustainability team, improving coordination between resource mobilization, communications, public engagement, and knowledge management, increasing operational efficiency in 2 processes
- Designed and implemented the sustainability strategy, securing over $5.5 million USD per year in new funding sources
- Optimized the internal compliance process, improving donor compliance rates by 100% and reducing financial and programmatic reporting turnaround times
- Strengthened Oxfam Colombia’s institutional positioning, enhancing its strategic advocacy within 4 national and international cooperation networks
Resource Mobilization Officer
Oxfam Intermon in Colombia
11.2017 - 11.2021
- Led the design and implementation of 2 resource mobilization strategies, securing over 4.5 million EUR per year in funding from institutional donors
- Managed the full grant cycle for 2 national programs and the national advocacy strategy, ensuring alignment with donor priorities and organizational goals
- Monitored project indicators, budgets, and timelines, ensuring a 90% compliance rate with donor requirements
Project Coordinator
Fundación Activos Culturales Afro - ACUA
11.2012 - 11.2017
- Coordinated the Program for the Visibility and Strengthening of Afro-descendant Communities' Entrepreneurship under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, with a budget of 5mm USD and by managing 16 communities
- Advised on the implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement between Fundación ACUA and the UNDP Small Grants Program, supporting project adjustments and capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation system design
Education
Postgraduate degree - International Cooperation and Project Management for Development
Universidad Externado de Colombia
01.2015
Undergraduate degree - Government and International Affairs (emphasis on Public Policy Management)
Universidad Externado de Colombia
01.2013
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- People management
Languages
Spanish
English
French
Publications And Academic Papers
- The Black Woman between Anonymity and Exclusion, EL RELATOR Journal Universidad Externado de Colombia, 07/18/13, http://elrelatoruexternado.wix.com/el-relator#!la-mujer-negra-entre-el-anonimato-y-la-/c12ki
- The Afro-descendant Woman in Her Community, Monograph, 01/20/13, Unpublished, Universidad Externado de Colombia
Timeline
Business Sustainability Director
Oxfam
02.2023 - Current
Business Sustainability Coordinator
Oxfam Colombia
11.2021 - 02.2023
Resource Mobilization Officer
Oxfam Intermon in Colombia
11.2017 - 11.2021
Assistant Professor of Public Policy Analysis Methods
Universidad Externado de Colombia
07.2014 - 12.2024
Project Coordinator
Fundación Activos Culturales Afro - ACUA
11.2012 - 11.2017
Undergraduate degree - Government and International Affairs (emphasis on Public Policy Management)
Universidad Externado de Colombia
Postgraduate degree - International Cooperation and Project Management for Development
Universidad Externado de Colombia
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