Stella Kasura
Administration
Nairobi
Summary
Administrative professional with 15+ years of experience who is well-organized, dependable, and prepared for fast-paced work and the changing daily needs of complex administrative, operational, and program/project support functions in the private and corporate sectors, as well as in international and multilateral non-governmental organizations. Stella excels at managing, coordinating, planning, and assisting senior executives, principal investigators (PI), and project teams in day-to-day office operations, customer service, travel, events, meetings, and conference organization. Stella meets needs with attention to detail and a hardworking approach, and she seeks out opportunities to go beyond the basics and positively impact the team. Stella holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Administration and Management from Daystar University's Nairobi Campus.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Program Associate
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
Nairobi
10.2022 - Current
- Facilitates communication between regional team leaders, the Lever PMO, and scientists, resulting in more effective tracking and implementation of regional and national action plans.
- Coordinates project management support for Africa Climate Action Research Area, resulting in successful project completion and high-quality research output.
- Manages the Africa proposal pipeline, resulting in successful acquisition of funding and strategic partnerships.
- Provides project leaders with valuable feedback on the status of their projects and advises on next steps, resulting in timely project completion and successful outcomes.
- Develops and executes internal and external communications strategy for the Climate Action Lever in Africa, resulting in increased awareness and engagement with the program.
- Aids in institutional representation, partnership development, and capacity building schemes for research teams and partners, resulting in successful collaboration and strengthened partnerships.
- Designs and organizes meetings and events to promote the regional Climate Action Portfolio, resulting in successful dissemination of research findings and increased engagement with stakeholders.
- Supervises program associates and monitors their workload for changes that could improve team efficiency and productivity.
- Supports operations by maintaining and updating corporate files and records on a consistent basis, monitoring processes, recommending methods for improvement, and participating in seminars and additional training to broaden knowledge and skills, resulting in increased operational efficiency.
Regional Office Assistant East and Southern Africa
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Nairobi
05.2022 - 10.2022
- Supported the Regional Director in managing their calendar, travel arrangements, and logistics for internal and external meetings/committees, resulting in smooth and efficient operations.
- Coordinated office work plans and contributed to the planning and delivery of divisional work plans and budgets, ensuring accurate documentation of travel expenses, procurement of goods and services, and timely completion of HR-related actions.
- Ensured timely submission of reports, correspondence, and documentation within established deadlines, while adhering to corporate standards and processes, resulting in effective communication and coordination with internal and external clients.
- Maintained and updated the office filing and reference systems, both traditional and digital, and ensured accurate and up-to-date information on the inter/intra-net websites and corporate IT platforms, resulting in effective information management and workflow.
- Accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of assigned IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies, and staff supervised, resulting in effective and efficient utilization of resources.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Program Associate (PA) –Research Programs
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
Nairobi
01.2018 - 04.2022
- Program Associate (PA) –Research Programs
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Nairobi - Provided support and guidance to program teams in using ERP software and acted as a proxy for authorization of travel requests and staff leave applications.
- Organized and coordinated conferences, workshops, meetings, and visits with internal and external project stakeholders.
- Coordinated program/project implementation activities, including recruitment, engagement of consultants, procurement of supplies and services, and staff travel arrangements.
- Reviewed and monitored project budgets, provided feedback to project leaders, and advised on necessary actions.
- Supported program teams in proposal development and project review processes, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Provided general administrative and office assistance to program teams, including paperwork completion, discrepancy recognition and resolution, and maintenance of logs and inventory.
- Monitored and evaluated programs, services, and activities to keep operations in line with program vision, quality, and safety standards.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Acted as backup for other employees by providing support and adapting to requirements of department.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems
Program Assistant and Executive Assistant to RD
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
Nairobi
07.2016 - 01.2018
- Supported the Regional Director in managing their calendar, travel arrangements, and logistics for internal and external meetings/committees, resulting in smooth and efficient operations.
- Effectively managed logistics for meetings, events, conferences, and workshops for program activities.
- Delivered administrative support, including organizing and maintaining confidential documentation and digital files and records.
- Monitored and evaluated programs, services, and activities to keep operations in line with the institution's vision, mission, and values.
- Authored business documents to organize and emphasize information quickly and effectively.
- Supported HR activities, coordinating recruitment and onboarding events.
- Contributed to on-time and under-budget project completion with high-level business acumen and keen prioritization.
- Assumed responsibilities for projects, events, and committee meetings related to program operations.
- Embodied company values and contributed to corporate objectives with strategic business solutions.
- Coordinated and communicated with external stakeholders to support program objectives.
Program Admin Assistant (PAA), Research Division
African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC)
Nairobi
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Worked as a personal assistant to the Research Division Director.
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Provided management and technical advice for 5 programs and around 40 projects.
- Managed appointment schedules and coordination for the director and other team members.
- Reviewed and responded to routine inquiries, including drafting responses for the director.
- Effectively managed meetings, prepared documentation, and took minutes as necessary identifying action points and followed up with concerned parties to ensure that action is taken.
- Supported fundraising campaigns planning and execution by assisting in the proposal development process, taking responsibility for administrative sections, and ensuring application requirements are met.
- Maintained grant reporting requirements and schedules in the Project Management System (PMS).
- Assisted in contract preparations and maintained a records and filing system.
- Managed conference and workshop logistics, including budget preparation, travel and hotel bookings, and reimbursement arrangements.
- Default member and secretary of all committees led or co-led by the Research Director.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Senior Administrative Assistant
🗹 Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust
Nairobi
04.2013 - 03.2015
- Set up and coordinate administrative and logistical aspects of meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, and dissemination strategies.
- Responded to routine issues by providing appropriate briefing and pertinent documentation, as well as handling e-mail and phone correspondence, requests, and inquiries.
- Maintain the PI's calendar, diary, and timetable, tracking the consequences of calendar demands to avoid potential conflicts or challenges.
- By preparing and sourcing research materials online, organizing, retaining, and archiving electronic files, ensuring easy accessibility, and maintaining the Endnote scientific reference system, I provided technical support to the PI's research initiatives.
- Created and updated physical records and digital files to keep documentation current, accurate, and compliant.
- Team-based communications were prepared and distributed to foster collaboration and boost team morale.
- Prepared and updated documents, reports, and spreadsheets to assist program operations.
- Kept files and records in content management systems such as MS SharePoint, Excel, and others.
Administration Assistant
Action Africa Help International (AAH-I)
Nairobi
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Implemented a record-keeping system to improve document organization and management.
- To keep adequate stock levels, restocked supplies, and placed purchase orders.
- Recorded and tracked operational expenses to identify and eliminate wasteful spending.
- Answered the multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff, and greeting visitors.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and conference calls to optimize senior staff scheduling.
Administrative Assistant
Edsons Visual Media Services
Nairobi
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Scheduled office meetings and client appointments for staff teams.
- Implemented a record-keeping system to improve document organization and management.
- Created and maintained spreadsheets and databases for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on performance.
Sales and Administrative Assistant
Rai Plywoods (K) Limited
Eldoret
03.1996 - 03.2010
- Searched multiple sources to locate desired information.
- Ordered office supplies to meet functional needs.
- Adapted to business' administrative needs to facilitate productive workflow.
- Received and directed incoming calls to appropriate personnel.
- Coordinated and managed the company's fleet of transport trucks, hence facilitating ease of distribution to corporate, wholesale and retail customers ensuring proper documentation to allow quality in delivery and payment at all times.
- Oversaw efficient office operations to minimize delays and maximize profitability of sales operations.
- Played a key role in facilitating change during the transition from manual to IT-BASED operations in office administration
- Represented the company at various conferences and trade fairs, including the 40th-anniversary celebration of Eldoret Municipality attended by mayors from different federal states of the USA.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Daystar University
Nairobi, Kenya 08.2010 - 06.2019
Business Management
Kenya Institute of Management
Eldoret, Kenya 09.2008 - 09.2009
Information Technology
Kenya School of Professional Studies
Eldoret, Kenya 01.2002 - 12.2003
High School Diploma -
Mukumu Girls High School
Kakamega, Kenya 01.1989 - 11.1992
Project Management Profession
Strathmore University Business School
Kenya 2023.04 - 2023.04
Skills
Problem-Solving
Timeline
Project Management Profession
Strathmore University Business School
2023.04 - 2023.04
Senior Program Associate
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
10.2022 - Current
Regional Office Assistant East and Southern Africa
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
05.2022 - 10.2022
Program Associate (PA) –Research Programs
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
01.2018 - 04.2022
Program Assistant and Executive Assistant to RD
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
07.2016 - 01.2018
Program Admin Assistant (PAA), Research Division
African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC)
03.2015 - 06.2016
Senior Administrative Assistant
🗹 Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust
04.2013 - 03.2015
Administration Assistant
Action Africa Help International (AAH-I)
01.2013 - 04.2013
Administrative Assistant
Edsons Visual Media Services
01.2011 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Daystar University
08.2010 - 06.2019
Business Management
Kenya Institute of Management
09.2008 - 09.2009
Information Technology
Kenya School of Professional Studies
01.2002 - 12.2003
Sales and Administrative Assistant
Rai Plywoods (K) Limited
03.1996 - 03.2010
High School Diploma -
Mukumu Girls High School
01.1989 - 11.1992
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