Areba Morang'a

As a visionary and results-driven Grants and Budgets Lead, I have demonstrated a remarkable ability to successfully oversee and manage multi-million-dollar portfolios in the humanitarian sector. With a strong dedication to excellence, I bring extensive experience in managing teams, coordinating awards, budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring strict compliance with donor regulations. My strategic financial management skills, coupled with a keen eye for data analysis and capacity building, have played a pivotal role in executing projects with exceptional efficiency across diverse regions, particularly in East and Southern Africa. I thrive in leadership roles, inspiring teams to deliver impactful outcomes and contribute significantly to our organization's mission and goals.

1. March 2021 to Date: Grants and Budgets Manager
   International Rescue Committee (Research and Innovation)
   As Grants and Budget Manager, I lead and oversee the Nutrition and Education portfolio within the Research and Innovation unit. With a robust leadership approach, I take charge of tracking grant spending, devising comprehensive spending plans, and efficiently managing the internal disbursement of substantial grant funding to various country programs. My astute financial acumen enables me to expertly manage a diverse portfolio valued at $20M USD.
   Furthermore, I hold a crucial leadership role as the primary focal point for donor rules and regulations. My deep understanding of these regulations empowers me to ensure meticulous administration and seamless implementation of grants in strict compliance with donor guidelines. Through my leadership, I instil a culture of excellence, precision, and accountability, which drives the successful realization of our organization's strategic goals and objectives.
    
2. July 2019 to March 2021: Roving Awards Coordinator
   Save the Children International (East and Southern Africa Office)
   As Roving Awards Coordinator, I played a pivotal leadership role in providing short to midterm Awards Coordination support to various Country Offices in East and Southern Africa. My expertise was instrumental in effectively planning and managing humanitarian awards for critical operations, such as the Mozambique Cyclone Response and Sudan emergency.
   In recognition of my comprehensive knowledge of donor rules and regulations, I was appointed as the Regional focal point for these crucial guidelines. This leadership responsibility allowed me to diligently oversee grant administration and implementation, guaranteeing strict adherence to all relevant donor regulations.
   Moreover, I provided dedicated support to the Head of Awards Management in handling high-risk awards. My exceptional analytical skills enabled me to offer valuable insights and solutions while ensuring compliance at every stage of the award process. I took charge of capacity building initiatives to enhance compliance across the organization, and my vigilant monitoring ensured successful outcomes for all awarded projects. Through these leadership roles, I consistently contributed to the overall success and impact of our humanitarian endeavours.
    
3. January 2018 to June 2019: Awards Coordinator
   Save the Children International (Somalia Country Office)
   As Awards Coordinator, I am responsible for ensuring that the Save the Children International programme adheres to all its award management obligations internally within Save the Children and externally with donors. This includes financial and narrative reporting relating to donor awards and data quality in the Award Management System. Additionally, I ensure compliance with financial and administrative requirements and donor specific requirements. I was also in charge of developing and overseeing the funding strategy and donors’ activities in country.
   I also led on end-to-end administration of Sub-Grant Agreements. This is advertisement,
   selection, assessment, capacity building and management of all sub grants
    
4. November 2016 to December 2017: Finance Officer
   Act Change Transform!
   As Finance officer for ACT, I was responsible for the preparation of payment vouchers, review of payment packs, staff advances and treasury management. I would also conduct assessment and capacity building of project partners, as well as regular site visits to provide mentorship and on the job training.
   February 2015 to November 2016: Budgeting and Reporting Officer
   Save the Children International (Kenya Country Office)
   As Budgeting and Reporting officer, I was responsible for country office budgeting and financial reporting. I achieved this through preparation of various tools such as the office master budget, individual project budgets and monthly budget monitoring reports.
   I was also responsible for review of implementing partners monthly financial reports, posting and
   funds transfers.
    
5. October 2013 to February 2015: Awards Accounting & Reporting Assistant
   Save the Children International (Kenya Country Office)
   As the Awards Assistant, I was responsible for setting up grant files (both soft copy and hard copy) for any new funding, as well as ensuring these files are regularly updated with all necessary documents and correspondence.
   Additionally, I would review Funds Summaries, agreements and amendments before forwarding them for approval by the Country Director. I was also responsible for monitoring and tracking grants on a monthly basis and closing out awards in the organization award management system.
    
6. December 2012 to June 2013: Finance and Administration Officer
   Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust
   As the Finance and Administration officer, I was in charge of finances for the Nairobi office and internal audit of the Bondo office finance. I would achieve this through preparation of payment vouchers, review of monthly trial balances and preparing bank reconciliations.
   I also prepared financial reports for donors and management reports. Other responsibilities include coordination of logistics, including facilitating travel of staff, procurement of air tickets and hotel reservations; and filing of project documentation

1. Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management)
   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
    
2. Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
   University of Nairobi
    
3. Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
   Kiambu High School