Cover Letter for John OKIROR Odongo

Tel: +256774457250 & +256

Email: [email protected]
Skype: joyousjohn.globalprojects
Date: July28-2017
__________________________________

Dear Sir/Madam,
REF: APPLICATION FOR THE HEAD OF MISSION

Please accept my enclosed application for the above position. I am thrilled to apply for this
position as my 10+years of experience set match requirements for the above position with
knowledge and skills in social & public health programs, ability to communicate, plan,
coordinate, implement, monitor& evaluate local, national and international development
projects, knowledge in proposal writing, grants management, high level of integrity, research and
computer skills.

While working for NERDS RULE INC (USA Based Non-government Organization), USAID/
CDC / PEPFAR funded organization, VSO UK, British Development Agency, Global Health
&HIVAIDS and IDI-USAID/CDC funded, Faculty of Public Health, Makerere University.

I have participated in a multi-generational regional programs (projects), primarily targeting

Gender-women/children /youth and people with disabilities/refugees with focus on food security,
relief & health emergencies, human rights, leadership, democracy& governance, accountability&
participation, protection of environment (Climate-Change-Ecological) promoting community
economic sustainable development &poverty reduction among other concerns.
I would love to have opportunity to join the team in your organization and I use my skills and
expertise to create an efficient impact in this important sector, I believe I can meet and exceed
the expectations you have for this role. I have been involved with different development agencies
and other stakeholders including UN Agencies/USAID / UKAID/EU/ CDC/Norad /PEPFAR,
government community among others.
I look forward being involved and engaged in your programs (projects) to add value to the
organization and also to develop and strengthening my career with focus-to-empower and to
address the challenges of the vulnerable population for sustainable development.
I must thank you for your valuable time, that you have spent reading my details and I am looking
forward speaking with you further, regarding the above position, my cv below will give you a
better position regarding my expertise.
Sincerely yours,

John OKIROR Odongo

CURRICULUM VITAE OF JOHN OKIROR ODONGO
Date of Birth: 27.12.1969
Gender: Male
Nationality: Ugandan
Marital Status: Married (1.12.1990)
Religion: Born Again & Committed Christian
_______________________

Areas of Expertise (Competencies)

Planning and Management of programs (projects)
Negotiations& Bargaining skills (using Contemporary Diplomatic Practice)
Advocacy, Lobbying with different actors
Leadership and People Management
Institutional Capacity Building
Health Marketing and Result Based Management
Monitoring and Evaluation

Profile and Key Consultancy Conducted so far

International development professional ensuring that Country Programs has the capacity to go to
the next level and deliver greater benefits in the organization programs / projects. A significant
level of experience in leading international development, public health and social programs. An
accomplished leader with a proven track record of building capacity and establishing operational
excellence, a advocacy skills, management expertise and solid communications skills.

Over 10+ years of extensive working experience, managing complex programs in public health
and development with exposure to health and social programming and new business
development. Over 5 years of middle management position with solid senior leadership
experience, capacity to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and capacity to engage
and influence senior levels of government, multi-lateral agencies and other relevant stakeholders
to build strong country programs

Demonstrated capacity for high-level representation and strategic advocacy with experience
managing a team and working in a global environment, project management and project design
experience, strong written and verbal English ability
 Professional Experience
Date Organization
Worked and Job Summary Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Position held
Jan 30-2017- Country To lead Country Project Office & Responsible for leading the implementation of the
to Jan2021 Coordinator responsible for the overall Country Advocacy Strategy aligned to Sustainable
(Programs/Projects management and coordination of Development Goals (SDG), Develop Communication
in Uganda-Africa) Ugandas implementation of Strategy and Global Campaigns that ensures our
programme from start-up the project beneficiaries are aware of the programs/projects
Sector of: by drawing from objectives in the impacts.
Childrens & project proposal, develop detailed
Strengthen Democratization, Protection of Rights,
Womens Rights monthly implementation plans &
enhance Access to Justice, Promote Peaceful Co-
&Equality, Health, related budgets.
existence and to improve Accountability in Uganda
SRHR/WASH/
Africa.
Livelihoods Ensure detailed implementation plans
are followed and closely monitored to Advancing Childrens & Womens Rights &Equality,
implement activities within agreed Conducting Community Mapping of Pregnancy
timeframe and with available &GBV cases among Communities.
resources. Ensure result based Promote Maternal Health& Child Survival,
monitoring/evaluation system is HIVAIDS/TB/Malaria, Reproductive Health, WASH,
developed, by developing learning Livelihoods programs.
system that generates quantitative
data and collection of participants Developing Project Proposals & Concepts for possible
views on the program relevance and funding, Managed Grants making process,
success. Promote and coordinate Partnerships and Networking with Donors Agencies in
effective communication with Africa, Embassies &other stakeholders in Uganda
donors/ government partners/CBOs (Africa).
with technical assistance from Support Capacity Building of Government programs,
NERDS RULE INC Headquarters Trainings &Workshops and develop weekly, quarterly
Office in the United States of reports to the development partners. Partnerships and
America(USA) Networking with other stakeholders. Work closely
with government / donors /community/church leaders
 Monitoring/Evaluation of projects activities, ensuring
all projects reports are up to date. Develop
consolidated income, expenditures, receipts and
payments and sent to Accountant to enter in
consolidated accounts.
Oct 2009-to - Programme Job Summary Manage day-to-day operations and multi-Sectoral
Dec2016 Manager for support intervention activities as required by
Global Health ANd To lead the identification, design, UNHCR/USAID/CDC
HIVAIDS Initiative implementation and monitoring of
Uganda protection interventions according the Protection, Community Services WASH and
organization country strategy and the Livelihoods, coordination of programs activities
Sector of: needs and representing the organization including inter-agency coordination meetings and
in all technical relations with authorities, representation as the focal point person in different
Health/HIVAIDS/
donors and the community. forums
SRHR/Livelihoods/
Education/WASH/ To improve the management of Timely reporting to UNHCR / USAID / CDC on
Refugee/OVC protection and assistance response to weekly situational reports, monthly and quarterly
people in mixed migration flows in the
reports, both Narratives and Financial on project
refugee camps, mobilize community
based intervention strategies, health
progress as required
emergencies, food relief, medical care Manage field staff and volunteers, funds and budgets
support among immediate concerns allocated to different support sectors in accordance to
the budget lines.
Maintenance of Partnerships, Networking, Inter-
agency coordination and contact with Government and
other stake holders
Team building support, advocacy and capacity
building to the field staff as well as monitoring and
documentation of project success & progress
Designed appropriate conflict mitigation and peace
building mechanisms.
 Identified community conflicts and possible conflict
sensitive development projects
Supported to state and capacity building of
government programs and conducted trainings and
workshops and any other duties as assigned by the
Program Manager

Feb 2009-to - Fundraising Conducted an evaluation of all donor funded projects,

Sept2009 Specialist & Job Summary conducted an assessment and inventory of donor funded
Organizational projects.
Development To provide emergency relief to uprooted Drafting and presentation of weekly and monthly reports,
Advisor-for people in order to help them recover
Voluntary Service
coordinating and consultation with other donors and center
their dignity and regain self-sufficiency
Overseas (VSO- stake holders.
in the following sectors of intervention:
UK)British food security, health, nutrition, Conducting field assessment of the various livelihood
Development construction and rehabilitation of projects, feasibility and capacity building, presentation of
Agency infrastructures, water, sanitation, hygiene final evaluation reports.
and economic recovery Develop monitoring frame work and tools for assessing
Sector of: self-help groups and social economic levels in promoting
OVC/Widows secure livelihoods.
Health/Education/ Documenting project progress, success and challenges,
Agriculture/ development of project proposals for scaling up
Refugees interventions, conduct routine capacity development
workshops and trainings.
Jan3-2007- Part-time in Job Summary Lecturing, Attaching students as interns/volunteers for
to-Dec2008 Teaching To coordinate with heads of outreach programs, conducting training, Preparing teaching
Public Health departments, students leaders and modules, conducting exams, Assigned duties from time to
Institute And attach students in the community for time
Science Uganda outreach programs
Jan3-2006- Consultancy Developing project proposals for scaling up interventions
Service Contract Job Summary
toDec2006 Management of data collection, compilation and analysis
Infectious for
Dbase Management, Data Collection Development of data collection tools from a wide range of
Diseases Institute
and Analysis using appropriate tools information
(IDIUSIAD/CDC)
Makerere Analyzed and reported the findings to project authorities for
University, decision making.
Sector of: Coordination with internal and external monitoring and
Health/HIV/AIDS evaluation unit and any other duties that may be assigned
Care, Research & by the management
Capacity
Development
July 2005-to- Volunteer Job Summary Routine reporting on Humanitarian & Disaster
Sept 2005 Program Management
To support program and support staff Monitoring and Evaluation of Reintegration and Return
For Eastern& who manage partnerships in individual project
projects and programs involving
Northern Uganda Advocacy and Monitoring of Community protection key
Program funded technical assistance and support to
ensure high quality, feedback and
issues and concerns
by European
learning, work closely with Program Provided Humanitarian aid and influencing policy, Re-
Union Department, partners, working closely integration, return and resettlement of internally displaced
with partnership managers and the Grant persons and ex-combatants
Sector of : Team Capacity building of local NGOs and CBOs handling
Livelihoods, reintegration programs, advocacy and networking with
Humanitarian & other partners and stake holders
Disaster Information counseling and referral services for the IDPs
Management and returnees and any other tasks as assigned by the
Program Coordinator
Community Sensitization and training on general
protection awareness
Documentation of protection issues and challenges within
the communities, promoting rule of law, addressing GBV,
child protection challenges.
Academic Background
Dates: 2014- 2016
Qualifications: MSc Degree in Public Health (epidemiology) Management Systems.
University: International Health Science University

Dates: 19th Jan2009- 5thFebruary 2009

Qualifications: Post Graduate (Project Planning &Management, M& Evaluation)
University: Statistics &Applied Economics, Makerere University

Dates: 30th March2005- 29th May 2007

Qualifications: Master Degree in Peace &Conflict Management
University: Makerere University

Dates: 18th June2001- 30th July 2004

Qualifications: Bachelors Degree (Hons) Development Studies.
University: Makerere University

Date: 1994-1996
Qualification: Diploma in Accountancy, Financial, Budgeting &Control Management
Institution: Institute of Accountants and Commerce, Kampala (Uganda)

Additional Trainings & Certificates obtained

Jan11- Certificate in Professional Centre of Languages and Communicates

Feb, 2015 Language Proficiency Services, Makerere University
24th-May, Certificate in Research and Policy University of Texas-Arlington-USA in
2014 Management conjunction Uganda Nurses/Midwives
2008-2009 Certificate in Developing Voluntary Services Overseas(VSO-UK)
International Programs/Projects British Development Agency
Oct 19-Nov Certificate in Strategies in Peace DED-Deutscher-Entwichlungsdienst-
2005 and Conflict Management German Embassy in conjunction with
Masters Program, Makerere University.
April 2006 Certificate in Contemporary DED-Deutscher-Entwichlungsdienst-
Diplomatic in International German Embassy in conjunction with
Negotiations and Bargaining Masters Program, Makerere University
May 10,2006 Certificate in Capacity Building Royal Road University, School of Peace
Skills and Conflict Management-Canada in
collaboration of Makerere University
28th July-29th Certificate in Computer Software Institute of Computer Science, Makerere
August 2003 Application Program University.
Summary brief of Extra (Skills &Knowledge)
Over 05++ years experience in international development sector focusing administration
and work experience in Ngo in developing countries. Good team player, ability to work
in team-spirit, implementing innovative community driven solutions to development
challenges.
In-depth understanding of result based management techniques, knowledgeable
experience in donor reporting skills.
Strong analytical understanding of experience in health, gender equality and women
rights and experience with maternal, newborn and child health survival programs,
committed to Gender Equality, Womens &Childrens Rights. Experienced to work
effectively in any setting.

Cultural and conflict sensitivity, innovative personality, respecting peoples cultural

backgrounds, gender, religion, race, nationality and age and treating people equally
without favoritism. Over 75% of my profession career has been of my country, able to
work in any location and under pressure in multi-cultural settings.

Partnership and Experience with donor funded projects, skills in contemporary

diplomatic practice, regarding bargaining, negotiations and network with different donors
and capable of building relationship with the working experience with different actors
including USAID/ CDC/ EU/DFID, SIDA / NORAD/PEPFAR in funded projects.

Professional Standards and Confident, ability to communicate (Verbally and in

Written) in different dialects (English-Luo-Ateso-Akarimojong-Kiswahili,Luganda)
ability to make presentations to diverse audiences with strong interpersonal skills.

Organizational and administration skills, ability to work with people to achieve

organizational objectives under minimal supervision, highly organized, able to prioritize,
integrate work plans for variety of programs, deliver results from a pool of experience
and following guidelines and to meet set tight deadlines.
Strong Computer Application skills, ability to use computer applications, specifically
Ms Excel, Ms Word, Power Point, Email and Skype among others.

Driving License, have valid license, experienced and capable of driving 4car seater.

Areas of Interests
Member of Uganda Red Cross Society, I like helping communities in emergencies.
Volunteering and Empowering the Disadvantaged Groups (Children, Women)
Reading News Papers, Magazines, Documentaries, Journals and Research
Languages

Language Read Write Speak Understand

English Proficient Proficient Proficient Proficient
Ateso/Kumam/Luo Proficient Proficient Proficient Proficient
Ateso/Akaramojong Proficient Proficient Proficient Proficient
Kishwaili/Luganda: Good Good Good Good

Referees Place of Work Contact Details

Tristaca McCray NERDS RULE INC +619-6389606

Executive Director United States of America(USA) Email:infonerdsruleinc.org
UN Ambassador for Gender Www: nerdsruleinc.otg
Equality

Prof Patrick Teko Global Health And HIVAIDS Tel:(+256)758449844

Advisor-Programs Initiative Uganda programs Email: [email protected]

Mr Bob Obonyo
(Former Supervisor) UN Office for Project Services Tel: +256-752428141
South Sudan [email protected]
Mr Patrick Abongi
Project Coordinator Oxfam Projects Tel: +256 751165322
(in Karamoja Region) [email protected]