Open to opportunities

Catherine Mwanza

@catherinemwanza

Message

I lead HR and administration operations across complex, multi-location projects.

Zambia

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead HR and administration operations where I can strengthen compliance, performance management, employee engagement, talent development, and organizational systems across complex teams.

I've led human resources and administration for NHIMA and the USAID JSI SAFE Project, supporting workforce compliance, payroll, benefits, employee engagement, budgets, facilities, vendor contracts, travel, and events.

At the USAID JSI SAFE Project, I provided HR leadership for a $200 million project with more than 300 staff across different locations. I introduced a 360 Performance Management System, supported transition through the 2019 Labour Law changes, strengthened talent management and succession planning, and improved employee engagement and retention through cost-effective strategies.

My earlier work at Millennium Challenge Account Zambia and ZESCO covered recruitment, performance management, industrial relations, executive support, employee records, training, customer service, and HR compliance. I bring practical knowledge of Zambian Labour Laws, organizational development, and people-focused administration.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Human Resource and Administration Manager

Current

NHIMA Project

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 7 months)

Heads HR and administration for the project, ensuring compliance with Zambian Labour Laws and managing the workforce through strategic HR management, performance management, and administrative oversight.

Strategic Management Performance Management Employee Relations Payroll Benefits Administration Vendor Management Facilities Management Fleet Management Event Management Budget Management

Human Resource and Administration Manager

USAID JSI SAFE PROJECT

May 2019 - Dec 2023 (4 years 7 months)

Provided transformative HR leadership for a $200 million project, managing over 300 staff across locations, implementing performance management systems, and ensuring compliance with labour laws.

HR Leadership Performance Management Policy Development HR Analytics Talent Management Succession Planning Employee Engagement Training and Development Compliance Risk Management Organizational Design

Executive Assistant to CEO

Millennium Challenge Account

Jan 2019 - May 2019 (4 months)

Supported the CEO's office by coordinating board meetings, managing logistics, travel, and diary, and providing administrative support including speech writing and correspondence management.

Calendar Management Travel Coordination Meeting Coordination Correspondence Management Report Preparation Research Administrative Support

Senior Human Resource and Admin Specialist

Millennium Challenge Account Zambia

Apr 2014 - Nov 2018 (4 years 7 months)

Managed HR operations including recruitment, performance management, payroll, training, and employee relations, ensuring compliance with labour laws and organizational policies.

Recruitment Performance Management Payroll Training and Development Employee Relations Contract Management Compliance HR Reporting Benefits Administration

Executive Assistant to DCEO-Administration

Millennium Challenge Account Zambia

Jan 2014 - Mar 2014 (2 months)

Managed training needs identification and implementation, and oversaw HR compliance and ethics training.

Training and Development Compliance

Human Resource Officer

ZESCO Limited

Aug 2006 - Jan 2013 (6 years 5 months)

Managed the employee lifecycle from engagement to separation, including recruitment, disciplinary procedures, promotions, and employee database maintenance.

Recruitment Employee Relations Disciplinary HRIS Onboarding training coordination Compliance