Looking for a job

Maria User

@mafey

International programme management professional with 13+ years of experience supporting donor-funded research and development programmes across LAC &

Colombia

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking opportunities in programme and project management, operations, organizational development and resource management. I enjoy connecting people, resources and priorities, improving processes and helping multidisciplinary teams turn complex challenges into practical solutions. I am open to purpose-driven organizations where my experience can create value.

I am a programme management professional with 13+ years of experience in international research and development environments, working across Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. My career has evolved from project administration and financial management into broader programme coordination, resource planning, stakeholder engagement, organizational development and operational delivery.

Most recently, I coordinated financial and resource planning for a portfolio of approximately USD 2.5–4M across 14 projects, 16 donors and activities in 12 countries. I worked closely with programme leaders, technical teams, finance, operations and partners to align resources and priorities, identify funding gaps and risks, improve processes and support programme implementation. I also led a participatory organizational assessment, contributed to the development of approximately eight funding proposals, coordinated the formalization of 14 SOPs, and worked with teams to improve management and operational processes.

I hold an MBA and a degree in Economics. I am particularly interested in Programme and Project Management, Programme Operations, Organizational Development, Resource Management and roles that combine strategy, people, processes and implementation. I enjoy understanding complex challenges, connecting different perspectives and helping teams create practical solutions, clearer ways of working and stronger coordination. I am especially interested in opportunities within international organizations, development, sustainability, research and other purpose-driven environments where I can continue growing while contributing my experience in managing complex programmes and multidisciplinary teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Programme Management Coordinator

Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT

Aug 2019 - Aug 2026 (7 years)

Supported programme leadership in planning, coordination, resource management, monitoring, and operational delivery of a donor-funded international research programme across Latin America and Africa. Coordinated financial planning, resource allocation, and portfolio analysis for approximately USD 2.5–4M across 14 projects and 16 donors.

Program Management Multi Country Coordination Financial Planning Resource Allocation Budget Monitoring Donor Compliance Stakeholder Engagement Risk Management Proposal Development Process Improvement Knowledge Management Facilitation

Programme Analyst

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)

Aug 2014 - Aug 2019 (5 years)

Supported programme implementation, financial management, and regional coordination for a multi-country programme across Latin America and the Caribbean. Coordinated end-to-end planning and logistics for regional meetings and prepared expenditure information for donor reporting.

Financial Management Program Coordination Logistics Donor Reporting Procurement Contract Management Budget Monitoring Stakeholder Engagement

Project Assistant

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)

Apr 2012 - Apr 2014 (2 years)

Supported administrative and financial management of a regional innovation fund, coordinating project disbursements and maintaining financial monitoring tools and documentation for audits.

Financial Monitoring Project Administration Disbursement Coordination Record keeping Stakeholder Engagement

Project Coordinator

Scientific Research Center of Malaria (CAUSASECO)

May 2011 - Aug 2011 (3 months)

Coordinated administrative and operational implementation for an international research collaboration, facilitating coordination among multidisciplinary teams and managing research logistics.

Project Coordination Multidisciplinary Team Coordination Research Logistics training coordination Stakeholder Communication

Research Project Assistant

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali

Jul 2009 - Apr 2011 (1 year 9 months)

Supported formulation, administration, monitoring, and reporting of institutional research projects, assisting researchers with proposal development and coordinating project disbursements.

Project Administration Proposal Development Budget Preparation Disbursement Coordination Database Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Javeriana Cali

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration

Grade: 4.6

Activities and societies: Applied research in organizational development, using a participatory approach to explore organizational challenges and improvement opportunities within an international research programme.

MBA focused on strengthening strategic management, leadership, organizational development and decision-making. My applied research examined organizational structure, roles, decision-making, governance, processes and performance, resulting in a practical organizational development model and implementation roadmap.

Javeriana Cali

Bachelor of Economics, Economics

Grade: 3.6

Activities and societies: Participated in the Carvajal Foundation Microenterprise Program, providing business advisory and capacity-building support to four microenterprises in Cali.

Economics degree with training in economic analysis, finance, business and organizational management. The programme included practical experience supporting microenterprises in strengthening their administrative, financial, accounting, marketing and organizational practices.