Open to opportunities

Manuel Avendaño

@manuelavendao

Message

Operations specialist driving compliance and performance in development projects.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role leading operations or program portfolios in development or humanitarian settings where I can apply compliance, risk management, and AI-informed project decision-making to improve delivery and stakeholder outcomes.

I am an experienced operations specialist with over 15 years in project management, public policy, and strategic planning, working across multilateral and government settings in Latin America and Washington, DC. I have a track record of managing operational workflows, ensuring procurement and fiduciary compliance, and improving disbursement and execution rates for technical cooperation projects.

At the Inter-American Development Bank I contributed to the execution and closure of 10+ technical cooperation projects, supervised a $1.9M WASH project, and improved portfolio monitoring using platforms such as SISCOR PLUS, CONVERGENCIA, EzShare, Monday, and Salesforce. I combine operational rigor with stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and post-project evaluation to deliver measurable improvements.

I also lead humanitarian and government operations teams, founded and provide fiduciary oversight for a 501(c)(3), and continue to upskill in AI for project management (CPMAI v7). I prioritize collaboration, transparency, and practical solutions in fragile contexts to enhance service delivery and program impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder & Treasurer

Current

Miranda Center for Democracy

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years)

Provide fiduciary oversight and day-to-day bookkeeping for a 501(c)(3) with $1.85M reported revenue, prepare board-ready financials, and implement internal controls to ensure compliance and audit readiness.

Quickbooks Financial Reporting Bookkeeping Internal Controls Month End Close Reconciliations Nonprofit Governance

Operations Consultant

Inter-American Development Bank

Nov 2022 - Nov 2025 (3 years)

Contributed to execution and closure of 10+ technical cooperation projects in fragile contexts, supervised a $1.9M WASH project for two hospitals, and improved portfolio tracking to increase disbursement and execution rates.

Project Management Procurement Monitoring & Evaluation Risk Assessment SISCOR PLUS Convergencia EzShare Salesforce

Manager of Operations

Samu First Response

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 11 months)

Led a 16-person team coordinating humanitarian assistance and shelter operations for migrant families, managed crisis response protocols, and optimized donor-funded resource allocation.

Crisis Response Stakeholder Engagement Budget Management Donor Reporting

Manager of International Relations

National Assembly

Jan 2019 - Jul 2021 (2 years 6 months)

Led a 5-person team managing the president's international agenda, executed technical cooperation with multilateral partners, and produced communication strategies and analytical reports across 50+ forums.

International Cooperation Strategic Communications Stakeholder Management Report Writing Policy Analysis

Chief of Staff

Foreign Policy Committee

Jan 2016 - Jun 2019 (3 years 5 months)

Managed a team supporting the Foreign Policy Committee, coordinated regional trips across LATAM, implemented technical cooperation projects, and delivered risk assessments and policy briefs for legislative use.

Team Leadership Project Coordination Risk Assessment Policy Briefing Advocacy Logistics

General Manager

Mayor's Office El Hatillo

Jan 2013 - Jan 2016 (3 years)

Designed and executed the 'Vive El Hatillo' program attracting 2,500–3,000 weekly visitors, negotiated 12 public-private partnerships, and led a 10-person team on budget and community outreach.