Open to opportunities

Mobolaji Babalola

@mobolajibabalola1

Senior Project Manager driving portfolio and programme delivery through budget, contracts, stakeholder alignment, and risk-focused execution.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead end-to-end project and programme delivery—owning budgets, contracts, and portfolio priorities—while collaborating with stakeholders and funders to deliver measurable impact and continuous improvement.

I’m a results-oriented Project and Programme Manager who optimises project lifecycles to achieve strategic objectives. I focus on smooth delivery by strengthening organisation, communication, and stakeholder satisfaction throughout every phase.

At ODI, I’ve progressed through roles including Programme Support Officer, Programme Officer, Project Manager, and now Senior Project Manager. In my current position, I managed over 15 projects to meet programme goals and deadlines, coordinating programme management, strategic portfolio and partnerships, proposal submissions, funding management, and lessons learnt to support continuous improvement.

I bring hands-on experience across budget management, financial forecasting, contract management, and donor-facing reporting—such as coordinating donor narrative reports and ensuring compliance with ODI procedures and donor expectations (including safeguarding frameworks and travel & security). I also support business development by identifying and exploring potential new funders and partners, and I maintain strong internal collaboration with teams across HR, Finance, Comms, and IT.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Project Manager

Current

ODI

Apr 2025 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Managed over 15 projects to meet programme goals and deadlines, coordinating programme delivery and portfolio strategy. Oversaw funding and partnerships, supported the Programme Director with business strategy and financial targets, and ensured budget compliance and continuous improvement through lessons learnt.

Project Management Portfolio Management Budget Management Financial Forecasting Contract Management Project Coordination Microsoft Office Suite SharePoint Business Central Proposal Development Business Development Stakeholder Management Time Management Monthly Quarterly And Annual Portfolio Analysis

Current

Programme Officer

Current

ODI

Jan 2010 - Present (16 years 6 months)

Supported fundraising by identifying funding opportunities and contributing to group fundraising strategies and bids/proposals. Managed donor contract administration and subcontracting, monitored budgets/invoices and deliverables, supported financial reporting and project closures, and maintained project documentation and worksites on SharePoint.

Funding Strategies Subcontract Administration Donor Reporting Financial Year End Reconciliation Support SharePoint Travel Arrangements Coordination Compliance With ODI And Donor Policies Partnership Development

Project Manager

ODI

Apr 2015 - Mar 2025 (9 years 11 months)

Coordinated project inputs and workplans covering scope, schedule, budget, risk and quality, including milestone tracking and deliverable planning. Managed financial resources and budgeting, ensured ODI methodology and donor compliance (including narrative reporting and safeguarding/travel & security), and maintained project worksites on SharePoint.

Project Planning Project Execution Risk Management Partner Coordination Financial Resources Budgeting ODI Project Management Methodology SharePoint Global Security Compliance Projects

Administrative Officer

Action for Children (Westgate and Newburgh Children's Centre

Jul 2008 - Dec 2009 (1 year 5 months)

Maintained confidential filing systems and handled daily administrative coordination with multiple departments to support centre operations. Managed purchase orders and supported service users through updates, welcome packs, and responses to enquiries.

Excel Daily Communication Coordination Work Plan Updates Administrative Queries Handling Welcome Packs Purchase Order Processing Supplier Coordination Data Management

Programme Support Officer

Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre

Sep 2005 - Sep 2007 (2 years)

Supported programme delivery by developing work plans, monitoring and evaluating projects, and producing progress reports for management and project funders. Coordinated project activities (including workshops and meetings), maintained project files and partner/funder correspondence, and provided administrative support as a primary contact for multiple projects.

Monitoring And Evaluation (M&E)Progress Reports Coalition Coordination Project Management Files Correspondence Management Project Publication Production Coordination Administrative Support