Open to opportunities

Vanessa e'Silva

@vanessaesilva

Message

I lead financial planning and oversight for complex donor-funded health portfolios.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead financial planning, portfolio oversight and decision support for complex programmes, using forecasting, dashboards, controls and cross-functional leadership to strengthen resource allocation and performance.

I'm currently leading budget formulation, funding analysis, pipeline forecasting and scenario analysis for Bilateral Health Unit programmes at the U.S. Department of State.

Previously at USAID Southern Africa, I provided financial oversight across more than 40 awards exceeding US$2.5 billion. I built budget tracking tools and dashboards, led forecasting and fund allocation, and served as COR for a US$60 million technical support mechanism.

I've also acted as Operations Team Lead, coordinating HR, procurement, communications and budget functions while supervising the Operations Team.

Across USAID, SACBC and earlier audit and accounting roles, I've strengthened internal controls, supported audits, advised implementing partners, and translated complex financial information into practical decisions for leadership and programme teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Project Management Specialist - Financial Planning & Oversight

Current

U.S. Department of State

Aug 2025 - Present (1 year)

Lead budget formulation and financial planning for Bilateral Health Unit programmes, developing budget templates, analysing funding requirements and aligning resources with operational priorities. Conduct monthly pipeline forecasting and scenario analysis across assigned awards, identifying funding gaps, unspent balances and emerging financial risks to support timely resource allocation.

Financial Planning scenario analysis Financial Reporting Compliance Financial Advisory