HONEY CATHERINE SOBREVEGA
International Development Specialist
Manila
Summary
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE: To be part of an organization where I can use my full potential as a project management specialist and to have an impact not only on the people we want to serve but also to support and provide inspiration to my colleagues, so we can have an impact in our work and in all the things that we want to do.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
- An international development professional with over 25 years of NGO work experience as a senior country and program manager, women-focused economic development, and microfinance practitioner.
- Experienced work on several USAID, USDA, DFATD, DFID, EC, DANIDA, UN, CGIAR, IFAD, and World Bank-funded projects. Gained extensive experience in implementing economic development projects geared towards women s economic empowerment in post-conflict situations.
- Extensive experience in project proposal development, fund sourcing and donor reporting. In current and previous management roles, has continuously built successful close working relationships with various donors, including the World Bank, DFATD, and USAID, as well as local government officials and other public and private sector stakeholders.
- Strategic-thinking individual experienced in turning low-performing organizations into top revenue producers. Offering engaging and pleasant personality with expertise improving customer relationships.
- Dynamic Director oversees every facet of project management with strong management and decision-making skills. Skilled at coordinating program plans and personnel resources to complete work under tight deadlines.
- Dedicated project management professional with history of meeting project goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational image.
- Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
- To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Country Director - Philippines
Mennonite Economic Development Associates, MEDA
Davao City
09.2021 - Current
- As Country Director, served as the project team leader of the CAD6-million GAC-funded Resilience and Inclusion through Investment in Sustainable Agriculture (RIISA) Project in the Philippines.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the project to include program operations, finance, administration/HR, monitoring and evaluation systems, partnership selection and contracting staff recruitment, and develop closed working relationships with project donors and supporters.
- The project is for 5 years and is focused on the cacao sector value chain working for women-farmers, cooperatives, and private sectors in Davao and BARMM Regions.
- This position is based in Davao City and reports directly to MEDA s North American (N.A.) Manager, based in Waterloo, Ontario Canada.
Country Director - Myanmar
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
Yangon
10.2018 - 09.2021
- Served as the project team leader of the CAD20-million GAC-funded Improving Market Opportunities for Women (IMOW) Project in Kayin and the Shan States in Myanmar.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the project to include program operations, finance, administration/HR, monitoring and evaluation systems, partnership selection and contracting staff recruitment, and developing closed working relationships with project donors and supporters.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- The project is for 5 years and is focused on the rice and vegetable value chain working for women-farmers and private sectors in Kayin and Shan States.
- This position is based in Myanmar and reports directly to MEDA s North American (N.A.) Manager, based in
Deputy Project Manager - Myanmar
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
Yangon
05.2017 - 09.2018
- Maintained tactical control of project budgets and timelines to keep teams on task and achieve schedule targets.
- Supported senior managers and department leaders by completing projects and problem resolution under tight budgets and schedule demands.
- Supported the Country Project Manager (CPM) by providing senior-level leadership and management across the technical program team, including overseeing gender, M&E, agriculture, private sector development, and program partnerships with local implementing partners and business partners
- Support the Country Project Manager in managing, developing, and monitoring the project to obtain all expected results, and achieve performance targets and sustainability of the project.
- Provided technical leadership for the design, planning, and implementation of the project
- Oversaw the day-to-day activities of the Partnership team and technical assistance aspects of the program, in collaboration with other team members and key stakeholders, including MEDA Headquarters. This includes the line management of Partnerships Coordinators for Shan and Kayin, Gender Coordinator, M&E Coordinator, and Sr Agriculture Specialist
- Supported the CPM in representing the project and MEDA with clients, partners and other stakeholders including the host country government and sector working groups
- As part of the senior management team and with the oversight of the CPM, the DPM will engage in multiple areas of the project s management and contribute to its overall success.
Country Project Manager - Ghana
Mennonite Economic Development Associates, MEDA
Tamale, Northern Region
05.2012 - 05.2017
- Served as the project team leader of the CAD18-million DFATD-funded Greater Rural
- Opportunities for Women (GROW) project in the north of Ghana
- Managed the start-up activities from office set-up to project implementation that included the set-up of financial, administration/HR, monitoring and evaluation systems, partnership selection and contracting staff recruitment, and developing closed working relationships with project donors and supporters
- The project is for 6 years and is focused on the soybean value chain working for women farmers in the
- Upper West Region
- The target is to have 20,000 women farmers producing soybeans that will be added in the soybean value chain
- As of this production year and in the mid-point of the project, it has already reached more than 10,000 women farmers who produced soybeans and are linked to suppliers, service providers, and markets
- Managed 33 local staff and 5 local partners who are working in 8 districts of the region
- Worked with different value chain actors to include processors and other market actors as well as different financial service providers to include banks and microfinance institutions.
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Program Manager for South Asia
South Asia, CGIAR - The World Fish Center
Dhaka
08.2011 - 04.2012
- Provided project management support to the Director for South Asia in the development of management systems and overall operational function of the Bangladesh and South Asia office
- Have successfully worked with the Director and the different Team Leaders in the timely implementation of different WorldFish projects in Bangladesh and South Asia Office
- Led, managed, and provided intellectual input to interdisciplinary teams to deliver project outcomes that meet stakeholder needs
- Supervised project leaders to ensure that projects are managed effectively to generate specified outcomes, within budget and timeframes
- Provided the necessary steer to ensure that WorldFish staff and projects are focused on activities and outputs in accordance with the organizational mission and strategy
- Supported the Director in overseeing administrative matters relating to the staff, projects, and financial operations.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
Country Manager - Afghanistan
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
Kabul
04.2007 - 06.2011
- Served as the project team leader and oversees the overall implementation, management, and evaluation of the
- Integrating Women into Markets: Value Chain Strategies for Integrating Women into Sustainable Horticultural Markets in
- Afghanistan project in Afghanistan
- This project seeks to help women improve the quality and yield of their home-based gardens and then build links to sustainable markets in order to increase family incomes
- Primary responsibilities include:
- Ensuring the project s compliance with planning, monitoring and evaluation, budgetary adherence and reporting requirements, as established and defined by the contract and CIDA; Maintaining relations with donors, as well as collaborating with different stakeholders including local development organizations, women farmers, Community
- Development Councils (CDC s), the Afghanistan government, NGOs, and the business community; Acting as MEDA s legal representative in Afghanistan and ensuring that the project complies with all legal requirements; and visiting, on a regular basis, the project sites in Parwan, as well as the value chain partners to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes
- Other responsibilities include the smooth set-up of the MEDA’s country office in Afghanistan when it opened in April 2007, developing the HRD manual, security policy and the evacuation plans for the country office, hiring the necessary staff and creating a team environment, providing admin and logistical support to all MEDA HQ staff and visitors despite security limitations in the country
- This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and reports directly to MEDA s North American (N.A.) Manager, based in
Microfinance Program Manager - Afghanistan
CARE International Afghanistan
Kabul
03.2004 - 03.2007
- Oversaw the successful implementation of a World Bank-funded project, “Economic Assistance for the Women in Afghanistan”
- The objective of the program was to improve the economic security of poor households in the targeted communities in Kabul City through the strategic use of savings and credit groups (SCGs) and the establishment of an efficient and sustainable micro finance institution that will provide appropriate financial services to poor and vulnerable women who are economically active but who do not have established businesses
- The program also seeks to assist in the reconstruction of Afghanistan by helping the very vulnerable to overcome poverty and achieve self-sufficiency, thus raising their self-esteem and dignity
- The Micro Finance Agency for Development (MoFAD/CARE) was also established in July 2004 with 16 trained staff (Training Supervisor, MIS Officer,
- Savings and Credit Promoters, Loan Officers, Cashier, Administrative Officer and other support staff)
- The following systems were also in-placed during the year: MIS, Administration, HRD, Finance and Operations (loans disbursements and repayments)
- As of
- November 30, 2006, the program has organized 475 savings and credit groups in Kabul City with 9,190 active women-members
- Total number of loans disbursed from the micro finance institution (not to include internal loans among the savings and credit groups) is 9,079 amounting to US$1.8M with 99% repayment rate.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
Project Manager - Eritrea
Eritrea, CARE International
Asmara
11.2001 - 03.2004
- Oversaw the successful implementation of a pilot community-managed savings and credit program and developed and managed the Phase 2 expansion program based on lessons learned
- Developed and initiated projects, managed costs and monitored performance.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Program management entailed maintaining partner relationships with 2 local NGOs, supervising, guiding, and supporting the project team (2 CARE staff and 6 partner-staff), tracking the budget, allocating resources, and generating financial reports
- Other responsibilities included coordinating with donors and other organizations, preparing overall monitoring and evaluation strategy for projects, assisting with the identification of new projects and proposal development
- Also trained a Local Project Manager for the 2nd year of the CSCA project expansion.
Microfinance Program Manager
Bosnia and Hercegovina, International Rescue
Tuzla
11.2000 - 10.2001
- Oversaw the implementation and development of IRC Bosnia s micro credit programs and developed local capacities in microfinance among the group of local IRC partner organizations
- Core duties entailed developing the IRC BiH s Microfinance
- Program Policies and Guidelines and providing individual technical assistance to partners, in the areas of program development, policy and procedures, fundraising, microfinance methodology, and financial and institutional sustainability
- Additional responsibilities included planning and implementing regional training workshops, developing proposals and creating linkages with new donors
- Accomplishments include successfully implementing GM004 and GM006 programs funded by USDA, assisting 3 local partners in becoming independent microfinance institutions and securing additional funding from the World Bank, USAID, and IRC.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Project Technical Advisor
CARE International
Manila
06.1998 - 10.2000
- Responsible for overall management and administration of the Bacolod Project Office that covers 6 provinces with 3
- Cooperative Bank partners, 38 partner-cooperatives and 13 staff (2 admin, 3 ARSP staff, and 8 IDOs)
- Served as Project
- Coordinator for a number of CARE Philippines major Projects including Balik Sa Nayon (Back to the Barrio) Program,in partnership with Cooperative Rural Bank of Aklan (CRB Aklan), Micro-enterprise Assistance Program (MAP), which assisting ten cooperatives in Region 6 with a total loan portfolio of US$250,000, and Micro-enterprise Assistance Through
- Cooperatives for Real Outreach (MACRO), in partnership with Cooperative Bank of Iloilo, which assisted 15 cooperatives with total loan exposure of US$400,000 and increased Coop Bank’s investment by at least US$20,000 through the cooperative s capital formation and savings mobilization
- Major Accomplishments as a technical advisor include: training eight
- Institution Development Officers in institution building, bookkeeping, lending operation, and monitoring and evaluation; assisting CRB Aklan in strengthening 120 people s organizations and registering them as cooperatives; preparing lending policies and implementing guidelines; installing member-savings operation; and increasing the investment of these organizations from the bank through continuous capital formation and savings mobilization.
Project Officer
CARE International
Manila
06.1992 - 06.1998
- Identified partners (NGOs and grassroots organizations) for CARE s Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program in the provinces of
- Negros Occidental, Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras; Conducted organizational and financial assessment as well as pre- investment appraisal of project proposals
- Organized client orientation seminars participate in organizational and program evaluation; implemented micro-lending projects.
Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist
Government of Philippines
05.1989 - 05.1992
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time.
- Led the implementation of DTI’s support services for beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program supervising six Trade and Industry Development Specialists assigned in Central Negros.
- Also managed the implementation of the Charcoal Brick Kiln, a common service facility for the farm workers of Hacienda Grande, La Castellana, and spearheaded the design and implementation of short-term training interventions for farmers and farm workers affected by the agrarian reform program.
Economic Development Project Officer
Special Children Outreach for Rehabilitation
Bacolod City
05.1988 - 05.1989
- Identified and designed projects for families with disabled children in Bacolod City.
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Project Coordinator
Ayala Foundation Inc
Manila
10.1984 - 04.1988
- Conducted pre-investment appraisal of project proposals and participated in the implementation and monitoring of venture projects.
- Supervised multiple projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
Education
Ph.D. - Leadership and Management
Atlantic International University
USA 04.2016 - 06.2019
Master of Science - Project Management
Atlantic International University
USA 03.2014 - 04.2016
Certified Development Project Manager, CDPM Expert - Project Management
Project Management For Development Organizations
USA 06.2018 - 08.2018
Pro-Poor Economic Development Program - Project Management
Southern New Hampshire University
USA 06.1997 - 06.1997
Bachelor of Science - Management And Industrial Engineering
Mapua Institute of Technology
Manila, Philippines 06.1980 - 10.1984
Skills
Country launch - Afghanistan, Ghana, Myanmar, Philippines
undefinedCertification
1. Project Management - 10+ years
Timeline
Country Director - Philippines
Mennonite Economic Development Associates, MEDA
09.2021 - Current
Country Director - Myanmar
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
10.2018 - 09.2021
Certified Development Project Manager, CDPM Expert - Project Management
Project Management For Development Organizations
06.2018 - 08.2018
Deputy Project Manager - Myanmar
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
05.2017 - 09.2018
Ph.D. - Leadership and Management
Atlantic International University
04.2016 - 06.2019
Master of Science - Project Management
Atlantic International University
03.2014 - 04.2016
Country Project Manager - Ghana
Mennonite Economic Development Associates, MEDA
05.2012 - 05.2017
Program Manager for South Asia
South Asia, CGIAR - The World Fish Center
08.2011 - 04.2012
Country Manager - Afghanistan
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
04.2007 - 06.2011
Microfinance Program Manager - Afghanistan
CARE International Afghanistan
03.2004 - 03.2007
Project Manager - Eritrea
Eritrea, CARE International
11.2001 - 03.2004
Microfinance Program Manager
Bosnia and Hercegovina, International Rescue
11.2000 - 10.2001
Project Technical Advisor
CARE International
06.1998 - 10.2000
Pro-Poor Economic Development Program - Project Management
Southern New Hampshire University
06.1997 - 06.1997
Project Officer
CARE International
06.1992 - 06.1998
Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist
Government of Philippines
05.1989 - 05.1992
Economic Development Project Officer
Special Children Outreach for Rehabilitation
05.1988 - 05.1989
Project Coordinator
Ayala Foundation Inc
10.1984 - 04.1988
Bachelor of Science - Management And Industrial Engineering
Mapua Institute of Technology
06.1980 - 10.1984
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