Helina Tirife
Associate Director
Johannesburg
Summary
Helina Ayele Tirfie is an experienced international development professional with over 20 years of work experience and track record in project coordination; programme management and coordination with donor/philanthropic organization; business development with philanthropic and development organisations; grant management and reporting; political economy analysis and stakeholder mapping; technical support coordination; event planning and management; development and dissemination of best practices; research and case study development; and partnership development and management. Helina's experience also includes the development of strategic plans and resource mobilization strategy development. Helina holds two master's degrees: M.A; Development Studies from University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; MBA from University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a Bachelor of Com; Daystar University, Kenya. She is fluent in English, French and Amharic, and has had a tested experience working in multicultural professional environments. Her country experience includes East Africa (Kenya), and West and Central Africa (with close focus on Senegal, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Ghana). Helina has a proven track record of fostering coordination between and management and leadership of different teams (finance, research, and project teams, and communication) as project coordinator.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Associate Director
AFRICA PRACTICE (AP)
Johannesburg
06.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Africa Practice is a strategic consulting firm that has been supporting the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) under the Africa Intelligence Platform (AIP)
- Design an updated strategy for the AIP focusing on resources and capabilities on client priorities and demonstrate the platform's value
- Oversee the day-to-day coordination of the AIP platform directly managing the core team in Dakar
- Manage the network of subcontractors that sit on the AIP platform and based in Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana; working closely with them to ensure that deliverables align with BMGF priorities; and working with the AP team to identify capacity gaps and talent development programmes for them
- Introduce AP value proposition into francophone Africa and support business development as well as expand the AIP contract with BMGF
- Gender related business development targeting philanthropic organisations and other development agencies
- Africa Practice is a strategic consulting firm that has been supporting the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) under the Africa Intelligence Platform (AIP)
- Key achievements thus far include the securing of a prestigious mandate from the BMGF and successful organization of 2 key BMGF events in Dakar that brought together 1500 people; renewal of the BMGF contract for 2024-2025 financial year; partnership development with a local gender based organisation and implementer for joint resource mobilisation
- Led teams of up to 4 personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
Nonprofit and Public Sector Work Coordinator
AFRICA CONSULTING AND TRADING (ACT)
Dakar
01.2015 - 05.2023
- Company Overview: ACT has been the consultant for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for West and Central Africa since 2014 and serves as the Project management Unit (PMU) for the BMGF
- Lead the planning, coordination, and supervision of BMGF projects and activities (AIP, FSP, WSH, LLF, Gender) through work plan and action plan development, periodic monitoring of projects and reporting
- Lead the day-to-day oversight of the implementation of the work program for each of the projects
- Lead the development of technical and financial reports for each project
- Monitor project budget vis-a-vis actual spending for each project
- Lead the development of periodic reporting tools and templates
- Lead the development of monthly quarterly and annual reporting on project progress and implementation
- Lead the development of knowledge management database
- Develop and maintain government relations and provision of policy and advocacy advisory to support the BMGF get closer to policy and decision makers
- Monitor donor, government and private sector activities and investments to provide intelligence and timely input to the BMGF
- Gather major socio-economic and political developments and analysis in Senegal, Burkina, Ghana, Mali, and Cote d'Ivoire and produce weekly and monthly reports
- Provide strategic and technical advisory to the BMGF beneficiaries, monitor, and support partner activities, and facilitate sharing of best practices and cross learning
- Provide support to the BMGF staff on their field missions
- ACT has been the consultant for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for West and Central Africa since 2014 and serves as the Project management Unit (PMU) for the BMGF
- Emerging role: Lead the collect, analysis, and reporting of Covid 19 situation, trends in Senegal, Burkina, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Ghana through weekly Covid 19 update reports
- Key achievements: The set up of the NGO department at ACT-Afrique and management of a team of 14 people, development of proposals that resulted in 5 key projects from the Gates Foundation and the implementation and management of the 5 projects
International Consultant
UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE (RCO)-DR CONGO
Dakar
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Developed the resource mobilization strategy and action plan of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF-2020-2024) of DRC
Development Coordination Officer/Economist
UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE (RCO)-DR CONGO
Dakar
11.2020 - 01.2021
- Development of project documents for a UNCT led programme (Kasai and Kasai Central nexus programme, recruitment of nexus advisor)
- Finalization of a UNCT programme document (Kassai transition framework document)
- Regular monitoring of platforms such as yammer group and Africa economist groups for any updates or instructions) and ensure effective communication to UNCT members
- Completion of an extensive TOR for the development of partnership and resource mobilization strategy
- Participation and contribution in the weekly RCO update meetings
- Contribution to the development of a speech for the RC
- Key achievement: The development of the resource mobilization plan for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF-2020-2024) of DRC that was validated by the United Nation Country Team
International Consultant
THE JOINT UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)-SENEGAL
Dakar
02.2013 - 12.2014
- Conducted desk research, data collection and analysis, and reporting on the status of implementation of a regional and national joint UN programmes on HIV and AIDS and provided recommendation on the future direction of the joint programmes
- Led the overall programmatic and logistical coordination and organization of the UNAIDS annual Regional Management Meeting (RMM)
- Reviewed and analyzed the performance of UNAIDS's Programme Acceleration Fund (PAF) designed to assist the UN Theme Groups on AIDS to play a catalytic and facilitating role in advancing the scope, scale, and effectiveness of a country's response to the AIDS epidemics
- Key achievement: Successful organization and management of the flagship regional event of UNAIDS regional office
Technical Officer
THE JOINT UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)-SENEGAL
Dakar
02.2008 - 01.2013
- Providing technical and programmatic support to the implementation; monitoring and evaluation of the UNAIDS funded Technical Support Facility (TSF) based in Burkina Faso
- Reviewed the Technical Support Facility (TSF)'s work program, capacity development program, and different grants assessment and propose changes to priorities, approaches, and allocation of resources
- Conducted analyses of specific TSF activities to ensure consistency and conformity with the work plan and budgetary objectives
- Analyzed country requests for technical support and coordinated the deployment of consultant in the field
- Reviewed and provided feedback to ensure consistency of TSF documents such as progress reports, financial reports
- Assisted in the design of technical support-related training, learning, and planning events including the development of concept papers, agenda, learning and workshop materials
- Contributed to knowledge building and knowledge sharing on technical support management and operation, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNAIDS knowledge networks
- Reported on and tracked technical support provided to countries that are implementing grants from the Global Fund
- Conducted analysis of technical support provided by the TSF, coordinated the formulation of a web based national consultants database in different countries and evaluated and assessed technical and financial bids for the renewal of the TSF's contract with the UNAIDS
- Key Achievement: Effective organization and coordination of technical assistance to 25 countries in West and Central Africa
Partnership Specialist
THE AFRICAN VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY (AVU)-KENYA
Nairobi
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Responsible for the improvement, maintenance, and identification of existing/potential African Virtual University (AVU) partnerships with higher education institutions in Anglophone Africa; organized graduation of AVU students across the network (Ghana, Mauritania, Senegal, Kenya)
- Set up a database of all current and potential partners and design a partnership guideline document that would serve as a reference point
- Identified, coordinated negotiations, and defined partnering strategy with current and potential partners and facilitated finalization of an MOU leading to increased AVU partnerships
- Managed institutional partnerships with existing partners- governments, donors, universities, and corporate partners
- Established and maintained linkages with other organizations dealing with education and Information and communication Technology (ICT) (e.g., UNESCO, Global Knowledge Partnerships (GKP), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for knowledge sharing and documentation; and learning from best practices
- Developed AVU marketing and informational materials targeted towards donors, universities and government and brand building, preparation, and distribution of AVU publicity materials
- Gathered, compiled, and edited the AVU quarterly newsletter
- Developed and documented case studies in Open, Distance and e-Learning in selected countries for the sole purpose of resource mobilization
- Designed and implemented a web based and customized communication portal for reporting, monitoring, and evaluating AVU programs across the network
- Designed and improved internal systems of record keeping in a structured approach
- Took the lead in reformulating AVU general agreements for possible partnerships with Higher Education Institutions
- Key achievements: Successful identification of potential partners and definition of partnership strategy that saw the increase of ACU partnerships
- Furthermore, successful organization of AVU graduation ceremonies in Ghana; Senegal and Kenya
Knowledge Management Programme Officer
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)-KENYA
Nairobi
03.2002 - 12.2004
- Identified potential new partners and coordinated negotiations between Best Practice and Local leadership Programme (BLP) and these potential partners, and monitor relationships with Best Practices existing partners
- Sent out monthly newsletter to all BLP partners, submitters and potential submitters informing them of the program's activities, achievements, and upcoming events
- Coordinated the BLP Steering Committee meeting comprised of its partners to establish the policies and procedures, which guide the substantive work and activities of the BLP and its partner
- Facilitated learning and knowledge sharing between countries through the selection and awarding of best practices in various human settlement aspects
- Identified practices to be submitted to the awards through extensive website search from various organizations whose work covers the thematic areas of submission; continuous liaison with Best Practices partners in the different regions; and other UN organizations; and recommend submissions
- Disseminated guidelines and reporting format in close collaboration with the Dubai Municipality and establish cataloging system to manage the influx of submissions and support material for the awards
- Edited submissions ensuring compliance with the reporting format
- Prepared briefs and summaries of case studies for use by various programs within UN-HABITAT and other partners; and various publications
- Key achievement: Researched for and co-wrote the UN-Habitat/ Development Planning Unit, University College London Publication on 'Implementing the Habitat Agenda: In Search of Urban Sustainability'
Research Officer
WORLD BANK, WATER AND SANITATION PROGRAMME, KENYA
Nairobi
01.2001 - 02.2002
- Collected information on alternative financing mechanisms in the water and sanitation sector in different regions of the world
- Analyzed and tabulated information from case studies, charts, and tables
- Aided on similar research for studies related to financing mechanisms for social funds, micro-finance and assessing water supply and sanitation resource flows
- Liaised with the website owner/designer (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to ensure that the information is uploaded, updated, peer reviewed and disseminated
- Gathered and updated information; facilitated internal peer review process of the toolkit to ensure quality before wider dissemination to external audience; organized electronic conference to expand audience for peer reviewing process
- Collected written comments on and other inputs to the CD version of the toolkit, from partners in the field unable to participate in the electronic conference or access the website
- Arranged for the dissemination of the first draft of the toolkit to a wide audience including key partners
- Organized a workshop on 'Building Partnerships to serve the Urban Poor' in Abidjan, Cote d' Ivoire and compiled the workshop proceedings for publication
- Key Achievements: Researched and co-wrote the Water and Sanitation Program-Africa (WSP-AF) publication on 'Financing Strategies for Water and Sanitation Services: Meeting the Financing Challenge for Water and Sanitation and Creating Incentives and Support for Sector Reform'
- Further, collected compiled and synthesized information for a web-based practitioners' toolkit on water and sanitation service delivery
Volunteer
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)-KENYA
Nairobi
09.2000 - 12.2000
- Prepared for the 2002 Dubai International Awards for Best Practices including dissemination of guidelines and reporting format, liaison with the Dubai Municipality, sub-contractors, Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme's partners and other networks for Best Practice submissions and their validation
- Pre-production, production and dissemination of Best Practices policy briefs and summaries
- Participated in the organization of conferences
- Updated the Best Practices website under specific themes such as housing, poverty eradication, participatory planning, urban economic development, education practices, urban governance and urban infrastructure and services
Volunteer
UNITED NATIONS CENTRE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UNCRD), KENYA
Nairobi
06.2000 - 08.2000
- Edited UNCRD publications
- Organized lectures/events/activities/trainings
- Assisted in drafting course prospectus on regional development
Administrative Officer
KIKISA Ltd- MINERS, DEALERS AND EXPORTERS OF GEMSTONE-KENYA
Nairobi
10.1998 - 05.2000
- Prepared marketing materials of Gemstones
- Reviewed and verified financial reports
- Accounted and audited sales records
- Prepared documents relating to exports and prepared business letters relating to purchases
Education
M.A - Development Studies
University of Witwatersrand
Johanneburg 01.2007 - 03.2008
MBA - International Business Administration
University of Nairobi
Nairobi 08.2000 - 11.2002
BCom - Business Administration and Management/Marketing
Daystar University
Nairobi 09.1994 - 09.1998
Skills
Team collaboration and leadership
Summary Of Key Qualifications
Helina Ayele Tirfie is an experienced international development professional with over 20 years of work experience and track record in project coordination; programme management and coordination with donor/philanthropic organization; business development with philanthropic and development organisations; grant management and reporting; political economy analysis and stakeholder mapping; technical support coordination; event planning and management; development and dissemination of best practices; research and case study development; and partnership development and management. Helina's experience also includes the development of strategic plans and resource mobilization strategy development. Helina holds two master's degrees: M.A; Development Studies from University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; MBA from University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a Bachelor of Com; Daystar University, Kenya. She is fluent in English, French and Amharic, and has had a tested experience working in multicultural professional environments. Her country experience includes East Africa (Kenya), and West and Central Africa (with close focus on Senegal, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Ghana). Helina has a proven track record of fostering coordination between and management and leadership of different teams (finance, research, and project teams, and communication) as project coordinator.
Timeline
Associate Director
AFRICA PRACTICE (AP)
06.2023 - Current
International Consultant
UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE (RCO)-DR CONGO
11.2021 - 08.2022
Development Coordination Officer/Economist
UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE (RCO)-DR CONGO
11.2020 - 01.2021
Nonprofit and Public Sector Work Coordinator
AFRICA CONSULTING AND TRADING (ACT)
01.2015 - 05.2023
International Consultant
THE JOINT UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)-SENEGAL
02.2013 - 12.2014
Technical Officer
THE JOINT UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)-SENEGAL
02.2008 - 01.2013
M.A - Development Studies
University of Witwatersrand
01.2007 - 03.2008
Partnership Specialist
THE AFRICAN VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY (AVU)-KENYA
01.2005 - 12.2006
Knowledge Management Programme Officer
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)-KENYA
03.2002 - 12.2004
Research Officer
WORLD BANK, WATER AND SANITATION PROGRAMME, KENYA
01.2001 - 02.2002
Volunteer
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)-KENYA
09.2000 - 12.2000
MBA - International Business Administration
University of Nairobi
08.2000 - 11.2002
Volunteer
UNITED NATIONS CENTRE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UNCRD), KENYA
06.2000 - 08.2000
Administrative Officer
KIKISA Ltd- MINERS, DEALERS AND EXPORTERS OF GEMSTONE-KENYA
10.1998 - 05.2000
BCom - Business Administration and Management/Marketing
Daystar University
09.1994 - 09.1998
Similar Profiles
Briana EndicottBriana Endicott
Medical Transportation Driver at AP TransportationMedical Transportation Driver at AP Transportation
Celeste MedinaCeleste Medina
Receptionist at AP Barber StudioReceptionist at AP Barber Studio
NISHANTH RASPUTHNISHANTH RASPUTH
Architect at AP URBANArchitect at AP URBAN