Marise Sagna
Summary
Dedicated to driving systemic change through values-based leadership, fostering a more free, just, and equitable world.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Director - Productive Learning
Food For The Hungry
01.2024 - Current
- Supporting FH’s restructuring through a new program model to foster transformative solutions in Education and International Development
- Spearheading the development and implementation of the new innovative strategy on education to increase program effectiveness, reach, and impact
- Increasing program quality and operational excellence through the development and provision of capacity strengthening plans for country office staff
- Reducing budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating consulting and research contracts for more advantageous terms
- Identifying bottlenecks to streamline existing processes within my department and across the organization
- Leading recruitment, hiring and training of new team members
- Identifyimg trends and assessed opportunities to improve processes, execution, and place FH as a though leader
- Overseeing global product development and partner relationships, enabling footprint expansion into new markets
- Efficient contribution to commitments to revenue targets for education initiatives
- Enhancing FH's influence and impact through representation at global fora and building key relationships with thought leaders in the relief and humanitarian development space
- In collaboration with the M&E unit developing and implementing comprehensive researches and learning agenda contributing to improved program assessment and impact measurement
EU ROM expert
KOMIS for European Union-DEVCO
01.2018 - Current
- Assessment of the implementation and impact of EU-funded projects in Education
- Conduct midterm and endline evaluations assessing value and impact of funded projects across Mali, Comoros, Ethiopia, Somalia, Aruba
- Delivered detailed reports on findings and measurement, including recommendations to improve added value of funding provided
- Developed and conducted mix-methods of data collection with key stakeholders including beneficiaries, partners, and Government entities
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for program improvements
Global Advisor - Education & Youth Empowerment
CARE
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Contributed to CARE’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and impactful contributions to education and adolescent empowerment on a global scale
- Provided technical leadership for global Education and Youth Empowerment programs, ensuring strategic direction and impact
- Led successful donor stewardship efforts, fostering key partnerships, and fund mobilization efforts, while providing technical oversight for awarded projects, resulting in sustained impact (resulting in a $32m portfolio)
- Supported monitoring mechanisms, generating evidence on EiE, girls' education & and empowerment, youth development, TVET, ICT, nexus programming, adaptive management, teacher training, and curricula development
- Represented CARE at national and international forums, showcasing technical expertise in education development and innovation, and contributing to CARE's thought leadership
- Strengthened global education systems by actively contributing to the development of national Sector Analysis and Planning processes
- Co-authored impactful documents, including the Puntland Education Sector Analysis (2021) and Puntland Education Sector Strategic Planning (2022)
Girls' Education Advisor: Africa
UNICEF
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Contributed to UNICEF’s efforts to drive positive change in girls' education across West and Central Africa
- Supported the development, advocacy, and effective implementation of girls’ education programs, ensuring equitable access to quality education particularly for marginalized girls
- Provided crucial technical oversight for education policy reforms in the West and Central Africa Region, contributing to systemic improvements in girls’ education
- Strengthened national capacity in Education Sector Planning processes, fostering sustainable education development
- Conducted comprehensive analysis and system mapping of the institutional landscape, responses, and challenges related to girls' education, informing targeted interventions
- Played a pivotal role in high-level advocacy efforts, championing the empowerment of marginalized adolescent girls through education
- Developed and implemented robust monitoring mechanisms, ensuring efficient project progress tracking against milestones
- Developed impactful proposals and action plans, strengthening overall strategies and national capacity in the education sector across the region
- Established and maintained strong partnerships with donors, delivering implementation and financial reports showcasing funded programs' impact
Education - Consultant
UNDP-UNICEF
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Served as the co-consultant for the assessment of the School Management System in Cabo Verde
- Completed qualitative and quantitative research to assess (i) pedagogical management, (ii) administrative management, and (iii) planning and school organization
- Assessed efficiency of the administration and supervision model responding to identified challenges and sectoral strategies
- Produced a final report of findings, and defined stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities in the education eco-system for an improved perspective of integrated schools’ management approach
Training Education Coordinator
UNICEF-UNGEI
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Contributed to UNICEF/UNGEI's commitment to advancing gender-responsive sector planning through tailored workshops, strategic planning, and impactful analysis, resulting in strengthened capacities of national Governments
- Coordinated regional workshops, strengthening government and development partner capacities in gender-responsive sector planning
- Designed and facilitated pre-workshop consultations, conducting pre/post-training surveys to measure impact, ensure alignment with participants' expectations and enhance baseline knowledge on gender-responsive sector planning
- Effectively generated budgets and timetables, and outlined roadmaps for planned workshops
- Drafted detailed briefing reports highlighting key outcomes and providing recommendations on training approaches and materials, ensuring strategic insights for future improvements
- Conducted in-depth analysis of project proposals, identifying specific capacity-building needs to enhance gender mainstreaming and responsive planning
- Reviewed and edited all training materials for accuracy and company policy compliance
Education Project Manager
UNESCO
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Supported UNESCO’s efforts to the advancement of education in the West and Central African region
- Provided technical backstopping for UNESCO Regional Office programs, specifically in Teacher Training, Early Childhood Care and Education, and Literacy and ICT
- Contributed to the design and coordination of curriculum reform training and workshops for 2000+ teachers, ensuring alignment with new sector policies, local needs, and priorities
- Provided policy oversight serving as instrumental in shaping a responsive policy framework for education development in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde
Education Program Advisor
Africa Network Campaign on Education for All
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Contributed to ANCEFA’s network and regional funding management for the advancement of education initiatives in Africa
- Spearheaded the development, establishment, and successful implementation of projects for the GPE Civil Society Education Fund, ensuring efficient utilization and impactful outcomes across the region
- Oversaw and managed 5 National Education Coalitions in the region, fostering collaboration and synergy among stakeholders for enhanced education outcomes
- Delivered system-strengthening training to civil society Coalitions and local Media
- Served as Interim Director, reinforcing partnerships and space for civil society organizations
- Served as civil society focal point for the Education for All (EAA) initiative
- Served as ECD focal point in strengthening the capacity of Government officials to fast-track EAA
- Managed real-time education program delivery to meet scheduled and expected objectives
Education in Emergency - Consultant
UNICEF
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Assessed the support, services, and structures in place assisting the displaced families in post Disaster
- Technically capacitated actors on Education in Emergency, emphasizing psychosocial support in emergency through UNICEF’s concept of child friendly spaces
Early Childhood Education - Consultant
World Vision International
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Evaluated the achievements of the Early Childhood Development & Learning Spaces project in post-earthquake Haiti
- Designed monitoring and evaluation tools, in addition to training and leading a team of enumerators to assess project’s effectiveness, relevance, appropriateness, and coverage through a triangulation of documentation review, household questionnaires and discussion groups
- Reviewed funds allocated to evaluate the implementation of WaSH, DRR, Child Protection, and Early Childhood Development activities, corroborating international standards of education in emergencies- INEE & SPHERE
- Presented project findings to WV-Haiti and delivered a final report with key frameworks and recommendations
DRR Country Focal Point- Consultant
Fundación DARA Internacional
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Conducted the Risk Reduction Index-Analysis of the Capacities and Conditions for Disaster Risk Reduction in Cabo Verde
- Recruited, trained, and led a team of eight national staff including enumerators/data collectors
- Validated findings by presenting research results in a series of high-level workshops at the local and national level
- Developed an advocacy framework for high-level commitments and policy reform for the Government and Regional, National, and International Organizations present in Cabo Verde
- Delivered final report with research findings and recommendations, contributing to final Publication- 'Risk Reduction Index (RRI) in West Africa: Analysis of the conditions and capacities for Disaster Risk Reduction'
Education Project Director & Advisor to the Minister
Office of the Minister Adjunct of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Youth & Sports
01.2006 - 12.2009
- Contributed towards Cape Verde’s efforts in international cooperation and establishment of flourishing Governmental relationships within the region
- Provided oversight in developing impactful International Youth programs, ensuring alignment with sector objectives and budgetary considerations for optimal resource utilization
- Led project activities and planning, fostering collaboration through meetings with key stakeholders, including managers, supervisors, teachers, and school directors
- Successfully cultivated valuable alliances and partnerships with a diverse array of local, national, and international art institutions, agencies, and universities, enhancing the project’s reach and impact
- Spearheaded the identification and preparation of successful grant-funded proposals, securing essential resources for art program implementation
- Efficiently managed 20+ personnel, from hiring and supervision to training and performance evaluation, ensuring a skilled and motivated team
- Represented Cape Verde in regional and global fora, building partnerships and securing funding for Youth development programs and projects
- Provided timely oversight on Ministerial dossiers fostering strong partnerships with collaborating countries within the ECOWAS
- Led successful capacity-building initiatives, strengthening project delivery of small-medium enterprises and business development and management for youth
Education
Graduate Certificate - African & African Diaspora Studies
Florida International University
FloridaMaster of Science - International Education
Florida International University
Florida01-2012
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
American University
Washington DC01-2003
Skills
- Goal-oriented professional with 20 years in international development: Education, Gender, Youth, and Humanitarian Response
- Experienced in donor stewardship, quality assurance, community outreach, and strategic partnerships across governments, UN agencies, and iNGOs
- Proven success in securing funding and advancing sector policies across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and South Asia
Languages
English, Portuguese
Native language
French
Advanced
C1
Spanish
Intermediate
B1
Timeline
Global Director - Productive Learning
Food For The Hungry
01.2024 - Current
Global Advisor - Education & Youth Empowerment
CARE
01.2019 - 01.2024
EU ROM expert
KOMIS for European Union-DEVCO
01.2018 - Current
Girls' Education Advisor: Africa
UNICEF
01.2017 - 01.2019
Education - Consultant
UNDP-UNICEF
01.2017 - 12.2017
Training Education Coordinator
UNICEF-UNGEI
01.2016 - 01.2017
Education Project Manager
UNESCO
01.2015 - 12.2015
Education in Emergency - Consultant
UNICEF
01.2014 - 12.2014
Education Program Advisor
Africa Network Campaign on Education for All
01.2013 - 12.2015
Early Childhood Education - Consultant
World Vision International
01.2013 - 12.2013
DRR Country Focal Point- Consultant
Fundación DARA Internacional
01.2012 - 12.2013
Education Project Director & Advisor to the Minister
Office of the Minister Adjunct of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Youth & Sports
01.2006 - 12.2009
Graduate Certificate - African & African Diaspora Studies
Florida International University
Master of Science - International Education
Florida International University
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
American University
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