"Stand firm in your truth, lace up your resolve, ignite your passion, and shine boldly for the good of humanity." - Dr. Emmanuel Sakala.
Hello, I’m Dr. Emmanuel Sakala.
Author | Development & Humanitarian Expert
About Me
A seasoned professional with 13+ years of expertise in program management, monitoring & evaluation (M&E), partnership development, and strategic resource mobilization. Passionate about donor relations, capacity building, and fostering impactful collaborations. Proven ability to secure high-value funding, develop strategic alliances, and implement sustainable projects across diverse sectors.
Career Objectives
Utilize my advanced skills in partnership development, donor relations, and proposal coordination to secure high-value funding and forge strategic alliances that enhance organizational capacity and sustainability.
Apply my knowledge in program design, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic planning to optimize program delivery, impact, and compliance across diverse thematic areas such as health, education, and economic development.
Continuously expand my expertise through advanced certifications and professional memberships, ensuring that my strategic approaches remain cutting-edge and aligned with best practices in the field.
Employment History
- Full-Time Roles
Period: 2024 - Current
Employer: African Parks
Location: Bangweulu Wetlands
Achievements
- Submitted a 10 million euro bid to the IKI and 1 million Euro bid to GCBC to significantly strengthening program scalability and long-term sustainability.
- Established strategic partnerships with Heifer International, We-Forest, and Catalyst Development, expanding funding pipelines for livelihood, climate resilience, and community empowerment programs.
- Led negotiations on carbon monetization projects with We-Forest, leveraging environmental sustainability for financial growth.
- Developed and managed a competitive grant portfolio, ensuring effective allocation of funds, compliance with donor regulations, and maximized impact.
- Strengthened institutional reporting efficiency, ensuring timely, high-quality grant reports that enhance credibility and donor trust.
- Successfully coordinated grant work plans, risk mitigation strategies, and donor compliance measures, maintaining financial accountability.
- Represented the organization in high-level donor convenings, strengthening visibility and advocacy efforts with governments, ministries, and funding agencies.
Period: Current & Need Based
Employer: Oro STAR Consultancy Services
Location: Lusaka, Zambia.
Achievements
- Developed a communication strategy for Keepers Zambia Foundation tailored to its niche and future.
- Developed a Resource Mobilization Strategy for the Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (Incorporating strategies for corporate growth, profitability, and operational efficiency).
- Trained MCC in MEAL & Chapter One Foundation, ZABS, ZAAS in Program Design & Technical Grants Writing
Period: Sept-2023-May 2024
Employer: War Child Alliance (WCA works exclusively to improve the resilience and wellbeing of children living with violence and armed conflict).
Location: Base-Goma, DRC with frequent visits to CAR & Burundi
Achievements
- Strengthened donor relationships in DRC, CAR, and Burundi with organizations like USAID-BHA, UNICEF, UNHCR, ECHO, FCDO, Global Affairs Canada, IKEA Foundation, and LEGO Foundation.
- Secured €9 million in ECHO funding and $800,000 for UNICEF Child Safeguarding project.
- Developed proposal guidelines and supported resource mobilization strategies for CAR, Africa, Colombia, and global levels.
- Conducted organizational portfolio reviews and provided mentorship/support to country management teams.
- Managed post-award budget tracking and variance analysis for projects worth $24 million.
- Implemented localization roadmap based on Grand Bargain and Charter for Change commitments, forming partnerships with Right 2 Play and Jesuit Refugee Services.
- Conducted capacity assessments for partners and trained teams in program design, development, and grants writing.
- Led quality control for projects using COMPASS and managed sub-grantee awards with cost-based and fixed obligations.
Period: Jan 2022-Aug-2023
Employer: Zambia Redcross Society (ZRCS Society is a humanitarian Organization that was established by an Act of Parliament under the Societies Act Cap 307).
Location: Lusaka, Zambia.
Achievements
- Developed donor relations with USAID Zambia, GAVI, EU Zambia, JICA, CBM Zambia, and nurtured ties with Red Cross organizations.
- Secured partnerships with Christian Blind Mission, Zambian National Blood Transfusion Board, and Water Aid.
- Represented the organization in key platforms, including Disaster Management & Mitigation Unit, Zambia National Climate Change Forum, ZEMA Climate Forums, and Zambia Green Climate Fund (GCF).
- Facilitated Zambia Fundraising Market Survey targeting High Net Worth Individuals, Private Companies, Donors, INGOs, and Embassies.
- Coordinated a Fundraising Gala Dinner with State House patronage, attended by IFRC Heads, the Minister of Health, and corporate leaders.
- Secured €7 million for Cholera response, completed 5-year funding assessment, and developed a resource mobilization strategy.
- Coordinated the preparation of a €17 million Disaster and Reliefs Emergency Funds application under ECHO.
- Submitted an unsolicited $6.5 million proposal to USAID for ONE-WASH initiative.
- Provided supervision, mentorship, and support to Zambia Country Management Team, collaborating with Red Cross organizations.
- Managed post-award budget tracking and variance analysis for projects worth €48 million.
- Ensured project compliance to timelines, donor guidelines, and reporting through M&E team collaboration.
- Worked with PR to produce and disseminate organizational communications.
- Built capacity in 63 ZRCS branches in proposal development and business planning, aiming for at least 25% direct funding.
- Developed a common provisions framework to strengthen ZRCS's position as a key certifier in First Aid and facilitated business through the Industrial Development Corporation.
- Assisted branches with identifying innovative finance mechanisms and donor mapping.
Period: (Jan 2020-Dec 2021)
Employer: Archie Hinchcliffe Disability Intervention (Seeks to empower children with cerebral palsy and others with allied conditions to reach their full potential by providing care and support services).
Location: Lusaka, Zambia.
Achievements
- Managed donor relations, partnerships, proposal development, and post-award activities.
- Developed partnerships and signed MOUs with PMRC, BSNP, ZAPD, and ZAPSID.
- Prototyped the Play Scheme under Disability Africa-UK, securing a €2 million funding commitment.
- Increased funding for children with Cerebral Palsy by 60% from the Lilliana Foundation.
- Secured a grant from MIVA and contributed to proposal development.
- Produced Resource Mobilization, Advocacy, and Communications Strategies.
- Developed Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and ICT policies.
- Supported Board and Country Management Team through supervision, mentorship, and support.
- Worked with program management to roll out institutional development initiatives, including PSEA.
- Facilitated audit readiness, responsibility accounting, and timely financial reporting.
- Ensured timely reporting of program successes through monitoring and evaluation.
- Produced an advocacy paper on CDF restructuring to allocate a 5% reserve pool for children with disabilities.
- Contributed to the curation of the Child Code Act of 2022 in Zambia.
- Facilitated the purchase of a 5-acre land in Lusaka for building a Physiotherapy Center, School, and IGAs.
- Collaborated with Kindernofile Germany to launch digital marketing campaigns via website, social media, and SEO for lead generation and retention.
Period: Jan 2019-Dec 2019
Employer: Community Oriented Development Program (CHAZ-IMCP funded by Global Funds & PAMO Plus-USAID)
Location: Chipata, Zambia.
Achievements
- Managed the implementation of malaria-related programs, including pedagogy and andragogy sessions to produce radio programs and establish health departments in churches.
- Produced a malaria radio documentary and collaborated with Radio Mkhanya on CODEP programs for malaria elimination in Mambwe district.
- Organized district-level project launches for CHAZ IMCP in Eastern Province.
- Led a baseline survey for the CHAZ Malaria Project, developed an M&E system, indicators, data collection tools, and reporting templates (some approved for national roll-out).
- Conducted outcome mapping, beneficiary monitoring, and contributions tracing to assess CODEP's impact on malaria elimination in Lumezi.
- Trained 727 CCAs in interpersonal communication skills and SBC for PAMO Plus, and 254 CCAs for the CHAZ Integrated Malungo Care Project.
- Provided training in SBC and champion community initiatives for teachers, health workers, religious leaders, and chiefs.
- Implemented 214 mini launches for the PAMO Plus Project in Katete and Sinda.
- Managed a team of 11 Program Officers, 2 Accountants, and 4 Drivers, and collaborated with external partners including District Health and Education Offices, traditional leaders, and religious groups.
- Facilitated the awarding of a COVID-19 grant at CODEP by CHAZ.
- Developed the Facility End Malaria Steering Committee (FEMSEC) for sustainability and helped establish a Provincial Working Group on Malaria in Eastern Province.
- Supported Zambia Country Management teams and collaborated with partners like PATH, CHAZ, and GRZ.
- Managed a 26 million Kwacha budget, ensuring timely audits and financial reporting.
Period: Jan 2015-Dec 2018 Employer:
CARE International
Location: Ndola, Zambia.
Achievements
- Created demand for HIV/AIDS services through Targeted Mobile HIV/AIDS Testing Campaigns, Client Index, and Partner Notification Services (PNS), reaching 90% of targets for case detection and ART initiation in Copper-belt province under the ZPCT IIB Project funded by USAID.
- Reached 4,100 males and linked them to Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services in 14 days during the ZPCT IIB Project in Copper-belt province.
- Developed and launched a District Referral Networks register for Kalulushi and Mufulira during the ZPCT IIB Project.
- Contributed to the elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (eMTCT) by spearheading the Men Who Support Women in Health intervention and piloting Community ART distribution at CARE International's ZPCT IIB Project.
- Mentored 673 counselors and ART clinical care staff, and supervised 99 ART facility clinicians, 108 data entry clerks, and 658 HIV programming counselors across 99 ART facilities in copper-belt province under the ZPCT IIB Project.
- Managed 23 grants under the Purchase Order initiative for HIV/AIDS demand creation.
Managed a budget of $6 million for the ZPCT IIB Project.
Period: Jan 2013-Dec 2014
Employer: Diocese of Chipata/World Vision
Location: Lundazi, Zambia.
Achievements
- Developed and implemented a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) strategy for the program, using qualitative and quantitative methods to measure progress and evaluate impact, while supporting Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA).
- Championed data access and use by leaders and consortium partners for shared learning and evidence-based decision-making.
- Designed and implemented MEAL systems that met USAID and WV standards, ensuring accountability to clients, partners, and stakeholders while fostering learning.
- Led technological and social innovation in MEAL, including pilots for data visualization and dashboard digitalization, and integrated cross-sectoral priorities like gender equality, inclusion, protection, safeguarding, disaster risk reduction, and Do No Harm.
- Developed and ensured compliance with procedures for data collection and reporting to provide quality and timely performance data.
- Provided technical leadership to ensure an efficient monitoring system and reliable processes throughout the project lifecycle, from design to close-out and learning.
- Utilized learning and evidence from multiple sources to inform proposal design and Theory of Change.
- Provided supervision, mentorship, and support to District Development Coordinating Committees, GRZ stakeholders, sub-grantees, and collaborated with PMU-WVZ and CHAZ.
- Consultancy & Advisory Roles
Give Well Foundation, USA (2025)
Keepers Zambia (2024)
University of Zambia (ADEA) (Nov 2023)
Bauleni Special Needs Project- Country Strategic Plan (2023)
FHI 360 USA (Oct 2023)
Media Network on Child Rights and Development (Nov 2023)
Bedrock Research and Consultancy Limited (2022 & Need Based)
Keno Institute of Research & Consultancy Limited (2022 & Need Based)
KPONG Child Development, ACCRA- GHANA (May, 2023 to December, 2023)
Kasisi Agricultural Empowerment Project Endline Survey (October, 2023)
Standard Microgrid Zambia (October 2022 to November, 2022)
Mary’s Meals Zambia (2015)
ACDI VOCA, Profit Plus (2014)
National Savings and Credit Bank (2011)
Education
- Academic Education
St. Mary's Junior Seminary
Hallford University (DE-USA)
Hallford University (DE-USA)
Singapore Business School (Finance, Accounting, HR, Strategy, Project Management and Product Management)
UNZA
Mulungushi University
e-Learning-College-UK
e-Learning College-UK
Alison CPD-UK
Alison CPD-UK
- Professional Continuous Education
Pretoria-South Africa.
Privilege Training Institute
e-Learning College, UK
eLearning College, UK
eLearning College, UK
eLearning College, UK
eLearning College, UK
ALISON
UNICEF
Keno Institute of Training and Research. (MEAL)
Keno Institute
USA
Keno Institute of Training and Research
Norwegian Refugee Council
UNICEF
Familiar with Tools
Key Achievements
Fundraising & Strategic Resource Mobilization
USAID and USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance; ECHO; FCDO; DANIDA; Kindernothilfe; Christian Blind Mission; Lilliana Foundation; Global Funds; European Union; Private Companies; Foreign Offices; Global Affairs Canada; IKEA and LEGO Foundations; Governments and CSOs.
- Program Management
- Resource Mobilization
- Partnership Development
- Grant Management
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
- Leadership & Capacity Building
- Proposal Development
- Strategic Planning
Kabulonga Rugby 8 Giving Circle- The circle mobilisers funds s through Friday luncheons at Buzz Cafe in Lusaka, Zambia and appropriates the funds to social causes across the country.
