CAROLINA ACOSTA SANABRIA
Vilnius
Summary
Results-driven Operations and Programme Management Specialist with over 10 years of experience leading complex, multi-country initiatives across international development, governance, and humanitarian sectors. Certified in PRINCE2 project management, with a proven track record of delivering operational excellence across finance, procurement, HR, ICT, logistics, and security functions. Skilled in aligning operations with programmatic goals, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and ensuring compliance with UN systems, donor regulations (USAID, EU), and ERP platforms. Known for strengthening internal controls, streamlining business processes, and mitigating operational risks. Trusted advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional teams, with expertise in capacity building, inter-agency coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Deeply committed to gender equality, accountability, and inclusive development, fully aligned with UN Women’s core values and mission.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Grants Manager
Chemonis International
06.2021 - 03.2025
- Lead operations for a $7M+ grants portfolio, ensuring strategic financial planning, compliance with USAID and internal audit standards, and effective delivery of support to over 70 partners across civil society organizations and pro-democracy actors.
- Advise senior leadership on strategic operations, risk mitigation, and program implementation within a rapidly shifting political environment.
- Serve as technical and operational lead of a functional grants unit, collaborating with M&E, finance and procurement teams to ensure alignment of project goals with operational execution.
- Participate in review meetings and assess the managerial and operational capacities of partners in collaboration with the programme and technical team.
- Optimize internal workflows and policies, designing and implementing grant-making and operational procedures to improve
efficiency, streamline processes, and ensure seamless back-office operations. - Coordinate safety and security planning for partners, liaising with security advisors and updating Business Continuity Plans.
- Support IT and infrastructure resilience strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations during crises or system outages.
- Supervise and coach Grants Associates, providing technical guidance, training, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure smooth
program execution and alignment with strategic objectives.
Programme and Administrative Assistant
International IDEA
04.2017 - 09.2019
- Led the legal registration and operational setup of International IDEA’s office in Paraguay, ensuring full compliance with Ministry of Foreign Affairs protocols, financial regulations, and internal governance requirements.
- Oversaw program and office budgets, managing expenditure tracking, donor reporting, and financial controls in line with EU funding requirements and internal compliance standards.
- Designed and implemented operational procedures to optimize finance, procurement, HR, and administrative workflows, ensuring efficiency and accountability across project delivery.
- Acted as a key liaison with national institutions, civil society partners, and international stakeholders to support programme implementation and foster inter-agency collaboration.
- Developed and managed high-impact capacity-building programs, including training for over 250 women political candidates and 1,000 electoral officials on gender, human rights, and democratic governance.
- Provided operational and technical input for strategic planning, policy research, and country programme development, ensuring alignment of programme objectives with operational realities.
- Supported contract administration, procurement planning, and vendor negotiations, ensuring timely delivery of services and adherence to procurement policies.
Project Coordinator
OMAPA
04.2016 - 12.2016
- Led the successful final phase and operational closeout of the “Improving Math Education for Teachers from Public Schools” project, ensuring strategic alignment with national education policies and donor requirements.
- Directed cross-sector coordination with government agencies, NGOs, and policymakers to secure buy-in, strengthen institutional partnerships, and support program sustainability.
- Supervised a multidisciplinary team of three staff, providing guidance, finalizing performance plans and evaluation standards; conducted performance assessments, provided feedback and coaching.
- Oversaw procurement processes, including planning, supplier selection, contract management, and quality assurance, in compliance with donor regulations and organizational procurement policies.
- Developed and implemented a results-based monitoring and evaluation system to assess teacher training outcomes and student performance, generating data to support national policy recommendations.
- Managed financial planning, budget forecasting, and expenditure tracking, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with financial and administrative standards.
- Identified and mitigated operational and compliance risks by enhancing internal controls and documentation processes.
- Led policy research and data analysis efforts to contribute evidence-based insights into national education reform discussions.
Project Assistant
Panamerican Health Organization/World Health Organization
11.2009 - 12.2013
- Supported project planning and implementation by preparing work plans, budgets, and proposals, applying Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to enhance program delivery and reporting.
- Assisted with project financial management by creating and revising budgets in Atlas, tracking expenditures, preparing requisitions and POs, conducting budget checks, and ensuring compliance with donor and internal policies.
- Provided administrative and logistical support for project operations, including managing travel arrangements, procurement, inventory, scheduling, and organizing events, workshops, and meetings.
- Monitored project implementation through control mechanisms, tracked budget modifications, and coordinated with implementing partners to ensure timely use of resources and adherence to work plans.
- Contributed to knowledge management and learning by compiling lessons learned, supporting training sessions, and participating in communities of practice to strengthen project operations and financial processes.
- Supported internal and external communication needs by assembling briefing materials, drafting minutes and correspondence, preparing PowerPoint presentations, and compiling data and reports for donor submissions and audits.
Education
Master's - Public Policy
University College London
09-2020
Master of Arts - Development Studies
University of New South Wales
07-2015
Bachelor - Business Administration
Asuncion National University
10-2011
Skills
- Financial Management and Budget Oversight
- Results-Based Management (RBM)
- Procurement Planning and Contract Management
- ERP Systems
- Project Lifecycle Management
- Grants and Compliance Monitoring
- Security and Business Continuity Planning
- Team Leadership and Staff Supervision
- Strategic Planning and Operational Execution
- Performance Management and Capacity Building
- Risk Mitigation and Decision-Making
- Stakeholder Engagement
Languages
Spanish
Proficient
C2
English
Proficient
C2
Portuguese
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Grants Manager
Chemonis International
06.2021 - 03.2025
Programme and Administrative Assistant
International IDEA
04.2017 - 09.2019
Project Coordinator
OMAPA
04.2016 - 12.2016
Project Assistant
Panamerican Health Organization/World Health Organization
11.2009 - 12.2013
Master of Arts - Development Studies
University of New South Wales
Bachelor - Business Administration
Asuncion National University
Master's - Public Policy
University College London
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