Summary
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Work History
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Elnell Solange Casanova

Project Management
Guatemala City,GU

Summary

Ms. Elnell Solange Casanova is an international development professional with over 15 years of experience in implementing development programs and projects, focusing on strategic program management, specializing in sub awards and adaptive management strategies within the context of international development, with a particular focus on the Latin America region. Throughout her career, Ms. Casanova has successfully designed, implemented, and managed programs aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. She excels in leveraging adaptive management approaches to address complex challenges and ensure project effectiveness and impact. Ms. Casanova is recognized for her ability to forge partnerships and delivering measurable impact through sustainable program execution. Trained and managed international teams of up to 25, and has managed complex, multi-project portfolios of up to 20 million dollars. Ms. Casanova is known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Project Director -Youth Program

Creative Associates International, Inc.
Guatemala City, Departamento de Guatemala
09.2022 - 04.2025
  • Managed the execution of Economic Growth regional program, ensuring delivery on time and within budget, while overseeing teams located in Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico
  • Supervised an international team of senior direct reports, including program and technical directors spread across the LAC region remotely focusing on effective communication, cultural sensitivity and fostering trust, collaboration, and autonomy
  • Developed and implemented capacity building initiatives that trained nine (9) local organizations, improving their operations efficiency
  • Collaborated with senior leadership to align program strategy with broader organizational goals, resulting in new partnerships in the Central American region and program extension
  • Developed and implemented strategies for program sustainability, risk mitigation, and crisis management
  • Liaise with donor Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) and other relevant parties, including, Mission Director, Technical Office Director, and Agreement Officer
  • Liaise with Creative Headquarters support divisions, including contracts, security, grants and procurement and chief program officer to ensure field implementation is compliant with Creative and donor policies and procedures
  • Maintained effective dialogue and relationship with implementing partners, sub-grantees, and other stakeholders, building their capacity and resilience by strengthening their understanding of the ecosystem; helping them better assess the potential impacts of shifts within the operating environment; and facilitating the development of adaptive management strategies that will allow them to carry out their missions and continue serving the local populations that depend on them
  • Improved client satisfaction rates by effectively addressing concerns and incorporating feedback into future processes.
  • Achieved consistent on-time project completion by establishing clear goals and timelines for team members.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvement, implementing changes that led to increased efficiency within the organization.
  • Oversaw up to ten projects simultaneously without sacrificing standards.
  • Navigated challenging situations with diplomacy, resolving conflicts among team members while maintaining focus on project goals.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans that clearly outlined key milestones, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment, fostering open communication channels and encouraging team members to share ideas for continuous improvement.
  • Hired and managed consultants, contractors and sub-contractors to complete project tasks.
  • Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
  • Maximized resources allocation by conducting thorough assessments of available tools, personnel, and budgetary constraints before initiating projects.
  • Streamlined communication channels with stakeholders, resulting in improved collaboration and decision-making.
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
  • Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
  • Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
  • Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.

Deputy Project Director - Youth Program

Creative Associates International
Guatemala City, Departamento de Guatemala
04.2022 - 08.2022
  • Lead programs operations ensuring delivery aligned with contractual requirements with the donor and Creative policies i.e, ensuring timely implementation of activities, budget management, compliance with donor guidelines, reporting on program milestones, and maintaining open communication with stakeholders to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively.
  • Lead the design and implementation of the annual Work Plan and budget aligned with the program objectives and strategic approach
  • Ensured streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations
  • Develop and maintain synergistic working relationships with implementing grantees and identify areas of improvement in which the program team provided coaching to build their capacity and capabilities
  • Supervised the development of procurement processes, ensuring that the most reasonable, fair, and appropriate choices were made based on Creative procurement policy, and ensured timely submission of deliverables
  • Supervised the sub-grants implementation and investigated and identify new ways of achieving program efficiencies given the fluid implementation context
  • Supervised the Security and Adaptive Management technical assistance to ensure the excellence and impact of the activities implemented were successfully building the capacity and resilience of the sub-grantees by strengthening their understanding of the ecosystem; helping them better assess the potential impacts of shifts within the operating environment; and facilitating the development of adaptive management strategies that will allow them to carry out their missions and continue serving the local populations that depend on them
  • Established performance metrics to track progress against objectives, adjusting plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Oversaw contract negotiations with vendors, securing favorable terms for the organization and project success.
  • Enhanced project efficiency by implementing strategic planning and resource allocation techniques.
  • Mentored junior team members, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the department.

Program Manager

DevTech Systems
Remote
03.2020 - 04.2022
  • Effectively led and managed two projects in Africa and one in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, providing support to field team with overall program management, budget development and forecasting, work plan tracking, reporting, and leading the closeout processes
  • Developed detailed project plans, including timelines, resources, budgets, and risk management strategies
  • Lead and managed project teams, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations
  • Tracked project progress, ensuring milestones were achieved and deliverables met quality standards
  • Facilitated project closure activities, including closeout plan, formal acceptance of deliverables, documentation of lessons learned, and handover of projects outcomes to stakeholders
  • Facilitated clear and timely communications among field teams and headquarters leadership team
  • Planned and executed procurement activities, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and supplier management
  • Ensured procurement processes comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements
  • Conducted in-depth financial analysis to assess the financial health and performance of the projects. Identified trends, variances, and areas for improvement
  • Developed and managed budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support strategic planning and resource allocation
  • Collaborate with filed teams to set budget targets, track expenses, and ensure financial accountability
  • Ensured compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, and internal controls
  • Conduct internal audits and reviews to assess compliance with policies and procedures and identify areas for improvement
  • Implemented and maintained financial systems, processes, and controls to streamline financial operation and improve efficiency
  • Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.

Third-Party Monitoring Specialist

Mendez England and Associates
Nicaragua
01.2021 - 03.2022
  • Provided services focused on monitoring the delivery of humanitarian assistance to targeted populations through five humanitarian assistance awards with agencies of the United Nation System and International NGO's, implementing Nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Protection, Food Assistance and Livelihood Recovery activities in communities of the Northern Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua
  • Monitored the processes and activities engaging with implementing partners staff in the field and at the national level to improve the quality of programming and provided information, oversight, and actions needed to the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) by conducting site visits and reporting to the Regional Director on the progress of the activities, field conditions and operating environment that would affect personal safety and exposure to security risks, as well as track impact on programming
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address monitoring gaps and implement corrective actions.

Technical Support for USAID/Nicaragua DO2 Programs Evaluation

Mendez England and Associates
Nicaragua
03.2020 - 09.2020
  • Worked closely with the Director of Research and Evaluation and Research Manager to develop and implement qualitative and mixed-method data collection protocols in collaboration with advocates and program staff
  • Supported the dissemination of project findings through written reports, presentations, and other external-facing communication channels
  • Organized meetings with United States Government funding implementing organizations for survey and interview applications
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.

Project Director Early Grade Reading Activity

DevTech Systems Inc.
Nicaragua
02.2014 - 02.2020
  • Managed a US $ 13 million-dollar Community Action for Reading and Security (CARS) Activity seeking to improve the Early Grade Reading outcomes and citizen security of over 26,000 students on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua
  • Directed US $ 120,000 in citizen security initiatives through creation of 90 community-based advisory committees
  • Committees also engaged in Counter Trafficking in Person (c-TIP) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness campaigns and risk mapping, creating a Road Map to address and report C-TIP and GBV cases
  • Improved financial and operational capacity of seven Nicaraguan grantees through a $3.5 million investment utilizing USAID Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) methodology, in areas such as internal control, administration, budgeting, and human resources
  • Supervised technical assistance to help Grantees clarify strategic and organizational challenges and define new management and governance strategies to increase their sustainability and effectiveness
  • Grantees improved their OCA score to 22.7%, coming from 2.8 in the baseline to 3.44 in the end line (4 is the maximum score)
  • Directed $120,000 in citizen security initiatives through creation of 90 community-based advisory committees
  • The committees led the implementation of 120 Community Action Plans that included the repair of school infrastructure, furniture, fencing, lighting, doors, windows, latrines and walkways and other repairs permitted within the USAID Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP)
  • Engaged communities in Counter Trafficking in Person (C-TIP) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness campaigns and risk mapping, creating a Road Map that includes practical and tailored recommendations to manage and report C-TIP and GBV
  • The roadmap responds to the need to undertake a multi-sectoral approach to address GBV prevention and response due to high levels of GBV incidence in the country
  • Implement innovative, successful program called Espacios para Crecer (EpC – “Spaces for Growth”) which utilizes the Quantum Learning methodology to prepare at-risk children ages 5 to 15 to develop life skill, learn risk reduction, and accelerate their progress in school
  • Worked closely with USAID to design evaluation and assessment including implementing Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) for 12,000 children
  • Provided technical leadership on various activities including, but not limited to, developing multi-language early grade reading material, multi-media communication campaign, teachers guide, classroom observation instruments and grantee manual
  • Collaborated closely with executive leadership to align organizational strategies with long-term business objectives through effective planning and execution of key projects.
  • Navigated challenging situations with diplomacy, resolving conflicts among team members while maintaining focus on project goals.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans that clearly outlined key milestones, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Monitored project and program quality to meet audit expectations.
  • Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements through diligent monitoring of documentation procedures during all phases of the projects.
  • Traveled to other company locations for temporary assignments, meetings or training.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment, fostering open communication channels and encouraging team members to share ideas for continuous improvement.
  • Delivered high-quality results by adhering to industry best practices and maintaining a detail-oriented approach throughout each project phase.
  • Managed vendor relationships to secure competitive pricing and timely delivery of products or services required for project success.
  • Streamlined communication channels with stakeholders, resulting in improved collaboration and decisionmaking.

Project Manager

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Nicaragua
05.2009 - 12.2013
  • Managed UNESCO joint program budget portfolio of $9.9 million dollars
  • The program, contributed to reducing equity gaps in the human, cultural, social, and economic development of 12,300 indigenous and afro-descendant peoples of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, through cultural revitalization, productive development, and deepening knowledge and the exercise of rights linked to their tangible and intangible heritage
  • Supervised consultancies and sub-grants agreements through $1.9 million dollars with local NGO´s, local governments, and higher education institutions
  • Sub-grants focused on strengthening local capacity of indigenous and afro-descendant leaders on how to administer donor-funded programs and bilateral agreements
  • Developed procurement and grantee manuals to guarantee adherence with United Nation policies
  • Trained administrative and finance staff of implementing partners to enhance the capacities of indigenous and afro-descendant's communities to develop cultural ventures, management, and administration
  • Manuals were adapted by UNESCO Regional office in Costa Rica to ensure effective management throughout all Central American projects
  • Led sub-grantees to successfully achieve the results of strengthening the entrepreneurial skills of local entrepreneurs through capacity-building and specialized technical training and assistance, and provision of renewable credits, to enhance the economic development of family business
  • Led the financial management of the program budget and successfully executed 100 percent through effective management of funds allocated
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
  • Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
  • Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
  • Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.

Education

Master of Arts - Specialized Project Management

Polytechnic University of Catalunya
Remote
08.2018 - 10.2020

Specialization - Project Management

George Washington School of Business
Washington
08.2018 - 08.2019

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Auditing

Public Accounting School of Nicaragua
Nicaragua
01.2011 - 11.2011

Bachelor of Science - Public Accounting and Finance

Bluefield's Indian And Caribbean University (BICU)
Nicaragua
03.2000 - 12.2007

Skills

Affiliations

  • Project Management Institute

Certification

Project Management Specialization

Languages

Creole
English
Spanish

Accomplishments

  • Supervised cross functional team of plus 23 staff members remotely.
  • Fostered increased resilience among vulnerable youth and historically marginalized communities by creating pathways for empowerment, healing, and self-determination.
  • Enabled grassroots organization to build stronger internal systems and adaptive management capabilities, resulting in more resilient, responsive, and sustainable community-driven efforts.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Work Location

RemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsCareer advancement

Quote

There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins

Interests

Exited to find new opportunities where I can grow as a project manager, work on impactful projects, and collaborate with forward-thinking teams I am passionate about, youth programming, early grade reading and community engagement in multi-cultural settings

Actively seeking opportunities in the development industry, with a strong interest in Project management inLatin America

Timeline

Project Director -Youth Program

Creative Associates International, Inc.
09.2022 - 04.2025

Deputy Project Director - Youth Program

Creative Associates International
04.2022 - 08.2022

Third-Party Monitoring Specialist

Mendez England and Associates
01.2021 - 03.2022

Program Manager

DevTech Systems
03.2020 - 04.2022

Technical Support for USAID/Nicaragua DO2 Programs Evaluation

Mendez England and Associates
03.2020 - 09.2020

Master of Arts - Specialized Project Management

Polytechnic University of Catalunya
08.2018 - 10.2020

Specialization - Project Management

George Washington School of Business
08.2018 - 08.2019

Project Director Early Grade Reading Activity

DevTech Systems Inc.
02.2014 - 02.2020

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Auditing

Public Accounting School of Nicaragua
01.2011 - 11.2011

Project Manager

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
05.2009 - 12.2013

Bachelor of Science - Public Accounting and Finance

Bluefield's Indian And Caribbean University (BICU)
03.2000 - 12.2007

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