Adaeze Sokan

Experience

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  FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE, BUDGET & NATIONAL PLANNING NIGERIA

  Jan 2012 - Apr 2013

  Executive Assistant

  • Implemented prioritization strategy for task management, consistently achieving 80% on-time completion of critical assignments.• Devised/executed an efficient time management system, leading to a 75% reduction in scheduling conflicts and missed appointments.• Led prestigious corporate event, boasting an attendance of 250 prominent industry figures, garnering commendation and avenues.

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  Center for Public Policy and Research

  Jul 2013 - Jun 2014

  Program Manager

  During this employment period, I designed an encompassing 1-year country strategic blueprint coupled with a robust organizational governance framework. Also articulated and orchestrated diverse policy dialogues that championed the rights of children, underscoring commitment to meaningful societal change. Exemplified adept leadership by recruiting and guiding a dedicated cadre of youthful professionals with fervour for policy development. I spearheaded the formulation of standardized operational protocols, steering the organization's growth trajectory in alignment with industry best practices. Furthermore, I cultivated and nurtured robust relationships with major benefactors, community collaborators, and local governmental authorities, elevating levels of cooperation and prominence for organization.• Secured a substantial 2-year grant funding horizon dedicated to policy-centric projects, maintaining project sustainability.• Secured a sum of $120K in grants, achieving ambitious financial targets within organization's inaugural year.• Initiated pioneering program/initiative tailored to address crucial community needs, resulting in a 30% augmentation in program participation and demonstrable positive outcomes.Exemplified unwavering discretion and upheld utmost confidentiality while managing sensitive information, fostering executive team confidence, and preserving the sanctity of classified records. Show less

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  Diez Enterprises

  Sept 2014 - May 2017

  Senior Program Manager
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  Ventures Platform Fund

  May 2017 - Jul 2021

  Director of Programs & Strategy

  In this job role, I administered the conception and execution of 17 thriving startup accelerator initiatives, fostering an environment conducive to social innovation and entrepreneurship, cultivating a vibrant startup ecosystem, underscored by successful partnerships with esteemed entities such as the World Bank, UNDP, Finland Embassy, Google, British High Commission, governmental bodies, and pertinent private sector stakeholders. I architected a 5-year roadmap including fundraising, corporate governance, and strategic direction to concretize outlined objectives. Additionally, I cultivated enduring relationships with key decision-makers, including operations managers, business proprietors, and client leaders, facilitating an environment of collaboration and trust. Besides these, I relayed and managed client requisites to internal stakeholders for elevated customer contentment and employing influence over ensuing actions. Also, conducted insightful face-to-face interactions and check-ins with clients, evaluating needs and delivering bespoke solutions.• Formulated/enacted growth strategies tailored to startup accounts, increasing 30% revenue and augmented market share.• Identified potential churn risks within the portfolio and executed targeted action plans, resulting in a 20% reduction in churn rate.• Pioneered design, fundraising, and management of Nigeria Social Impact Relief Fund, channelling equity-free capital amounting to $350K towards high-impact entrepreneurs during challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.• Crafted and delivered compelling, impactful demonstrations, presentations, and pitches, spotlighting distinctive value propositions and boosting client engagement. Show less

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  Obama Foundation

  May 2018 - May 2019

  Obama Africa Leader Fellow

  The Leaders: Africa program seeks to build a growing network of innovative and ethical changemakers who will drive positive change in their communities, the continent, and the world.

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  Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  Aug 2021 - Sept 2022

  Country Director - UKNG Tech Hub

  During this tenure, I managed a portfolio comprising five grants, strategically addressing unemployment and facilitating access to essential services through synergies of entrepreneurship, social innovation, and technology. Also, ensured proficient management of cross-functional teams and the entire lifecycle, encompassing due diligence, procurement procedures, onboarding, monitoring, and evaluation. I coordinated three international high-level trade missions to Nigeria, with a concentrated focus on amplifying trade opportunities and driving investments within the technology sector. Also, I orchestrated landmark UK-Nigeria-Kenya Tech Matchmaking Event, and steered the initial Nigerian delegation of 30 high-profile tech ecosystem stakeholders, facilitating impactful engagements with business counterparts in London.• Formulated/executed country-level strategy, securing 5-year funding to propel projects within Nigeria's digital economy.• Contributed insights to optimise governance processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in attaining objectives.• Led expansion of organization's services into three novel regions, doubling magnitude of beneficiaries reached/impacted.• Conceptualised and employed a strategic roadmap, expanding 20% organization's outreach and influence in one year.• Conducted overhaul of processes, culminating in a 30% enhancement in partnership engagement and collaboration. Show less

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  Mastercard Foundation

  Aug 2022 - now

  Program Lead - Digital Economy