Lucie N. Cantsilieris - Resume - Application for the Project Management Assistant position
Lucie N. Cantsilieris - Resume - Application for the Project Management Assistant position
Lucie Nicolas Cantsilieris
Key Qualifications
More than 30 years of professional experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility in sub-awards management, procurement and financial management, and technical assistance with USAID and international NGOs in Egypt and the US respectively (especially in grants and contracts management and compliance per USG FARR, from both the USAID and implementing agency perspectives). I have demonstrated expertise in taking initiative, flexibility, ability to give attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, outstanding administrative, operational and organization skills, and knowledge of the global health arena. Note: I voluntarily suspended my career advancement in December 2017 for a few months to attend to some family matters. Those have now been resolved and I am excited to be entering the next phase in my career path.
Professional Experience
URC-CHS � Chevy Chase, MD July 2015 � December 2017
Program Officer
Financial Management
� For the TB CARE II and the CDC - PEPFAR Projects, implemented in different countries in South Asia and South Africa, managed the yearly budget to ensure projects are operating within their budget limitations while meeting goals and objectives, and to ensure compliance with USAID and CDC rules and regulations. This included tracking and analysis of program finances: obligations, projections, budgets, and expenditures, and assisted the field project staff with the preparation of budgets, budget realignments and/or modifications to existing awards, as necessary.
� Worked with corporate staff to facilitate project financial planning and control.
Procurement Management
� Reviewed procurement packages for compliance and quality control, and assisted local staff where needed, before they are processed for signature.
� Ensured staff and field office compliance with corporate and USAID procurement policies and regulations, and also monitored and ensured that delivery schedules for technical products were timely.
� Directed and monitored equipment purchase and inventory, especially for computers and software.
Program Management
� Liaised with USAID A/COTR or donor representative to ensure timely communication with regard to project deliverables, managing overseas staff visits, and reporting deadlines. This included timely response to USAID or CDC requests for information/data on project financial achievements. Also facilitated planning and development of project reporting deliverables, and oversaw their production schedules and dissemination.
� Established and maintained working relationship with field staff, headquarters staff, implementing partners and consultants, and assisted field teams in process improvement related to specific administrative and financial areas.
Global Health Fellows Program-II/Public Health Institute - GHFP/PHI � Wash. D.C
Oct. 2013 � July 2015
Assistant to Program Director & to Director of Finance & Participant Support
� Provided direct administrative support and assistance to the GHFP Program Director. This included coordination of all fellowships-related activities for both incoming and outgoing global health fellows.
� Tracked fellows, continuously updating the spreadsheet of all fellows, and managed the Program Director�s company credit card, reconciling costs and expenditure on a monthly basis.
� Prepared and processed consultant agreements, invoices and check requests according to the organization regulations, and ensured their timely completion.
� Organized events (staff retreats, Fellowship Annual gatherings, etc.), coordinating contracts with vendors for venues, logistics and supplies, preparing and completing full execution of the contractual agreement, processing payments, and managing attendee access and participation.
� Assembled and organized the annual workplan binder that is submitted to USAID.
USAID/Cairo/Egypt - Office of Health and Population (OHP) June 1989 - June 2011
Project Management Assistant -
Financial Management
� Established and updated OHP Financial Information System to track all program planned and actual obligations, sub-obligations and expenditures.
� Provided training to new HPN staff and contractor, grantee financial management staff on USAID financial reporting standards.
� Reviewed annual contractor and grantee workplans; analyzed activity budget, project accruals reports and activities, pipeline and presented analysis to the activity manager.
� Reviewed and monitored monthly expenditures reports and developed analytical spreadsheet that portrays average expenditures per month and semiannually.
� Advised the activity Team Leader on financial amendments to agreements and other financial issues as needed.
� Maintained budget tables that track the annual Mission Operational Plan (OP) to ensure that funds are obligated as approved in the OP and that any changes are approved in advance of obligation.
Management of Information Systems
� Provided technical input for the design and implementation of all health-related Information Technology (IT) activities, and reviewed work plans, budgets, quarterly reports, and procurement documents including IT equipment specifications. Also monitored related expenditures, recommending appropriate actions, flagging and taking action on potential gaps.
� Liaised government counterparts responsible or involved in the IT activities to share or obtain information and updates, to provide advice, and recommend actions to achieve the agreed-to objectives.
� Assessed the performance of Technical Assistance contractor staff through review of periodic MIS reports and, as necessary, managed meetings to resolve problems or suggested recommended actions to the supervisor.
� Reviewed vehicles and commodities reports; conducted an annual end use verification check for all contractor and grantee commodities and assisted with the disposition of commodities for closed activities.
Program Management
� Supported the project Egyptian counterpart implementing agency(s) in developing annual work plans; and ensured that selected performance indicators are appropriate and measurable.
� Reviewed and evaluated quarterly progress reports from contractors and implementing agencies.
� Reviewed research findings and interpreted conflicting or unreliable data.
� Accompanied Project Officers in field trips and meetings with Egyptian counterpart officials and contractor and grantee staff to keep up with progress/issues and provided advice and explanations as necessary.
� Collected, analyzed, and prepared service statistics reports, graphs, and charts based on information gathered from the service delivery implementing agencies.
� Synthesized data and prepared briefings and progress reports as assigned including PowerPoint presentations.
� Prepared and developed different types of spreadsheets on several activities such as: planned contracting actions; vehicle and commodity status reports; planned obligation and sub obligation schedules for each fiscal year.
USAID/Egypt - Office of Population Aug. 1979 - May 1989
Senior Administrative Assistant
� Prepared Contracting Documents, Project Papers, Grant Agreements, Implementation Letters, unclassified cables, letters, etc.
� Assembled and provided reference materials for reports, meetings, etc.
� Researched the news for updates about program development in the country and informed the Office Director of any trends or discrepancies in program information of significance to program achievement.
� Translated GOE Laws and Decrees related to the Program.
EDUCATION:
MBA - Business Administration/Management Information System - Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport - Cairo, Egypt, 2006
B.A. Economics - American University in Cairo, Egypt, 1979
SKILLS & LANGUAGES:
� Proven organizational skills, initiative, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and to effectively respond to changing priorities; had a Limited Official Use clearance while working at USAID.
� Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint); Quickbook, Visio, Concur, Costpoint, Deltek, and internet research tools.
� Fluent in Arabic (native); excellent in speaking, writing and reading English & French; fairly proficient in reading, speaking and writing Greek.
TRAINING COURSES & WORKSHOPS ATTENDED:
� Essential Skills for Good Management Course � USAID/Egypt - Sept. 1992
� Acquisition and Assistance for Cognizant Technical Officers � USAID/Egypt - 1995
� USAID Financial Management Implementation � USAID/Egypt - May 1998
� USAID Audit Management Course � USAID/Egypt - Oct. 1999
� Planning and Managing Information Systems Course, MSH, Boston, US � July 2000
� Activity Management Course, USAID/Egypt � May 2002
� USAID Emerging Leader Development Training � Richmond, US - Oct. 2003
� USAID Financial Management Overview � USAID/Egypt - Dec. 2004
� Leadership in Strategic Health Communication: Making a Difference in Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health �Baltimore, US, June 2005
� M&E Fundamentals online Course � Aug. 2014
AWARDS RECEIVED
� Meritorious step increase for exceeding job requirements � 1980
� Meritorious Cash Award for exceeding job requirements - 1985
� Service Award (10 Years) at the American Embassy � 1989
� Office of Population Group Award for assisting with the preparation of the World Population Conference held in Egypt - 1994
� Service Award (20 Years) at the American Embassy - 1999
� Service Award (30 Years) at the American Embassy � Nov. 2009
� On the Spot Cash Award for superior support during the project mid-term evaluation � March 2009
� On the Spot Cash Award for additional time and dedication required to build a shared commitment for the future direction and new program of the Office of Health and Population � June 2010
� On the Spot Cash Award for outstanding response in minimizing the offices� filing footprint and improving project and program office record management � Sept. 2010
Lucie Nicolas Cantsilieris
Key Qualifications
More than 30 years of professional experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility in sub-awards management, procurement and financial management, and technical assistance with USAID and international NGOs in Egypt and the US respectively (especially in grants and contracts management and compliance per USG FARR, from both the USAID and implementing agency perspectives). I have demonstrated expertise in taking initiative, flexibility, ability to give attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, outstanding administrative, operational and organization skills, and knowledge of the global health arena. Note: I voluntarily suspended my career advancement in December 2017 for a few months to attend to some family matters. Those have now been resolved and I am excited to be entering the next phase in my career path.
Professional Experience
URC-CHS � Chevy Chase, MD July 2015 � December 2017
Program Officer
Financial Management
� For the TB CARE II and the CDC - PEPFAR Projects, implemented in different countries in South Asia and South Africa, managed the yearly budget to ensure projects are operating within their budget limitations while meeting goals and objectives, and to ensure compliance with USAID and CDC rules and regulations. This included tracking and analysis of program finances: obligations, projections, budgets, and expenditures, and assisted the field project staff with the preparation of budgets, budget realignments and/or modifications to existing awards, as necessary.
� Worked with corporate staff to facilitate project financial planning and control.
Procurement Management
� Reviewed procurement packages for compliance and quality control, and assisted local staff where needed, before they are processed for signature.
� Ensured staff and field office compliance with corporate and USAID procurement policies and regulations, and also monitored and ensured that delivery schedules for technical products were timely.
� Directed and monitored equipment purchase and inventory, especially for computers and software.
Program Management
� Liaised with USAID A/COTR or donor representative to ensure timely communication with regard to project deliverables, managing overseas staff visits, and reporting deadlines. This included timely response to USAID or CDC requests for information/data on project financial achievements. Also facilitated planning and development of project reporting deliverables, and oversaw their production schedules and dissemination.
� Established and maintained working relationship with field staff, headquarters staff, implementing partners and consultants, and assisted field teams in process improvement related to specific administrative and financial areas.
Global Health Fellows Program-II/Public Health Institute - GHFP/PHI � Wash. D.C
Oct. 2013 � July 2015
Assistant to Program Director & to Director of Finance & Participant Support
� Provided direct administrative support and assistance to the GHFP Program Director. This included coordination of all fellowships-related activities for both incoming and outgoing global health fellows.
� Tracked fellows, continuously updating the spreadsheet of all fellows, and managed the Program Director�s company credit card, reconciling costs and expenditure on a monthly basis.
� Prepared and processed consultant agreements, invoices and check requests according to the organization regulations, and ensured their timely completion.
� Organized events (staff retreats, Fellowship Annual gatherings, etc.), coordinating contracts with vendors for venues, logistics and supplies, preparing and completing full execution of the contractual agreement, processing payments, and managing attendee access and participation.
� Assembled and organized the annual workplan binder that is submitted to USAID.
USAID/Cairo/Egypt - Office of Health and Population (OHP) June 1989 - June 2011
Project Management Assistant -
Financial Management
� Established and updated OHP Financial Information System to track all program planned and actual obligations, sub-obligations and expenditures.
� Provided training to new HPN staff and contractor, grantee financial management staff on USAID financial reporting standards.
� Reviewed annual contractor and grantee workplans; analyzed activity budget, project accruals reports and activities, pipeline and presented analysis to the activity manager.
� Reviewed and monitored monthly expenditures reports and developed analytical spreadsheet that portrays average expenditures per month and semiannually.
� Advised the activity Team Leader on financial amendments to agreements and other financial issues as needed.
� Maintained budget tables that track the annual Mission Operational Plan (OP) to ensure that funds are obligated as approved in the OP and that any changes are approved in advance of obligation.
Management of Information Systems
� Provided technical input for the design and implementation of all health-related Information Technology (IT) activities, and reviewed work plans, budgets, quarterly reports, and procurement documents including IT equipment specifications. Also monitored related expenditures, recommending appropriate actions, flagging and taking action on potential gaps.
� Liaised government counterparts responsible or involved in the IT activities to share or obtain information and updates, to provide advice, and recommend actions to achieve the agreed-to objectives.
� Assessed the performance of Technical Assistance contractor staff through review of periodic MIS reports and, as necessary, managed meetings to resolve problems or suggested recommended actions to the supervisor.
� Reviewed vehicles and commodities reports; conducted an annual end use verification check for all contractor and grantee commodities and assisted with the disposition of commodities for closed activities.
Program Management
� Supported the project Egyptian counterpart implementing agency(s) in developing annual work plans; and ensured that selected performance indicators are appropriate and measurable.
� Reviewed and evaluated quarterly progress reports from contractors and implementing agencies.
� Reviewed research findings and interpreted conflicting or unreliable data.
� Accompanied Project Officers in field trips and meetings with Egyptian counterpart officials and contractor and grantee staff to keep up with progress/issues and provided advice and explanations as necessary.
� Collected, analyzed, and prepared service statistics reports, graphs, and charts based on information gathered from the service delivery implementing agencies.
� Synthesized data and prepared briefings and progress reports as assigned including PowerPoint presentations.
� Prepared and developed different types of spreadsheets on several activities such as: planned contracting actions; vehicle and commodity status reports; planned obligation and sub obligation schedules for each fiscal year.
USAID/Egypt - Office of Population Aug. 1979 - May 1989
Senior Administrative Assistant
� Prepared Contracting Documents, Project Papers, Grant Agreements, Implementation Letters, unclassified cables, letters, etc.
� Assembled and provided reference materials for reports, meetings, etc.
� Researched the news for updates about program development in the country and informed the Office Director of any trends or discrepancies in program information of significance to program achievement.
� Translated GOE Laws and Decrees related to the Program.
EDUCATION:
MBA - Business Administration/Management Information System - Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport - Cairo, Egypt, 2006
B.A. Economics - American University in Cairo, Egypt, 1979
SKILLS & LANGUAGES:
� Proven organizational skills, initiative, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and to effectively respond to changing priorities; had a Limited Official Use clearance while working at USAID.
� Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint); Quickbook, Visio, Concur, Costpoint, Deltek, and internet research tools.
� Fluent in Arabic (native); excellent in speaking, writing and reading English & French; fairly proficient in reading, speaking and writing Greek.
TRAINING COURSES & WORKSHOPS ATTENDED:
� Essential Skills for Good Management Course � USAID/Egypt - Sept. 1992
� Acquisition and Assistance for Cognizant Technical Officers � USAID/Egypt - 1995
� USAID Financial Management Implementation � USAID/Egypt - May 1998
� USAID Audit Management Course � USAID/Egypt - Oct. 1999
� Planning and Managing Information Systems Course, MSH, Boston, US � July 2000
� Activity Management Course, USAID/Egypt � May 2002
� USAID Emerging Leader Development Training � Richmond, US - Oct. 2003
� USAID Financial Management Overview � USAID/Egypt - Dec. 2004
� Leadership in Strategic Health Communication: Making a Difference in Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health �Baltimore, US, June 2005
� M&E Fundamentals online Course � Aug. 2014
AWARDS RECEIVED
� Meritorious step increase for exceeding job requirements � 1980
� Meritorious Cash Award for exceeding job requirements - 1985
� Service Award (10 Years) at the American Embassy � 1989
� Office of Population Group Award for assisting with the preparation of the World Population Conference held in Egypt - 1994
� Service Award (20 Years) at the American Embassy - 1999
� Service Award (30 Years) at the American Embassy � Nov. 2009
� On the Spot Cash Award for superior support during the project mid-term evaluation � March 2009
� On the Spot Cash Award for additional time and dedication required to build a shared commitment for the future direction and new program of the Office of Health and Population � June 2010
� On the Spot Cash Award for outstanding response in minimizing the offices� filing footprint and improving project and program office record management � Sept. 2010