Melike Odabasi Yildirim
Frederick
Summary
Dynamic Program Manager with extensive experience at Chemonics International, excelling in grants management and procurement compliance. Proven track record in budget analysis and project oversight, leading teams to achieve successful outcomes. Adept at vendor selection and fostering collaboration, ensuring compliance with USAID regulations while delivering impactful results.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Chemonics International
Erbil
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Company Overview: USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Erbil, Iraq
- Provided guidance and mentorship to the program team in the areas of grants management, task coordination associated with the design, development, and implementation of grants and procurement in compliance with USAID policies.
- Directly supervised, mentored and trained program development officers, grants managers, and procurement specialists.
- Ensured proper negotiation of the final terms and conditions for grants, and review and analyze budget estimates for allocability, reasonableness, and consistency.
- Provided project grant recipients with technical advice and assistance as needed in areas such as financial management, procurement requirements, and implementation planning.
- Highly participated in problem-solving and troubleshooting throughout the grants cycle to ensure implementation remains within the spirit of the original design concept.
- Led solicitation processes and administrative oversight of complex subcontracts in close coordination with program procurement staff.
- Approved all programmatic assistance and acquisition within approved delegation of authority.
- Reviewed programmatic assistance and acquisition actions for DCOP or COP above approved authority.
- Supported grants staff to manage complex, fast-paced grants portfolio, prioritizing appropriately and attending to documentation in a timely manner.
- USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Erbil, Iraq
Procurement Specialist
Chemonics International
Erbil
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Company Overview: USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Erbil, Iraq
- Provided guidance and mentorship to the procurement team in the areas of product sourcing, vendor selection, regulatory and legal compliance, vendor performance management, and commodity export.
- Worked with the procurement manager and grants team to manage and execute the full procurement cycle, including support to grants management, compliance with regulations, procurement administration, and logistical operations of the program activities.
- Ensured the projects procurement activities follow USAID rules and regulations, Chemonics' policy and procedures, and local legislation.
- Coordinated closely with all Program Development Officer and Grants leaders, while also supporting project Operations.
- Ensured project staff or the project itself does not engage in any procurement-related conflict of interests and ensure the project's procurement process is open and transparent.
- USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Erbil, Iraq
Procurement Specialist
Chemonics International
Erbil
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Erbil, Iraq
- Provided procurement support for all the technical and administrative needs of the ICRI project, including, working with the ICRI Procurement Officer, Grants team, and Operations Manager to manage and execute the full procurement cycle, including support to grants management, compliance with regulations, procurement administration, and logistical operations of the program activities and office facilities.
- Educated the staff and counterparts about procurement under USAID contracts including timelines and source/origin/nationality requirements.
- Ensured contractual compliance with USAID Mission requirements.
- USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Erbil, Iraq
Procurement and Export Compliance Manager
Chemonics International
Istanbul
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Company Overview: USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Istanbul, Turkey
- Oversaw a team of six procurement professionals, providing guidance and mentorship in the areas of product sourcing, vendor selection, regulatory and legal compliance, vendor performance management, and commodity export.
- Managed the procurement and export of over USD $60 million in commodities in support of a USAID assistance program for Syria.
- Achieved cost effective, rapid production and delivery of commodities including fire trucks, ambulances, earthmoving equipment, emergency vehicles, generators, electrical equipment, school desks and uniforms, food baskets, and other humanitarian and development assistance.
- Ensured procurement was conducted in compliance with US and Turkish government regulations and laws, preparing and reviewing documentation to meet the rigorous standards of US government auditors.
- Supervised complex logistical arrangements when exporting commodities from Turkey to Syria, liaising with counterparts at border crossings and tracking shipments from origin to destination, troubleshooting as needed.
- USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Istanbul, Turkey
Procurement Specialist
Chemonics International
Gaziantep
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Gaziantep, Turkey
- Managed the procurement of commodities from end to end, including product sourcing, vendor selection, regulatory and legal compliance, vendor performance management, and commodity export.
- Wrote product specifications and solicitation documents, identified qualified vendors, led selection and evaluation committees, drafted and negotiated purchase orders with selected vendors, and managed vendor performance in order to achieve best value for a USAID-funded assistance program.
- Ensured procurement documentation was complete, organized, and ready for audit.
- Tracked shipments and troubleshot problems when exporting commodities from Turkey to Syria.
- USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives, Chemonics International, Gaziantep, Turkey
Product Manager-CE
Neo Tech Inc.
Istanbul
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Led marketing and promotional activities for Consumer Electronics.
- Evaluated market dynamics, analyzing product price and performance and managing inventory levels.
- Coordinated with import, logistics, and finance departments to ensure no stock disruptions.
- Liaised with product producers, mitigated potential problems and ensured a smooth product lifecycle.
Solution Consultant
Apple
Istanbul
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Led sales for Apple products at an authorized reseller for individual consumers and professional customers.
- Served all customer needs, from product consultation and purchasing to troubleshooting and solution development.
- Trained and mentored sales personnel in Apple product nuances and marketing techniques.
- Fostered a community of loyal Apple customers who returned to the store for service, support, and future hardware and accessory purchases.
Assistant Store Manager
Starbucks Coffee
London
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Supervised store on a daily basis, including oversight of inventory controls, cash handling, staff development, and customer service.
- Trained and mentored new employees, monitored their development and provided coaching and support where needed.
- Prepared and delivered daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports for district management and collaborated in sales and revenue target setting exercises.
Executive Assistant
SAS Institute
Istanbul
01.2007 - 12.2007
- Supported company executives in a variety of operational areas, providing administrative and management support to daily business processes.
- Maintained and updated a client database.
- Served on organizing team for the SAS Forum in 2007, a large business conference and event.
Office Assistant
Shell & Turcas Petrol A.S.
Istanbul
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Provided administrative support within the legal department of a multinational firm.
- Researched, organized, and furnished documentation to department employees in support of legal work.
- Responded to inquiries on behalf of the legal department, providing day to day customer service.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Wales Institute
Cardiff, United Kingdom01.2011
Bachelor of Social Science - Public Administration
University of Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey01.2008
Skills
- Grants management
- Procurement compliance
- Budget analysis
- Project oversight
- Vendor selection
- Program coordination
References
- Garrett Dorer, Managing Director, Chemonics International, +1-202-955-6592, gdorer@chemonics.com
- Saeed Uri, Chief of Party, Chemonics International, +1-202-290-4448, suri@chemonics.com
- Michael Provenza, Director, Chemonics International, +1-202-524-7658, mprovenza@chemonics.com
Training
- Business Conduct, Chemonics International, 2018
- Grants Practicum, Chemonics International, 2018
- Leadership Skill Building, Konterra Group, 06/15
- Fraud and Business Integrity, Chemonics International, 12/13
- Grants Management, Chemonics International, 09/13
- IT Security, Chemonics International, 09/13
Languages
- Turkish, Native
- English, Fluent
- German, Basic
<Enter your own>
Citizenship: Turkish
Languages
English
Professional
Turkish
Professional
Timeline
Program Manager
Chemonics International
01.2020 - 01.2021
Procurement Specialist
Chemonics International
01.2019 - 01.2020
Procurement Specialist
Chemonics International
01.2018 - 01.2019
Procurement and Export Compliance Manager
Chemonics International
01.2015 - 01.2018
Procurement Specialist
Chemonics International
01.2013 - 01.2015
Product Manager-CE
Neo Tech Inc.
01.2013 - 12.2013
Solution Consultant
Apple
01.2011 - 01.2013
Assistant Store Manager
Starbucks Coffee
01.2009 - 01.2011
Executive Assistant
SAS Institute
01.2007 - 12.2007
Office Assistant
Shell & Turcas Petrol A.S.
01.2006 - 12.2006
Master of Business Administration -
University of Wales Institute
Bachelor of Social Science - Public Administration
University of Istanbul
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