Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Accomplishments
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Tessie Kuhe

Chevy Chase

Summary

Experienced Community Engagement and Gender Advisor with 20+ years leading USAID-funded programs, gender mainstreaming, and inclusive development initiatives. Proven expertise in managing large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects (exceeding $100M), integrating gender mainstreaming strategies, and advancing policy reform at national and international levels. Demonstrated success in cross-sectoral collaboration, institutional capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and technical advisory on program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation (M&E), and compliance. Skilled in gender and social inclusion strategies, relationship building and donor reporting. Fluent in English and Hausa, with field experience across Africa and the United States. Committed to equity, empowerment, and sustainable development.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Gender and DEIA Advisor

EnCompass LLC
Silver Spring
07.2024 - 01.2025
  • Represented USAID Washington in high-level stakeholder consultations, fostering collaboration with new partners and promoting inclusive policies across global development sectors.
  • Designed and facilitated capacity-building workshops and symposia for over 200 stakeholders, improving participant knowledge of gender equity frameworks and inclusive practices.
  • Oversaw implementation of the USAID Global Development Labs outreach strategy, aligning academic and technical partnerships with agency-specific goals and innovation objectives.
  • Developed and delivered targeted technical assistance and training on GBV prevention, localization, and USAID gender policy (ADS 205), ensuring compliance with USAID standards and improved program effectiveness.
  • Mentored USAID and other gender professionals for improved mainstreaming and integration.

Gender and Inclusive Development Advisor

USAID
Abuja
06.2021 - 05.2024
  • Provided strategic leadership on the integration of gender and DEIA principles into USAID-funded program designs, enhancing regulatory compliance and inclusive development outcomes.
  • Designed and facilitated over 20 tailored capacity-building workshops and trainings for USAID staff and implementing partners, significantly enhancing technical proficiency in inclusive programming.
  • Directed gender, GBV and inclusion-related performance reporting across multiple mission sectors, improving transparency, accountability, and compliance with agency mandates.
  • Conducted field-based monitoring and gender-sensitive evaluations, delivering evidence-based insights that increased alignment with community needs and program outcomes.
  • Advised program design and procurement processes, ensuring gender-responsive frameworks and inclusive criteria were embedded across project life cycles.
  • Led more than 10 comprehensive gender and social inclusion analyses that directly influenced mission-wide program planning and design strategies.

Senior Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Program Manager

USAID
Abuja
08.2014 - 06.2021
  • Directed OVC and adolescent health portfolios exceeding $56 million, achieving consistent program success, scale-up, and measurable community impact.
  • Oversaw multiple cooperative agreements and grants, ensuring 100% compliance with USAID regulations, donor expectations, and quarterly reporting requirements.
  • Led capacity-strengthening initiatives for local partners and USAID staff, delivering high-impact training that improved program sustainability and ownership.
  • Served as acting team lead, mentoring junior staff, managing high-level coordination, and ensuring uninterrupted leadership during critical transition periods.

Program Assistant

USAID
Abuja
06.2005 - 07.2014
  • Provided strategic oversight for integrating gender equity into HIV and TB programs across multiple states, enhancing inclusivity and health outcomes.
  • Co-managed implementation of PEPFAR-funded initiatives, contributing to measurable improvements in service delivery and program efficiency.
  • Supported national health campaigns and capacity-building workshops, managing logistics and coordination to ensure smooth execution.

Receptionist / Administrative Assistant

USAID
Abuja
12.2001 - 06.2005
  • Managed scheduling, travel arrangements, and correspondence for senior leadership, improving workflow and task coordination.
  • Delivered frontline customer service by managing incoming inquiries and processing documentation with accuracy and professionalism.
  • Monitored program expenditures and prepared accurate financial reports to support audits and donor compliance requirements.

Admin, M&E and Documentation Support

Louis Berger Inc. – SWIFT Project
Kano
08.1999 - 11.2001
  • Directed Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) activities, including tracking workshops and managing community survey documentation to ensure project accuracy and efficiency.
  • Developed and authored detailed project reports that supported mid-cycle evaluations and informed strategic, data-driven decision-making.
  • Coordinated travel logistics and resource management for field operations, optimizing the deployment of project resources.

Front Desk Staff

Royal Tropicana Hotel
Kano
11.1998 - 08.1999
  • Supervised front desk operations, ensuring a welcoming and efficient guest experience, and consistently earned positive feedback for high-quality customer service.
  • Promoted hotel amenities and services, contributing to a 20% increase in upsell revenue through strategic coordination and personalized guest engagement.
  • Managed room reservations and booking systems while resolving guest inquiries and concerns promptly, leading to improved customer satisfaction scores.

Education

Master's Degree - International Affairs And Diplomacy

Ahmadu Bello University
08.2002

Bachelor of Science - Political Science

Ahmadu Bello University
09.1997

Skills

  • Gender and Inclusion mainstreaming
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
  • Program & Project Management
  • DEIA Framework Implementation
  • Policy Analysis & Compliance
  • Capacity Building & Facilitation
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
  • Strategic Planning & Advisement
  • Advocacy & Communication
  • Workshop & Training Development
  • Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Data Analysis & Report Writing
  • Public Speaking & Presentation
  • USAID Rules & Regulations

Languages

  • English, Fluent
  • Hausa, Fluent
  • Tiv, Fluent
  • Nigerian Pidgin English, Fluent
  • Yoruba, Basic
  • Igbo, Basic

Accomplishments

  • Length of Service Award (2021): Recognized for 20 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Government.
  • Certificate of Appreciation (2018): Honored by the U.S. Department of State for commitment to PEPFAR’s mission and uninterrupted service with USAID in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
  • Eagle Awards (2012 & FY18): Acknowledged for exceptional dedication to financial stewardship and efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote gender and sexual diversity.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Gender and DEIA Advisor

EnCompass LLC
07.2024 - 01.2025

Gender and Inclusive Development Advisor

USAID
06.2021 - 05.2024

Senior Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Program Manager

USAID
08.2014 - 06.2021

Program Assistant

USAID
06.2005 - 07.2014

Receptionist / Administrative Assistant

USAID
12.2001 - 06.2005

Admin, M&E and Documentation Support

Louis Berger Inc. – SWIFT Project
08.1999 - 11.2001

Front Desk Staff

Royal Tropicana Hotel
11.1998 - 08.1999

Master's Degree - International Affairs And Diplomacy

Ahmadu Bello University

Bachelor of Science - Political Science

Ahmadu Bello University

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Tessie Kuhe