Western Area Urban, Western Area, Sierra Leone
Ishmael Roland I am a results-driven Business Development, Operations, and Program Management professional with over 12 years of leadership experience across digital transformation, e-commerce, SME development, public health research, media, and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone, renewable energy (Solar & Productive Use of Energy). Since starting my career in 2012, I have progressed from grassroots program coordination to senior leadership and advisory roles, delivering donor-funded programs, managing multi-sector teams, and driving sustainable organizational growth. I have worked with respected international organizations and partners, including Johns Hopkins University-Center for Communication Programs, International Trade Centre (ITC), GIZ, YMCA Sierra Leone, YPS Africa, and global youth networks such as Peace First and Students for Liberty. Currently, I serve as an E-commerce Advisor (Consultant) with ITC, supporting SMEs with digital trade readiness, online market strategies, and e-commerce adoption. I also contribute to Solar Energy & Productive Use of Energy (PUE) business development through GIZ-led training programs, helping link energy access to income-generating activities. I am the founder and leader of Roland Kay Media Corporation and DevHub SL, providing digital solutions, media strategy, branding, and business development services to organizations and SMEs. My work includes delivering projects for high-profile clients such as FIFA and Wusum Hotel, alongside capacity-building initiatives for youth and entrepreneurs. I bring strong General Management and Country Operations experience, including oversight of program implementation, finance, HR, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and reporting. I have managed large-scale public health research operations with Johns Hopkins CCP, ensuring quality delivery, team coordination, and adherence to international standards. Core Strengths: General & Country Management Program & Project Leadership (Donor-Funded) E-commerce & SME Development Solar Energy & Productive Use of Energy (PUE) Digital Transformation & Media Strategy Digital Skills, Business Development & Youth Empowerment I am open to General Manager, Country Director, Program/Project Coordinator, Technical Advisor, and Consulting roles, as well as speaking engagements and cross-sector partnerships in E-commerce, Renewable Energy, Digital Skills, and Business Development. “Go beyond expectations” is how I lead, deliver, and create impact. 📩 Let’s connect. ([email protected])
Training, Coaching and Supporting MSMEs. Deliver In-Person training Deliver In-Person Individual Coaching Sessions Deliver In-Person group Coaching Support SMEs Remotely Reporting
Program Manager | Make Ways Foundation | Sierra Leone • Lead the planning, implementation, and oversight of multi-sector community development programs, ensuring delivery against strategic objectives, timelines, budgets, and key performance indicators. • Manage and mentor program staff, volunteers, and field teams, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, capacity building, accountability, and continuous improvement. • Oversee program budgets, procurement processes, compliance requirements, and operational resources to ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable project implementation. • Manage social enterprise operations, including inventory management, stock reconciliation, asset tracking, income-generation activities, and optimization of donated sporting goods distribution. • Coordinate international logistics and shipping operations, including container management, customs documentation, port clearance, transportation, and stakeholder liaison. • Support organizational growth through program design, grant proposal development, donor engagement, partnership building, and resource mobilization initiatives. • Build and maintain strategic relationships with government institutions, NGOs, community leaders, civil society organizations, donors, and private-sector partners to strengthen program impact and sustainability. • Lead monitoring, reporting, and governance processes by preparing operational and program reports for senior leadership, Board members, donors, and stakeholders while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards. • Represent the organization at meetings, forums, events, and stakeholder engagements, enhancing visibility, advocacy efforts, and organizational presence across Sierra Leone.
* Manage all of the day-to-day responsibilities of the organization, including managing staff and volunteers. Working with staff, also develops policies to inform the various programs as they work toward fulfilling the organization’s charitable purpose. * Writes project proposals and liaises with donors with the assistance of other staff/members. * Presides over all general and executive meetings as Chairperson. * Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position. *Submits reports to funding agencies and Advisory Board with the assistance of other staff/members.