Deborah A. Afulani
’S-Gravenhage
Summary
Highly motivated and adaptable professional with15+ years of experience across financial services, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. Proven ability to lead teams, drive business growth, and optimize operational efficiency. Expertise in strategic planning, impactful presentations, and leveraging Microsoft Suite for data-driven insights. Recently completed a master’s in development studies (Social Policy for Development), with a thesis focused on enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ghana through organizational contributions and government support. Seeking to leverage this combined expertise to foster sustainable growth in a dynamic organization.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate
Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Ghana
08.2008 - 08.2008
- Assisted with logistics arrangement for Afrobarometer field survey activities
- Conducted field interviews
Research Associate
Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Ghana
03.2008 - 03.2008
- Research on public resource leakage: Interviewing teachers and School Management Committee Executives on school development and teacher attendance in the Wa West District
- Compiled the report on field activities
Branch Head/Business Development Manager
DCI Microfinance Limited
07.2014 - Current
- Promoted to Branch Head after two years with the company working as a Business development/Relationship Officer
- Managed a team with a deposit portfolio of over GHS30,000,000.00 (thus over €1.5 million)
- Providing leadership and direction to drive and deliver on branch performance targets
- Responsible for the overall performance of the team
- Provided expert support and advice to both customers and team members
- Provided dedicated relationship management to the portfolio of cherished customers
- Enhanced business development by meeting sales and development targets
- Represented the organization as a guest speaker on TV for savings and investment education.
Business Advisor (Internship)
RI Institute of Bio Health Sciences
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Acted as a liaison between the director and other team members
- Provided support in developing and implementing effective marketing, branding and communication strategies
- Prepared presentations for workshops and meeting with stakeholders
- Assisted in the onboarding of new volunteers
- Took part in forums to showcase the concept of the institute; Bio Health, Bio Nutrition and Bio Cosmetics
- Supported with feedback for the improvement of the organization’s website
- Offered advice on optimizing operational efficiency and productivity
Branch Manager (Unsecured Lending)
African Financial Services (A.F.S) now Letshego Limited
08.2012 - 10.2013
- Superintended over the pilot of an unsecured lending project, i.e., SMARTCASH and promoted to Branch Manager after five (5) months of joining the company as a Sales Team Leader
- My responsibilities included
- Marketed & sales of the company’s products and due to it’s success it was later replicated to other branches
- Assisted to manage the data management of new branches with excel
- Assisted to draft the credit policy
- Training of new branch managers
Branch Head
Dream Finance Limited (D.F.L)
11.2010 - 07.2012
- Managed daily operations of the branch, overseeing staff performance and customer service standards
- Recruited branch loan officers, mentored and trained them to achieve the branch's sales target
- Reviewed and approved loan and credit applications based on established criteria and risk assessment
- Oversaw loan disbursements, loan monitoring and collections
National Service Personnel
Matthew25 House
08.2010 - 11.2010
- Prepared quarterly reports for donors and sponsors of the organization
- Undertook general administrative duties and correspondence management
- Embarked on outreach programmes with persons living with HIV/AIDS
Voluntary Service Personnel
Matthew25 House
10.2009 - 07.2010
- Conducted field visits to monitor and evaluate the activities of persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as performance of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in their various schools
- Wrote reports and proposals to solicit funding and sponsorship to undertake income generating activities for persons living with HIV/AIDS and other projects
Researcher
Research Assistant
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Research on baseline community information in Banaiantwe community in the Kintampo North District of Brong Ahafo Region
- The research was conducted as part of the Integrated Third Trimester Field Practical Programme I, II, III for my bachelor’s at UDS
Education
MA - Development Studies
Erasmus University Rotterdam, International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
12.2024
BA - Integrated Development Studies
University for Development Studies (UDS)
05.2009
Skills
- Communication
- Research
- Marketing
- Mentoring and training
- Interpersonal skills
- Presentation skills
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
References
Gerard, McCarthy, Associate Professor, mccarthy@iss.nl, International Institute of Social Studies (Part of Erasmus University Rotterdam)
Hobbies and Interests
Cooking, travelling, charity
Training
- Sales Revolution (06/2018) Organized by CitiFM at the Coconut Groove Regency Hotel, Accra-Ghana
- Effective customer service (11/2013) Training provided by L’AiNÉ Services Ltd- Adabraka Branch, Accra-Ghana
- NGO Project & Operations Management (08/2022) A course for change makers in Advocacy, Charitable service Participatory and empowerment orientations organized by Cambridge Center of Excellence at Accra-Ghana Modules NGO Strategic Management, Introduction to Development and Social Interventions and Ideas for Community Development and Social Reforms.
Philanthropy / Community Engagement
- Founder and Leader, Staff Philanthropy Project, DCI Microfinance Ltd, Ghana (2018 - Present)
- Conceptualized and launched a staff-driven initiative to address the needs of marginalized communities and organizations in Ghana.
- Successfully secured staff buy-in and participation, fostering a culture of giving within the organization.
- Oversaw the planning and execution of7 projects, delivering tangible benefits in areas such as education, healthcare, or specific needs addressed.
- The project is ongoing and continues to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.
Languages
English
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Business Advisor (Internship)
RI Institute of Bio Health Sciences
08.2024 - 12.2024
Branch Head/Business Development Manager
DCI Microfinance Limited
07.2014 - Current
Branch Manager (Unsecured Lending)
African Financial Services (A.F.S) now Letshego Limited
08.2012 - 10.2013
Branch Head
Dream Finance Limited (D.F.L)
11.2010 - 07.2012
National Service Personnel
Matthew25 House
08.2010 - 11.2010
Voluntary Service Personnel
Matthew25 House
10.2009 - 07.2010
Research Associate
Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Ghana
08.2008 - 08.2008
Research Associate
Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Ghana
03.2008 - 03.2008
Researcher
Research Assistant
01.2005 - 01.2008
BA - Integrated Development Studies
University for Development Studies (UDS)
MA - Development Studies
Erasmus University Rotterdam, International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
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