Natasha John Macmillan
Dar es Salaam
Summary
Highly efficient administrative professional offering several years of experience, including administrative support, project coordination, customer service and team leadership. Comfortable working with senior management to effectively define and achieve strategic operational and administrative objectives. Experience in overseeing multiple partners in 12 regions across Tanzania, streamlining administrative processes, analyzing complex issues, and developing solutions through cultivating a positive work culture focused on teamwork and idea-sharing, while driving goal achievement.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST - GRANTS
U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Dar es salaam
05.2024 - Current
- Liaise with the CDC headquarters' grants and budget teams to ensure the preparation of projection plans and to track operational spending plans and programmatic budget plans.
- Assisted with budget preparation activities by monitoring expenses and tracking costs.
- Created and revised systems and procedures by analyzing operating practices, recordkeeping systems, office layout, and budgetary requirements.
- Maintained contact lists of vendors, customers and other stakeholders as required by the organization's policies.
- Developed and maintained effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Worked closely with project coordinators and activity managers to provide technical assistance on proposed work plans and budgets for grants worth $3 - $4 million yearly
- Provided sound advice to the DGHP Director, Deputy Director, Project Officers, Activity Managers, and Development Partners on all fiscal and programmatic reporting aspects
- Ensured adequate documentation and tracking of a complex programmatic portfolio that comprises many funding streams and implementing partners such as IOM, AMREF, NIMR, MDH, PORALG and the Ministry of Health, both Mainland and Zanzibar
- Maintained regular coordination of regular, ad hoc and quarterly review meetings to assess implementing partners performance, contributing to the team's work efficiency by 30%
- Supported in-country response team in administering deployments during public health
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – HIV/TB PROGRAMS
U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Dar es salaam
11.2020 - 05.2024
- Provided programmatic assistance for 12 regions supported by CDC to support the implementation of all program activities within the Division of Global HIV and TB for CDC in Tanzania. This includes aspects of care and treatment, prevention, and health systems strengthening, funded by the US government
- Coordinated branch technical activities such as tracking work plan progress, developing scope of work (SOWs), planning field monitoring site visits, and arranged travel logistics to yield resource optimization.
- Enhanced program visibility by steering public engagements, enhancing visibility, developing and disseminating regional scorecards for local regional leadership, such as Regional Commissioners, Regional Medical Officers (RMOs) and Regional Aids Control Coordinators to raise awareness of program progress in the supported regions.
- Responded to routine internal and external correspondence and translations, facilitated meetings and after actions, and maintained a robust e-document filing system.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to programming activities.
- Conducted surveys to gather feedback from participants about their experiences with programs and projects.
- Maintained inventory of supplies necessary for the successful operation of the program.
- Answered phone calls and emails in a timely manner regarding program inquiries or concerns.
- Attended community outreach events to promote programs and projects.
- Managed travel arrangements for program participants, including flights, accommodations and transportation.
- Fostered relationships to define programming needs and strengthen organizational standing.
- Oversaw heavy load of administrative tasks while verifying accuracy and prompt completion of paperwork.
PROJECT ASSISTANT – HEALTH LOGISTICS
DJK International
Dar es salaam
11.2016 - 11.2020
- Collaborated with project coordinators to anticipate supply needs, adjust distribution schedules, and support emergency response mobilization when required.
- Supported office programs by designing and reviewing relevant communication and social media content, working closely with public affairs, government relations and internal stakeholders.
- Spearheaded the planning and execution of logistics operations for high-value health projects secured through competitive tenders, ensuring on-time delivery of critical medical supplies and equipment to hospitals, labs, and rural health facilities nationwide.
- Acted as the primary liaison between the company and clients, including the Ministry of Health, donor agencies, and NGOs such as MSD, JHPIEGO, and WHO, maintaining clear communication and fostering trust throughout the project lifecycle.
- Supported successful bid submissions by coordinating technical documentation, aligning proposals with donor procurement guidelines, and ensuring full compliance with tender specifications
- Oversaw procurement and supply chain activities, including customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution of essential health commodities such as diagnostics, PPE, and hospital furnishings
- Developed and implemented tracking systems to monitor delivery timelines, resolve supply chain bottlenecks, and report real-time progress to clients and partners
- Played a key role in ensuring contract compliance and donor satisfaction through accurate reporting, cost control, and post-delivery support.
- Maintained rigorous documentation practices, including delivery notes, regulatory certificates, and after-action reports, contributing to audit readiness and operational transparency.
- Supported budget management by tracking expenses and preparing reports.
- Researched industry trends to inform project strategies and initiatives.
- Created project status presentations for delivery to customers or project personnel.
Education
Master’s in Business Management -
ESAMI
11-2025
Bachelor’s in Economics -
UDSM
10.2016
Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Negotiation
- Procurement knowledge
- Procurement processes
- Leadership
- Communication skills
- Team player
- Ethics
- Project management
- Budget analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Program coordination
- Compliance monitoring
- Administrative support
- Strategic planning
- Proficient in Microsoft 365
- Multitasking and time management
Languages
- English, Excellent
- Swahili, Excellent
Leadership and Board Representation
- Deputy Chairperson - CDC Local Staff Association Board, bridging leadership and communication between Local Employed Staff and the Mission leadership.
- Member of the CDC Global Advocacy Working Group (GAWG) – Coordinating over 13,000 locally employed Staff in CDC-supported countries as an advocate for CDC India, Mozambique and Ethiopia.
- Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee for Local Employed Staff Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) Board – overseeing approximately TZS 8.1 billion shillings and 246 locally employed staff Members
Accomplishments
- · Leadership and Management in Health - University of Washington e-Learning Program, 2024
- Advanced Leadership Skills and Techniques - Atlanta, USA, 2023
- International Project Officer Training - Tanzania, 2023
- Cross-Cultural Adaptability Training - CDC Regional Training in Tanzania, 2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST - GRANTS
U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention
05.2024 - Current
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – HIV/TB PROGRAMS
U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention
11.2020 - 05.2024
PROJECT ASSISTANT – HEALTH LOGISTICS
DJK International
11.2016 - 11.2020
Master’s in Business Management -
ESAMI
Bachelor’s in Economics -
UDSM