Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Learning
Languages
Timeline
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Lilian Ogola

Summary

Skilful and dedicated professional with extensive experience in coordination, planning and support of daily operational and administrative functions within highly confidential environments.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Executive Assistant

KPMG Lower Gulf Limited
Dubai, UAE
11.2021 - 01.2024

In my role supporting Senior Partners and Business Unit Leaders at KPMG Advisory Services, I focused on enhancing operational efficiency and providing executive support through:

  • Strategic Operations Oversight: Collaborated with administrative, risk, and operations teams to ensure seamless operational management for senior leadership, optimizing time utilization and resource allocation.
  • Meeting and Event Coordination: Led planning and coordination of high-profile meetings and events, demonstrating precision and attention to detail in execution.
  • Timely Reporting: Systematically compiled and delivered project reports weekly, emphasizing accuracy and thoroughness in tracking key operational metrics.
  • Procurement Support: Facilitated timely issuance of requests and requisitions for Partner Teams in collaboration with Procurement Teams, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
  • Travel Logistics Management: Spearheaded coordination of domestic and international travel arrangements for client meetings and company events, ensuring a streamlined and impeccable experience for all stakeholders.
  • Interdepartmental Collaboration: Engaged in comprehensive collaboration with operations, human resources, procurement, and administrative teams to effectively schedule and maintain business and organizational calendars.
  • Project Coordination: Assisted project teams in creating project codes, compiling reports, and collecting data.

My tenure in this role honed my organizational skills and strengthened my collaborative acumen, enabling significant contributions to high-level functions within the organization.

Freelance

Freelance
Dubai, UAE
07.2020 - 11.2021
  • In my professional journey, I have been instrumental in diverse ventures, including: New Business Set-Up, Website/WordPress Building, Charity Engagements in Kenya.
  • New Business Set-Up: Spearheading the initiation and establishment of new businesses, demonstrating a strategic and goal-oriented approach to ensure successful launches.
  • Website/WordPress Building: Proficient in web development and WordPress, I have successfully designed and built websites, leveraging technical expertise to enhance online presence and functionality.
  • Charitable Engagement in Kenya: Collaborating with charity organizations in Kenya. My efforts have been focused on supporting children with neurological disorders and their caregivers. I have played a pivotal role in alleviating their challenges, particularly in accessing affordable therapy and mental health care.

This multifaceted experience showcases my ability to navigate through diverse projects, combining technical skills with a compassionate approach towards social initiatives.

Lead Executive Administrative Assistant

IBM Middle East
Dubai, UAE
12.2018 - 07.2020

In a leadership capacity, I oversaw a team across the Middle East & Africa region, supporting 100+ senior executives

Key responsibilities included:

  • Supervised a team with members based in Dubai and Cairo.
  • Our team provided support in calendar management, travel, visa and visa management
  • Facilitated onboarding and offboarding of Executives with their IT and HR requirements
  • Conducted team meetings and compiled regular reports on the team workload and performance

This succinct overview underscores my proficiency in team leadership, executive support, and organizational coordination across diverse functions.

PMO/ Project Coordinator

IBM Middle East
Abu Dhabi, UAE
08.2016 - 11.2018

As a vital member of the Project Management Office for a significant IBM account in the MEA region valued at US$700m, and overseeing 500+ employees in an 80-20 offshore/onshore model, I played a pivotal role in various aspects:

  • Resource Management: Managed the onboarding/ offboarding processes, handled labor claiming, and ensured compliance with claim codes, proactively identifying and resolving code violations to optimize resource allocation.
  • Project Control and Compliance: Spearheaded escalation management, addressed risks and issues, maintained document control, and prepared for audits, ensuring strict adherence to IBM and client compliance regulations to safeguard project integrity.
  • Administrative Oversight: Planned and executed a wide array of administrative tasks, including travel arrangements, Outlook scheduling, business correspondence, and coordination of project meetings, ensuring seamless operational support for project teams.
  • Communication Facilitation: Oversaw internal and client communications, ensuring clarity and alignment with project objectives to facilitate effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
  • Learning and Development Support: Gathered information on internal and client training needs, actively participated in meeting the requirements, and contributed to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance team capabilities and performance.

This role underscored my capacity to manage diverse responsibilities, spanning administrative duties to project control, within a high-stakes environment, contributing to the success of a multimillion-dollar account.


Executive Administrative Assistant

IBM Middle East
Dubai, UAE
10.2010 - 08.2016

I provided exemplary support to senior IBM managers, including VP's and Directors, showcasing impeccable organizational skills. Notably, I supported the Project VP from 2012 to 2016 and the Middle East legal team from 2011 to 2014.

Key responsibilities included:

  • Diary Management: Efficiently managed schedules to optimize time for senior managers.
  • Travel Arrangements and Logistics: Coordinated seamless travel logistics for executives, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
  • Team Interaction and Cooperation: Facilitated effective communication and collaboration within the team.
  • Business Visa Applications: Managed the process of obtaining business visas, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Expense Management: Oversaw the accurate and timely management of expenses for executives.
  • Ad Hoc Duties: Undertook various ad hoc responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of executive support services.

This role underscored my commitment to delivering high-quality support to senior executives, contributing to their overall effectiveness and the success of the teams I served.

Office Manager

Alvarez & Marsal Middle East Limited
Dubai, UAE
02.2009 - 10.2010

During my tenure with a leading independent global professional services firm specializing in Restructuring and registered with the DIFC, I undertook diverse responsibilities spanning Customer Service, Human Resources, Accounting, Administrative, Marketing & Communication, Office Management, and more.

Key contributions include:

  • Operational Efficiency Enhancement: Implemented streamlined onboarding processes and managed various HR-related responsibilities for the Dubai office, ensuring smooth integration of new employees and compliance with HR protocols.
  • Benefits Negotiation: Successfully negotiated health insurance benefits for Dubai office employees, ensuring comprehensive coverage and employee satisfaction.
  • Compliance Management: Addressed visa and UAE labor-related matters for employees and their families, ensuring adherence to local regulations and mitigating compliance risks.
  • Event Coordination: Played a pivotal role in coordinating logistics for major events held in various locations, ensuring seamless execution and positive stakeholder experiences.
  • Meeting and Presentation Management: Planned, coordinated, and arranged meetings, interviews, and client presentations, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and optimal outcomes.
  • Procurement Optimization: Managed procurement processes, balancing cost efficiency with organizational needs to optimize resource allocation and operational effectiveness.
  • Communication Oversight: Oversaw communications within the region, ensuring clarity and alignment with organizational objectives to foster effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
  • Facilities Management: Handled lease agreements, negotiations, and overall premise management, ensuring a conducive working environment that supports employee productivity and well-being.
  • Policy Development: Established and maintained office management policies and procedures, fostering an efficient and organized workplace conducive to achieving organizational goals.

This comprehensive experience underscores my ability to navigate and excel in diverse functions critical to the smooth operation of a global professional services firm.

Contract Administrator

Nakheel, PJSC
Dubai, UAE
09.2008 - 01.2009
  • In a role emphasizing professional communication to enhance customer satisfaction, I played a pivotal role in contract management and customer relations

Key responsibilities included:

  • Contract Explanation: Compiled, issued, and walked property owners through their contracts, ensuring a thorough understanding before signing.
  • Contract Status Updates: Provided consistent updates to property owners on the status of their contracts and properties, fostering transparency and trust.
  • Legal Compliance: Monitored customer documentation and processes to ensure legality and compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Report Compilation: Regularly compiled detailed reports on the status of contracts, ensuring accurate and comprehensive information for decision-making.

This position required a keen attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a commitment to providing accurate information to maximize customer satisfaction.

Senior Customer Service Executive

Emirates International Insurance Brokers
Dubai, UAE
05.2005 - 08.2008
  • In a role dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction and facilitating contract renewals for an insurance service provider, I managed some of the largest corporate clients in the company's portfolio

Key responsibilities included:

  • Client Relationship Management: Spearheaded weekly visits to clients, conducting assessments of their needs, and cultivating strong working relationships.
  • Client Awareness Sessions: Organized awareness sessions to educate clients on the scope of their health coverage, fostering a clear understanding of their policies.
  • Presentation Design: Designed the presentation template to effectively communicate policy information and enhance client comprehension.
  • Communication Facilitation: Maintained constant communication with both clients and providers, addressing claims, complaints, and other issues promptly and effectively.

This role required a strategic approach to client management, emphasizing proactive engagement and clear communication to ensure client satisfaction and successful contract renewals.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Political Science & Economics

Dr. Basaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
Aurangabad, India

Skills

  • Expense reports
  • Travel arrangements
  • Data management and filing
  • Efficient diary coordination
  • Document proofreading
  • Cross-functional conflict resolution
  • Professional correspondence
  • Executive presentation development
  • Project scheduling
  • Database management
  • Schedule management
  • Expense reporting
  • Incoming and outgoing mail management

Additional Learning

  • Certificate in Life Coaching - Efficiant Coach/ Holistico - Feb 2024 - Present
  • Personal Growth - Coach Jean Adero - Africa's Life Coach - Sep - Dec 2020 and Feb - May 2021
  • Project Management, Online Orientation Course by IBM
  • Certificate in Social Psychology, Coursera

Languages

English (Fluent/ Native)
Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Senior Executive Assistant

KPMG Lower Gulf Limited
11.2021 - 01.2024

Freelance

Freelance
07.2020 - 11.2021

Lead Executive Administrative Assistant

IBM Middle East
12.2018 - 07.2020

PMO/ Project Coordinator

IBM Middle East
08.2016 - 11.2018

Executive Administrative Assistant

IBM Middle East
10.2010 - 08.2016

Office Manager

Alvarez & Marsal Middle East Limited
02.2009 - 10.2010

Contract Administrator

Nakheel, PJSC
09.2008 - 01.2009

Senior Customer Service Executive

Emirates International Insurance Brokers
05.2005 - 08.2008

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Political Science & Economics

Dr. Basaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
Lilian Ogola