About Cherith Thanke
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Academic Level Master’s Degree
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Age 28 - 32 Years
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Gender Female
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Preferred Countries to Migrate Canada UK Australia
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Viewed 5
About me
I am a versatile and analytical professional with a Master’s in Development Studies and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Statistics, offering over seven years of experience in data management, financial reporting, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement. My background includes working with cross-sectoral teams to deliver data-driven insights, manage donor and grant funding, and support financial accountability in both nonprofit and institutional settings.
Proficient in financial analysis tools such as SPSS, STATA, R, and Excel, I bring strong capabilities in evaluating financial performance, developing reporting systems, and supporting strategic planning. I have collaborated closely with finance departments to monitor budgets, ensure compliance, and prepare donor and audit-ready reports.
With a deep understanding of economic principles, performance measurement, and development financing, I am now seeking to transition into the financial services sector, where I can contribute to risk analysis, financial planning, impact investing, or sustainable finance. I am committed to continuous learning, adaptability, and delivering results that align with organizational goals.
Education
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2021 - 2023
University of Botswana
Master of Arts in Development Studies
A multidisciplinary postgraduate degree focused on understanding and addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development. The program provided in-depth knowledge of development theory, policy analysis, and practical approaches to economic and social transformation. Key focus areas included poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, governance, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program also emphasized research methods, community engagement, and evidence-based policy-making, preparing graduates for impactful roles in academia, government, international organizations, and non-profits.
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2013 - 2018
University of Botswana
Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) Economics and Statistics
An interdisciplinary undergraduate degree that provided a strong foundation in economic theory, statistical analysis, and quantitative research methods. The program equipped students with analytical and problem-solving skills essential for understanding economic trends, evaluating policies, and interpreting data for informed decision-making. Core areas of study included microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematical statistics, and data interpretation. This degree prepared graduates for roles in research, policy analysis, financial services, and further studies in economics, development, and data-driven fields.
Experience
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2022 - 2023
Journey of Hope Botswana
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
As a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager, I was responsible for developing and disseminating M&E tools to effectively track program performance and measure progress against key performance indicators. I worked closely with the Finance Officer and Program Coordinator to compile and submit quarterly progress reports to the funder, ensuring transparency and accountability. I played a key role in program design and management, and provided technical support to four Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), overseeing their activities and strengthening their capacity through performance evaluations and ongoing mentorship. I also served as the liaison between the CBOs and the executive team, facilitating communication and aligning community efforts with organizational goals. In addition, I planned and conducted Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) awareness talks, promoted sustainable community development, and led stakeholder and intergovernmental engagement efforts to enhance program impact and foster collaboration.
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2018 - 2021
Maruapula School
Development and Database Coordinator
In my role as Development and Database Coordinator, I was responsible for conducting internal and external research to support grant proposal writing and donor engagement. I prepared comprehensive grant submissions, ensuring all required materials were gathered and aligned with funder expectations. I maintained accurate and up-to-date databases of corporate, private, and public donors using Ed-admin and development management software, and regularly monitored and evaluated data to track progress toward fundraising and institutional goals. I worked closely with the Finance Office to maintain accurate records of funds received and used, ensuring transparency and accountability. I also recorded gifts, managed donor acknowledgments, and provided timely stewardship. In support of stakeholder engagement, I prepared constituent reports, organized development events, and served as the primary liaison between the alumni and the school. I managed alumni communications, including publishing newsletters and overseeing social media platforms, and played a key role in building and maintaining both the alumni database (from 1972 to 2020) and the Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) database. Additionally, I ensured confidentiality in handling sensitive information and provided general support for the overall development and fundraising function.
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2018 - 2018
Kungo Farms (Pty) Ltd – Under Lucara Diamond Corporate Social Initiative (CSI) Department
Junior Research Consultant
As a Junior Research Consultant, I played a key role in the successful implementation of the Mokubilo Community Agribusiness Farm Project, funded by Lucara Botswana. My responsibilities included collecting and analyzing data through viability reviews and feasibility studies for both proposed and ongoing community initiatives in the Boteti Sub-Region. I conducted surveys and community meetings to assess local needs and ensure alignment of development efforts with community priorities. I prepared monthly progress reports highlighting key achievements, lessons learned, and best practices. I also coordinated Kgotla meetings to engage and mobilize the local community around the agribusiness project. In addition to research activities, I assisted the Event Coordinator in planning and executing corporate banquets, workshops, and training sessions, working closely with stakeholders to ensure successful event delivery. I was also responsible for preparing requests for quotations from agricultural suppliers. This role provided me with hands-on experience in community development, stakeholder engagement, and project management within a rural development context.
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2017 - 2017
BirdLife Botswana
Research Intern
As a Research Intern, I was actively involved in coordinating, implementing, and monitoring agricultural conservation projects across three small villages in the Boteti Region. My responsibilities included organizing Kgotla meetings, workshops, and training sessions to engage local communities and build awareness around sustainable agricultural practices. I conducted research on community lifestyles and potential development projects, and provided advisory support to villagers on available agricultural support programs. I also prepared and delivered presentations on BirdLife’s initiatives, helping to communicate the value of conservation efforts. In addition, I compiled progress and evaluation reports to track project outcomes and inform future interventions. This experience significantly enhanced my understanding of grassroots development, community engagement, and the monitoring of rural agricultural projects.
Portfolio
Honors & awards
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2023
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