PROSPER OPARA

Humanitarian Operations Specialist
Abuja, NG.

About

Highly accomplished Humanitarian Operations Specialist with over 8 years of progressive experience across IOM missions in Nigeria, USA, and Qatar. Proven expertise in human trafficking prevention, data-driven project coordination, and complex stakeholder engagement. Recognized for designing and executing impactful field-level interventions, including sports-related anti-trafficking campaigns, that significantly improve protection outcomes for vulnerable populations. Adept at leveraging strategic communication, logistics planning, and digital process optimization to drive efficiency and achieve mission-critical objectives.

Work

IOM Qatar
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Operations Assistant Team Leader

Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar

Summary

Led critical movement operations and data assurance for over 27,000 Afghan evacuees, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening internal controls.

Highlights

Coordinated comprehensive movement operations and data assurance for 27,000+ Afghan evacuees resettled to the US, ensuring seamless and compliant transitions.

Spearheaded pre-departure and logistics planning under the USRAP, optimizing operational flow by 90% through strategic digital process optimization.

Conducted rigorous weekly data validation, achieving 100% accuracy in migrant travel documentation and advanced booking notifications, mitigating errors.

Organized and facilitated risk-focused focus group discussions, providing actionable insights to IOM Qatar leadership to enhance internal control frameworks.

Initiated and successfully implemented a digital data collection approach for the pre-departure team, resulting in a 90% reduction in operational gridlock and improved field efficiency.

IOM Nigeria
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Project Assistant, Movement Operations

Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Summary

Managed complex humanitarian projects, stakeholder engagement, and anti-trafficking campaigns, significantly increasing program funding and impact.

Highlights

Organized and facilitated two Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials validation workshops for 100 participants, collaborating with partner government agencies to review and validate awareness materials for migrant protection under an EU joint initiative.

Supervised extensive field operations, ground logistics, and charter flights for 15,000+ migrants, ensuring efficient and safe movement across Nigeria.

Conducted in-depth interviews and stakeholder consultations across diverse agencies, including government and UN partners, to inform project strategies and foster collaboration.

Led the development and implementation of new flight booking Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), significantly improving compliance and reducing data errors by 90%.

Chaired the Fraud Prevention and Ethics Committee for West & Central Africa, developing and deploying robust tools for regional ethical communication and reporting, enhancing organizational integrity.

Organized and executed impactful gender-focused anti-trafficking campaigns, including the IOM-Laliga Ladies League and Social Cohesion Soccer Tournament (2023), raising critical awareness among vulnerable youth.

Developed and secured funding for a counter-trafficking proposal focused on alternative and safe migration pathways for youth, contributing to a 60% increase in IOM Nigeria's program funding and informing national policy reform.

Designed and successfully implemented over 150 sustainable livelihood projects, valued at €300,000 from EU funding, providing long-term recovery and reintegration solutions for trafficking survivors and vulnerable young people.

HP Nigeria
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Retail Sales Specialist

Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria

Summary

Managed two high-performing HP Gold Partner retail stores, driving sales, enhancing brand visibility, and achieving significant customer retention and revenue growth.

Highlights

Managed two competitive HP Gold Partner retail stores, optimizing pricing strategies using the HP SMART method to ensure best interest for both HP and clients.

Led a team of sales experts in the successful 2016 product launch of the HP Spectre, the world's thinnest laptop, significantly contributing to increased brand awareness through outdoor campaigns.

Supervised team members in brand promotion campaigns, resulting in a 15% increase in in-store purchase conversion rates.

Managed comprehensive inventories and processed financial reports, contributing to a 29% increase in customer retention for the HP brand in Lagos state above the projected company average in 2016.

Education

Plymouth Marjon University
Plymouth, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

MBA

Business Administration

Kalu Institute
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

MA

International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid

University of Lagos
Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria

BBA

Business Administration

Languages

English

Certificates

Diploma in Operations Management

Issued By

Alison

Mastering Pivot Tables and Charts

Issued By

LinkedIn Learning

Project Management

Issued By

LinkedIn Learning

Strategic Thinking

Issued By

LinkedIn Learning

Making Your New Management Position Successful

Issued By

DisasterReady

Advanced Leadership Training

Issued By

DAYSTAR

Skills

Program Management & Operations

Project Management, SOP Development, Movement Operations, Logistics Planning, Field Operations Management, Inventory Management, Process Optimization, Operational Flow Improvement, Internal Controls.

Humanitarian & Protection

Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection Programming, Baseline & Risk Assessments, Gender-sensitive Research, Policy Advocacy, Humanitarian Aid, International Cooperation, Migrant Protection.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Stakeholder Engagement, Inter-agency Coordination, Communication for Development (C4D), Awareness Campaigns, Report Writing, Ethical Communication, Interviews, Consultations.

Data & Analytics

Data Collection, Data Validation, Financial Reporting, Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods, Pivot Tables, Charts.

Leadership & Development

Strategic Thinking, Advanced Leadership, Team Leadership, Fraud Prevention, Committee Leadership, Mentorship.

Sales & Business Development

Retail Sales, Brand Promotion, Customer Retention, Competitive Pricing, Product Launch, Revenue Growth.