James Bangura

James Bangura is a dynamic public health and humanitarian programs leader with over 8 years of progressive experience designing, managing, and scaling health initiatives across Ghana and through regional and international networks. James has proven expertise in strategic partnership development with government health ministries, NGOs, and international donors, successful resource mobilization (including multi-hundred-thousand-dollar grants), program implementation monitoring & evaluation and stakeholder engagement among others. He possesses deep understanding of Sub-Saharan African health systems, reproductive health, chronic disease management, and community-based service delivery.

Recognized for driving collaboration, ensuring efficient operations, and delivering measurable improvements in health access and outcomes. James is seeking to contribute strong operational, representational, and strategic support as Deputy Regional Director, Africa at Direct Relief.

National Representative and Programme Officer – Ghana at Global Network on Health and Development (Quest International, Hong Kong) (2021-01 – 2026-04)

• Supported senior leadership in strategic planning and implementation of health programs targeting chronic conditions, contributing to a 30% increase in outreach effectiveness and expanded service access.
• Built and managed strategic partnerships with 15+ governmental bodies (including Ministry of Health and Ghana Education Service) and non-governmental organizations, enhancing program reach and alignment with national health priorities.
• Oversaw day-to-day financial, administrative, procurement, and logistical operations, achieving 95% on-time project execution while maintaining full compliance with donor requirements.
• Led organization of 10+ workshops and training sessions for over 300 stakeholders, strengthening local capacity in health service delivery and program management.
• Established a robust monitoring & evaluation framework that improved project compliance metrics by 25% and generated high-quality data for decision-making and donor reporting.
• Represented the organization at regional and international forums, advancing non-communicable disease programming and increasing organizational visibility among key health actors.
• Compiled and presented detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to international partners, providing critical insights for strategic adjustments and future programming.

Programme Officer – Accra Region at Centre for Popular Education and Human Rights (CEPEHRG) – Ghana (2018-01 – 2020-09)

• Contributed to the successful implementation of the USAID-funded Strengthening the HIV Positive Care Continuum Project, achieving a 90% increase in service utilization among target populations (women, adolescents, and sexual minorities).
• Conducted regular field monitoring visits to health facilities and communities, performed needs assessments, and ensured alignment with annual work plans across multiple districts.
• Trained 15 local government officials on performance-based grant management for HIV/AIDS programs, resulting in a 25% improvement in grant utilization and data management accuracy.
• Facilitated multi-stakeholder meetings and workshops with partners, improving collaboration, data accuracy (40% increase), and gender-responsive programming.
• Led development and submission of a successful technical proposal that secured $500,000 from the Global Fund for expanded health initiatives.
• Managed financial documentation and reporting for 100% of project activities, ensuring transparency and donor compliance.

Project Officer – Sene East District at Women In Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF) – Ghana (2016-10 – 2017-12)

• Managed UKAID/Palladium-funded Ghana Adolescent Reproductive Health Programme, significantly improving access to sexual and reproductive health services for over 2,000 adolescents.
• Conducted baseline surveys to inform program strategy, contributing to a 20% increase in service uptake at district health facilities.
• Trained 50+ peer educators, community health workers, and district officials; organized health talks and screening sessions reaching 1,500+ adolescents.
• Coordinated budgeting, procurement, logistics, and multi-stakeholder engagements with 15 local NGOs and government agencies to promote community ownership and gender equality.
• Led local fundraising and advocacy initiatives that resulted in the establishment of two adolescent health corners and annulment of forced child marriages through collaboration with Legal Aid.

B. A. (Hons) in Population & Health – University of Cape Coast, Ghana (2015-05)

Certificate in Project Management & Entrepreneurship – Quest International University, Malaysia (2020-08)

Diploma in Education – University of Cape Coast, Ghana (2009-07)