Professional Summary
I am a PMP® Certified Acquisition & Assistance Specialist, Leadership Development Expert, and Artificial Intelligence Enthusiast with 24 years of cross-sector experience spanning U.S. Government, British High Commission, NGOs, and international development. I help institutions streamline systems, ensure compliance, and build sustainable capacity — while equipping leaders with the tools to thrive in complex environments. My career blends deep technical expertise in procurement, contracting, and IT systems with human-centered leadership training rooted in servant leadership principles. As Co-Founder of Team21 Academy, I have trained 1,000+ leaders and am driven by a mission to end AI poverty across Africa and beyond.
$200M+
in bilateral programs managed at USAID & US Embassy
1,000+
Leaders trained in Servant Leadership & AI
15+
15 Countries across Africa, Middle East, Americas & Europe
14
Consecutive years of 'Excellent' performance ratings
9+8
Published Articles (9) & Books (8) on AI, Leadership & Faith
30+
Certifications in AI, Cyber, PM & Procurement
Professional Experience
USAID
Acquisition & Assistance Specialist — West Africa
Experienced A&A Specialist advancing USAID's mission. Spearheaded and managed a portfolio of 9 USG-funded bilateral programs valued above $200 million. Skilled in planning, evaluating, and executing complex procurement processes across health, economic development, and disaster relief.
- Designed and executed the Summit on Cameroon's Economic Landscape, a landmark platform convening government officials, U.S. agencies, and private sector leaders.
- Spearheaded multiple bilingual (French-English) Pre- and Post-Award Conferences training awardees, partners, and contractors on compliance.
- Led "USAID 101" training in Dakar, Senegal for West African local research institutions, advancing the Agency's localization agenda.
- Led full lifecycle A&A actions — from pre-award planning to post-award administration and final closeout across contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.
- Conducted research on non-programmatic benefits of OVC award highlighting correlations with socioeconomic indicators (employment, gender equity, skills development).
Data AnalysisContract ManagementContract NegotiationGrant AdministrationFederal Grants ManagementArtificial Intelligence (AI)Prompt EngineeringInternal Controls
U.S. Department of State
Procurement Supervisor
Managed end-to-end procurement processes from strategic planning and SOW design to compliance and contract closeouts. Ensured adherence to FAR and DOSAR across Sub-Saharan Africa. Consistently rated 'Excellent' for 14 years while mentoring multicultural teams.
- Led full procurement cycle: bid evaluations, contract negotiations, compliance, and best-value contracts for the US Mission in Cameroon.
- Sub-Saharan Africa Executive Corps: provided on-site training and procurement capacity building across Namibia, Gabon, DRC, Iraq, Angola, Guinea Conakry, Haiti, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, and the UK.
- Advisory role: advised the Government of Cameroon on US Government procurement standards to inform public contracting reforms.
Organizational LeadershipSupply ManagementData AnalysisAcquisitionsTeam LeadershipEmployee Training
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (British High Commission)
IT Systems Administrator & Administrative Management Officer
Multi-disciplinary role combining IT administration, financial management, transport logistics, estate operations, and procurement for the British High Commission in Cameroon.
- IT Administration: Managed networks, IT security, satellite equipment, telecom usage reports, and contingency plans.
- Accounting: Processed financial records via edynamics and PRISM; spearheaded transition to web-based accounting platform.
- Estates & Procurement: Ensured upkeep of leased BHC properties; executed procurement for goods/services locally and offshore.
System AdministrationComputer NetworkingInventory ManagementProcurementAccountingContract Management
British Council
IT Administrator & Self Access Centre Assistant
Led British Council computer network operations in Douala; organized IT training workshops; designed IT Country and Contingency Plan; managed Self Access Center using multimedia tools for language learning.
Computer NetworkingTrainingEmployee TrainingLeadershipAccounting
ADCOME Buea
IT Trainer, Network Manager & Assistant Manager
Designed software and hardware training programs for staff, university students, and the public. Installed and managed Windows 2000 network. Created custom database system for student and financial records. Oversaw financial and administrative operations.
Database DesignNetworkingTraining DeliveryFinancial ManagementAdministration
Team21 Academy
Co-Founder · Program Manager · Trainer
Co-founded and lead a 21-week Servant Leadership and AI training academy that has trained 1,000+ leaders across diverse backgrounds. Design training content aligned with servant leadership principles and AI ethics.
Education & Academic Training
Project Management Institute
Project Management Professional (PMP)®
Project Management · Oct 2025 – Nov 2028
🏅 Active Certification
FATEB (Faculté de Théologie Évangélique de Bangui)
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership · Servant Leadership
2013 – 2016
University of the People (Pasadena, CA)
Bachelor's Degree — Health Sciences
Health Professions & Clinical Sciences
2018 – 2020
IMSR
Executive MBA — Logistics Management
Logistics & Supply Chain
2012
Haggai International
Advanced Diploma in Leadership
Mid Pacific Center, Maui, Hawaii
2008
CRAT-Bamenda
Diploma in Computer Sciences
Computer Science & IT
2000 – 2001
CCAST Bambili
Advanced Level Certificate (GCE A-Levels)
Physics · Further Maths · Mathematics · Chemistry
1995 – 1997
Sacred Heart College, Bamenda
GCE O-Levels — 10 Subjects
Maths · Physics · Chemistry · Biology · French · English · Economics · Geography + more
1990 – 1995
Licenses & Certifications
PMP® — Project Management Professional
Project Management Institute
Oct 2025 – Oct 2028
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Google
Apr 2025
Google Project Management Certificate
Google
Jun 2025
Generative AI for Executives
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Apr 2025
Security, Compliance & Governance for AI Solutions
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Apr 2025
Google Prompting Essentials
Google
Mar 2025
Advanced Prompt Engineering for Everyone
Vanderbilt University
Nov 2024
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
Vanderbilt University
Nov 2024
GSA AI Training Series 2024
GSA + Stanford HAI + GWU Law + Princeton CITP
Nov 2024
Generative AI for Business Leaders
LinkedIn
Sep 2024
USAID AI Certification
USAID
2024
USAID Data Informed Development Cert.
USAID
2024
FAC COR Level 1 Certified
Federal Acquisition Certification
2025
FAC-C Professional Certification — In Progress
Federal Acquisition Certification · Prerequisites completed
Expected 2025
CFEN 001 AI Prompt Engineering Credential
Certified Credential
2024
Ariba Contracts
Foreign Service Institute (FSI) · Virginia, USA
2012
Web.PASS Procurement System Training
Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
2009
Managing Projects at State
Shultz Center, Washington DC
2018
Advanced A&A Environmental Compliance & Environmentally Sound Design
USAID
2023
Field Grant Management
Save The Children
2022
Attestation — Determining Profit and Loss in Business
CABTEC
2001
German Language Attestation
School of Foreign Languages, Yaoundé
1998–1999
Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Training
Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
2022
Procurement and Logistics Certificate
CILT
2022
Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL
Google
Apr 2025
Connect & Protect: Networks and Network Security
Google
Apr 2025
Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python
Google
Apr 2025
Skills & Competencies
Procurement & Contracts
Contract Management
Contract Negotiation
Acquisitions
Federal Grants Management
Grant Preparation
Grant Administration
Government Procurement
Purchasing Processes
Internal Controls
FAR / DOSAR
Pre & Post-Award Management
Bid Evaluation
IT Procurement
Supply Management
Procurement Integrity
Artificial Intelligence & Technology
Prompt Engineering
Generative AI
AI Agent Design
Large Language Models (LLM)
Multimodal Prompting
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
Responsible AI
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
ChatGPT · Anthropic Claude
AI for Business
AI Policy & Governance
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Assessment
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Risk Management Framework
SIEM Tools
Intrusion Detection (IDS)
Network Security
Vulnerability Assessment
Security Audits
Linux · SQL · Python
Cloud Computing
TCP/IP
Cryptography
Leadership & Management
Servant Leadership
Organizational Leadership
Strategic Leadership
Change Management
Team Building
Employee Training
Coaching & Mentoring
Leadership Development
Strategic Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Project Management
PMP® Certified
Agile Project Management
Project Planning
Risk Management
Quality Assurance
Scope Management
Budget Management
Stakeholder Management
IT & Systems
System Administration
Computer Networking
Database Design
Network Architecture
ERP Systems (PRISM, edynamics)
Inventory Management
Telecom Management
IT Security
Finance & Analytics
Financial Management
Financial Reporting
Budgets & Auditing
Data Analysis
Financial Analysis
Payroll
Accounting
Microsoft Excel · Word · PowerPoint
Awards & Recognition
-
🏅Mission Honor Award — Exceptional Performance in Procurement & Contract Management
-
⭐Mission Honor Award — Superior Performance
-
🌟Mission Honor Award — Services to Embassy & Department of State
-
🏆Mission Honor Award — Leadership & Professionalism
-
🎖️Meritorious Honor Award — Embassy Port-Au-Prince · Retraining Procurement Section & Leadership Training
-
🦅Eagle Award — Mission-wide program success and accountability
-
📜Certificate of Appreciation — Embassy Kinshasa for Procurement/Contracting Crisis Support
-
✅'Excellent' Performance Rating — 14 Consecutive Years (2009–2023)
-
🌐Interactive Marketing Award — Multimedia Marketing Institute UK (Manchester Metropolitan University)
-
💵Cash Performance Award — Sustained high-level performance
-
🌟Franklin Award — Outstanding Customer Service and Extraordinary Effort
-
🦅Mission Eagle Award — Outstanding, sustained performance, customer services and drive towards achieving savings
-
😊Customer Service Award — Outstanding professional and personal dedication
-
➕Extra Mile Award — Timely and exemplary work outside assigned duties (incl. lease translation into French)
-
🏅Mission Honor Award — Selflessness, unrelenting professionalism, knowledge sharing and inspirational leadership
-
🌍Certificate of Appreciation — Bureau of African Affairs · Outstanding services as Executive Corps member & contributions to management across Sub-Saharan Africa
-
🦅Mission Eagle Award — Outstanding customer services and leadership provided to the embassy community
-
🦅Mission Eagle Award — Outstanding teamwork
Volunteering & Community Leadership
Team21 Servant Leadership Academy
Mentor & Co-Founder
Jan 2016 – Present · 9+ years · Education
Co-founder of 21-week Servant Leadership & AI program. Lead content development, mentor training, and strategic direction.
Practical CIG
Chief Executive Officer
Jan 2010 – Present · 15+ years · Social Services
Equipping youth with servant leadership skills. Outreach to street children and IDPs. AI training for next generation.
Team21 & Haggai Institute
Trainer — AI, Critical Soft Skills & Servant Leadership
Sep 2006 – Present · 19+ years · Economic Empowerment
Training leaders in AI fundamentals, emotional intelligence, communication, and servant leadership.
Fire Bible Institute Cameroon
Management & Leadership Trainer
Aug 2017 – Present · 8+ years · Social Services
Training students in Leadership, Management, Communication, and effective media use.
YIC
Mentor
Sep 2006 – May 2024 · 17+ years · Children
Mentorship, spiritual guidance, and leadership training to teens and young adults.
Bread For Life
Guest House Manager
Jan 2008 – Jan 2010 · Poverty Alleviation
Managed guest house operations in service to poverty alleviation mission.
Articles, Books & Publications
📝 Articles (9 Published)
01
Governance & Leadership: What My Work Teaches Me About Empowering Women
Lessons from years working with organizations on leadership, governance, and women's empowerment. · 6 min read
02
Are you a "Digital Luddite?" Fear of New Technologies: A Historical Comparison
Exploring historical parallels between resistance to technology and present-day AI anxiety. · 14 min read
03
Jobs at Risk, AI-Proof Roles: The Future of Work in Africa
Analysis of AI-driven job displacement, resilient careers, and the skills Africans need to thrive. · 10 min read
04
Fake Debate, Real Issue!
Challenging misleading social media narratives about African vs. Asian education and economic development. · 5 min read
05
The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World: A Cameroonian Perspective
AI's reshaping of Cameroonian industries and the workforce transformation underway. · 3 min read
06
Logic and Compassion — General Reflections
Reflections on how thoughts and values shape leadership, integrity, and human service. · 3 min read
07
Revisiting That 2014 Article… Servant Leadership as a Catalyst for Combating Corruption and Amplifying Growth
How servant leadership principles can reform governance and institutional integrity in Africa. · 2 min read
08
Cameroon — A Call for Servant Leadership
A call for transformational, servant-centered governance amid Cameroon's sociopolitical challenges. · 4 min read
09
Servant Leadership as a Tool for Fighting Corruption and Multiplying Growth
How corruption costs the EU economy €120bn+ and how servant leadership offers a transformative remedy. · 8 min read
📚 Books (8 Published)
🤖
AI Unlocked: Smart, Simple and Useful Solutions for Everyone
Artificial Intelligence · Technology
✝️
Answering the "Big" Questions About Christianity
Faith · Apologetics
🇫🇷
DRAFTED: Vos outils pour un succès pratique et une croissance durable
Leadership · Self-Development (French)
🇬🇧
DRAFTED: Your Tools for Practical Success and Sustainable Growth
Leadership · Self-Development (English)
🏆
Executive Leadership: Unlock your potential, build successful teams and achieve impact
Leadership · Executive Development
🎯
Sans Distraction
Focus · Youth Development (French)
🕊️
Suis-moi: Être un disciple fidèle dans un monde en mutation
Faith · Discipleship (French)
🌟
Undistracted: Giving youths the tools to survive an increasingly complicated world
Youth Development · Life Skills
🚀
Viser Plus Haut, Aller Plus Loin
Ambition · Personal Growth (French)
Professional References & Recommendations
🇺🇸
Ambassador Recognition
Commended by the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon — Ambassador Lamora
Ambassador Lamora personally recognized Innocent Forteh's exceptional contributions to USAID's mission in Cameroon — including his leadership on the Summit on Cameroon's Economic Landscape, bilingual Pre- and Post-Award capacity-building, and his role in advancing U.S. Government procurement standards across West Africa.
All recommendations are publicly verifiable on LinkedIn. Click "View on LinkedIn" to read the full text.
"
Innocent Forteh is not only a highly skilled acquisition professional, but also a strategic thinker, dynamic facilitator, an early adopter of AI and a trusted leader. I have full confidence in his capacity to deliver high-impact results wherever he serves.
"
I had the privilege of collaborating with Innocent on high-stakes procurement projects. He embodies servant leadership in its truest form — composure, integrity, and accountability. No matter the pressure, he delivers on time without compromise.
"
Innocent is an experienced grant manager, procurement and contract specialist, author and mentor. He is the go-to person when you need understanding of policies and guidance on contract management.
"
An embodiment of 'quiet effective leadership.' He led the full lifecycle of A&A actions managing over $200 million in contracts and grants. His contributions were honored with Meritorious and Eagle Awards.
"
Innocent distinguished himself through exemplary service. A deeply respected member of staff and wise counselor. Two decades of diverse experience, exceptional leadership skills, and impeccable integrity make him an invaluable asset.
"
Innocent consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a strong command of A&A processes. He approaches complex challenges with clarity and strategic insight. A true team player, focused on impact and sustainability.
"
Supported by this exceptional mentor for four years. I learned what leadership truly means — serving with humility, love and trust. His integrity and deep love for others showed me that men of worth still exist.
"
An astute, compassionate dedicated leader. A perfectionist who has mastered the art of detail, care and resilience. A great author who doesn't walk alone. Africa will launch further and greater with such men!
"
Trustworthy, dedicated and highly efficient, producing expected results. His passion has led him to top manager positions. He would be a perfect candidate for anyone looking to revolutionize their management system.