Experience

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  University of malawi, college of medicine

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  Project coordinator

  • I facilitated dialogue sessions with the media and adeptly translated academic research and technical information into user-friendly content, ensuring accuracy and reliability for various stakeholders. Collaborating closely with the CRH research unit, I coordinated the dissemination of clinical trials results for significant public health initiatives. Key achievements include:• I designed and executed communication programs aimed at influencing public health discussions across medical, media, and political spheres. These initiatives strategically addressed pressing issues, fostering informed discourse and advocating for positive health outcomes.• I coordinated the drafting and distribution of correspondences, reports, documents, and press releases on behalf of CRH. Additionally, I monitored information circulated in the local press, enhancing standards of health reporting and ensuring accurate representation of CRH activities.• Maintaining active liaison between CRH and local/national news media, spanning radio, television, and print, was integral to my role. I cultivated and nurtured relationships with media agencies and organizations to promote CRH services, facilitating the exchange of pertinent data and information.• Through these endeavors, I significantly bolstered CRH's visibility and engagement within the media landscape, contributing to the dissemination of crucial health information and reinforcing the organization's positive impact on public health. Show less

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  National initiative for civic education (nice)

  Oct 2007 - Nov 2008

  Public relations officer

  • I spearheaded content creation, ideation, editing, and proofreading for all written communication materials. Collaborating closely with senior management and staff throughout the organization, I crafted a diverse array of content including white papers, by-lined articles, op-eds, press releases, newsletters, statements, and talking points, among other public relations materials.• My efforts yielded tangible results, notably amplifying web traffic, enhancing brand awareness, and fostering increased engagement across NICE's social media platforms and website. Beyond content creation, I undertook the crucial task of media outreach, strategically placing news stories and ensuring adherence to EU branding and visibility guidelines. Show less

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  Concern worldwide

  Nov 2008 - Jun 2011

  Communications officer

  • Provided invaluable assistance by delivering high-quality content that significantly bolstered our fundraising appeals, enhanced visibility, and raised general awareness of Concern's impactful work and outcomes. I played a pivotal role in developing a behavioral change communication strategy tailored to our health program, which was successfully implemented across three key districts in Malawi. This strategy aimed to catalyze positive health-related behaviors within the local communities, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of our interventions. • Took charge of coordinating and compiling comprehensive country office reports, including quarterly and annual updates, ensuring accuracy and consistency in our reporting practices. Furthermore, I conducted training sessions for both staff and partners, equipping them with the necessary skills to craft reports based on a results-focused approach, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency across our operations.• Collaborated with Concern's Innovation for Maternal and Child Health project team to develop a dynamic multimedia strategy. This initiative culminated in a captivating campaign designed to solicit fresh and bold ideas from the public, with the ultimate aim of advancing maternal health outcomes in Malawi.• I also served as an advocacy officer seconded to the Office of the President's Nutrition Unit, focusing on the implementation of the Community-Based Therapeutic Care (CTC) through the CTC Advisory Service. My responsibilities involved supporting the team to advocate for the integration of nutrition into the primary health package. This encompassed raising awareness about the novel approach to treating malnutrition in children under five, compiling evidence to support advocacy efforts, and disseminating findings to stakeholders.• Developed various advocacy Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, including monthly nutrition bulletins, informational brochures, and success stories. Show less

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  Folkekirkens nødhjælp (danchurchaid)

  May 2011 - May 2014

  Communications officer- malawi

  • Spearheaded the development and execution of a comprehensive regional communications strategy spanning programs in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia (Chipata region). This involved adeptly identifying media opportunities and promptly addressing media inquiries. • Managed the DCA Malawi website and social media platforms, curated content for the country office newsletter, and provided vital support to volunteer projects through cultural sensitivity training, as well as basic writing, photography, and videography instruction for staff and partners Show less

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  Dhi

  May 2014 - Mar 2015

  Communications specialist

  • Crafted and executed a comprehensive multimedia strategy for water licensing, targeting the unauthorized large-scale use of water. Pioneered the campaign's inception, overseeing its development and implementation, resulting in over 3,000 registrations from both major and minor water consumers seeking proper licenses. Facilitated audience research to identify optimal communication channels, diligently managed and monitored the campaign's impact, and revamped the Department of Water website for enhanced accessibility.• Actively engaged with key stakeholders through compelling presentations, disseminating crucial information on water licensing. • Played a pivotal role in training Ministry of Water personnel, equipping them with communication skills, coordination techniques, and insights into effective awareness campaigns. Show less

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  Unicef

  Aug 2015 - Dec 2017

  Communications officer

  • Established and maintained links with journalists; prepared key outward-bound communication materials such as commentary articles, media briefs; and organizing media functions i.e. press receptions and luncheons, press interviews. • Managed the fundraising component of communications by organising donor field trips, writing donor reports and developing creative concepts for telethons. Managed to build strong relationships with both the local and international media, supported introduction youth-focused projects such as #YouthOutloud, successfully advocated for the introduction of child rights reporting at the main government journalism school and collaborated with donor relations team in fundraising through media and communication activities. • Generated and maintained editorial engagement with followers on Facebook and Twitter by proactively joining conversations and responding to comments where appropriate. Show less

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  Care

  Jan 2018 - Mar 2019

  Communications and policy coordinator

  • Effectively oversaw the implementation of the communications strategy, meticulously preparing annual work plans and ensuring regular updates.• Facilitated the design, coordination, and prompt dissemination of high-quality content, including case studies, press releases, photos, videos, and blogs, adhering rigorously to best practice humanitarian response guidelines and essential standards. Taking charge of the policy portfolio, I conducted in-depth research, authored policy briefs, and gathered intelligence on the socio-political landscape, thereby contributing to informed decision-making within the management process.• Drove national capacity building by providing mentorship and training to key staff across projects, enhancing their skills in report writing, crafting various communication pieces, documenting human interest stories and best practices, and delivering timely and top-notch media products. • Fostered connections with mass media, spanning local, regional, and international spheres, by cultivating contacts and cultivating strong working relations with reporters and editors.• Upheld a prominent profile for advocacy and campaign efforts across traditional and online platforms, playing a pivotal role in content curation for the CARE website and various social media channels. Show less

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  Care

  May 2019 - Jul 2019

  Emergency communications specialist- consultant

  I was responsible for delivering vital information and communication products for the flood response (Cyclone Idai and Kenneth) in Malawi and Mozambique that enabled excellent media and fundraising activities for CARE Malawi and Mozambique and across CARE International. My role involved preparation of communications material such as situation reports, human interest stories, video packages, photos, press releases, key messages and leading on information management tasks to help build a media profile for the response. Show less

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  United nations population fund (unfpa)

  Aug 2019 - now

  Communications analyst

  • Executed critical analysis and provided strategic communications guidance to the Country Office by meticulously scanning and reporting on the internal and external environment. • Successfully managed the regular production of policy and program updates within UNFPA, specifically to the ESA Regional Office and regional/media counterparts at HQ.• Maintained up-to-date information on social media platforms and websites. Collaborated with the media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage, and utilizing web-based and traditional media appropriately.• Established and maintained a standardized system for scanning internal information sources to optimize communications capital for advocacy, media, and capacity-building purposes.• Monitored global, regional, and national news media to identify trends in coverage priorities for effective positioning of UNFPA media outreach and response to misinformation.• Conducted training sessions for strategic media focal points to enhance their understanding of UNFPA's mandate and relevant topics. This initiative aimed to strengthen partnerships with media outlets and ensure accurate representation of UNFPA's work in the public domain.• Worked in collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to establish strong linkages between the Country Office's Monitoring and Evaluation system, Communication Strategy, and Resource Mobilization Strategy. This integrated approach ensured that communication efforts were aligned with organizational goals and objectives. Show less