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Work Background
Communications Specialist
UNOPSCommunications Specialist
Apr. 2025Geneva, SwitzerlandResponsible for strategic communications to the Office of the Director at UNOPS Geneva, while supporting visibility and coordination across the Global Portfolios (GPO), which encompasses 12 hosted entities and trust funds working on health, climate action, and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. • Developing and delivering integrated communications strategies aligned with the SDGs, UNOPS Transformation Agenda, and organisational priorities, with a focus on positioning the Geneva Office and its leadership • Coordinating internal communications and information flows on behalf of the Director’s Office, including staff engagement, leadership messaging, and communications training activities. • Producing content for digital and print platforms—including speeches, press releases, web features, and social media—to enhance visibility of Geneva-led initiatives and partnerships. • Managing the Geneva Office’s digital channels and shared repositories to ensure accurate, up-to-date messaging in alignment with UNOPS branding and tone. • Supporting high-level participation in flagship global events (e.g. UNGA, WHA, COP) through event coordination, strategic messaging, and collaboration with UNOPS HQ teams. • Liaising with vendors for content development, translation, design, and production in line with UNOPS branding and quality standards. • Strengthening communications and stakeholder engagement capacity across project teams, and promoting knowledge sharing and institutional learning. • Serving as communications liaison between the Geneva Office, UNOPS HQ in Copenhagen, the GPO office in New York, and the climate team in Vienna to support strategic alignment.
Health Policy & Advocacy Specialist (Health Systems & Diseases)
African UnionHealth Policy & Advocacy Specialist (Health Systems & Diseases)
May. 2024 - Mar. 2025Addis Ababa, EthiopiaLed the design and delivery of cross-cutting health policy advocacy at continental level, with a focus on health systems strengthening, NCDs, mental health, and communicable disease control, aligned with AU frameworks and global health goals. • Developed and implemented advocacy strategies for the Africa Health Strategy (2016–2030), including planning for global platforms such as WHA, UNGA, and WHO AFRO. • Drafted high-level advocacy materials and policy briefs, contributing to the 2025 AU Malaria Progress Report and integrating Reparative Justice (AU Theme of the Year) into health sector narratives. • Restored and managed digital platforms for AIDS Watch Africa and launched the Health Systems, Diseases and Nutrition (HSDN) Monthly Newsletter to support partner and internal communications. • Coordinated the AU World TB Day 2024 High-Level Commemoration, engaging Member States and partners on TB, child health, and nutrition. • Represented the AU Commission on the AU/Africa CDC Taskforce on NCDs and Mental Health, contributing to the design of a continental governance model and costed implementation workplan. • Led branding and strategic communications for the African Medicines Agency (AMA), including logo development and multi-stakeholder coordination.
Health Advocacy, Communications and Partnerships Specialist (AIDS Watch Africa Secretariat)
African UnionHealth Advocacy, Communications and Partnerships Specialist (AIDS Watch Africa Secretariat)
May. 2019 - Dec. 2023Addis Ababa, EthiopiaLed high-level policy advocacy, strategic communications, and partnership building to advance the African Union’s continental response to HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria in line with the Africa Health Strategy (2016–2030) and the Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB, and Malaria by 2030. • Designed and implemented targeted advocacy and communication strategies to strengthen health systems and increase domestic financing, in alignment with AU Assembly Decisions and the Abuja Declaration. • Facilitated high-level dialogues with Heads of State, Ministers, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to drive political accountability for health commitments. • Conceptualised and launched major AU campaigns and tools, including: (1) AU Malaria Conversation Guide for Youth: the first AU-endorsed youth malaria guide, supported by Heads of State. (2) ALM "Leaders Speak" Health Financing Podcast: AU’s inaugural health financing podcast series. (3) Protected and Informed: a continent-wide digital HIV prevention and youth advocacy campaign. • Developed high-level policy briefs, speeches, and strategic messages for AU leadership for AU Summits, UN High-Level Meetings, and global health platforms. • Cultivated donor partnerships and secured over $300,000 in funding annually to support advocacy campaigns and knowledge exchange. • Represented the AU in political and technical fora, providing thought leadership on youth, health equity, mental health, and multisectoral policy issues. • Produced evidence-based materials integrating cross-cutting AU priorities, including nutrition and AfCFTA, into health advocacy narratives.
Communication and Advocacy Associate
Global Health Strategies (GHS)Communication and Advocacy Associate
Mar. 2018 - Apr. 2019NairobiLed strategic communications and advocacy at the intersection of child and maternal health, crafting compelling narratives, strengthening partnerships, and advancing visibility for high-impact initiatives. Delivered campaigns, media engagement, and stakeholder coordination that influenced policy, mobilised support, and drove collective action across public health and development sectors. • Translated complex global health, mental health, and development issues into accessible, action-oriented messaging for diverse audiences. • Created fact sheets, social media content, press releases, and digital campaigns to raise awareness and encourage stakeholder engagement. • Secured strategic media coverage by crafting pitches, op-eds, and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media outlets. • Supported high-level influencers and spokespeople with speeches, talking points, interview briefs, and opinion pieces tailored to key policy moments. • Monitored trends in media, policy, and global health dialogue to develop responsive and evidence-informed communications strategies. • Identified policy windows and emerging champions to amplify messages and advance advocacy goals on mental health, TB, and health equity. • Coordinated messaging and engagement across diverse partners to align communication and advocacy efforts. • Organised and supported high-level events and briefings — including agenda design, speaker coordination, and stakeholder invitations. • Built and maintained coalitions of support through targeted outreach, relationship management, and convening power. • Liaised with clients and partners to ensure clarity, alignment, and delivery of strategic communications goals. • Tracked project deliverables, team workflows, and managed meeting and travel logistics in support of senior management. • Strengthened strategic impact through ongoing learning on inclusive language, mental health integration, and equity-centred advocacy.
Project Lead - UNHCR Kenya's Artists for Refugees
Danish Refugee Council / Dansk FlygtningehjælpProject Lead - UNHCR Kenya's Artists for Refugees
Jul. 2017 - Feb. 2018NairobiLed a creative livelihoods and psychosocial wellbeing project that empowered refugee artists across three DRC field offices. The project used art as a medium for healing, expression, and economic opportunity for persons of concern (PoCs), particularly youth and emerging artists. • Coordinated the implementation of the Artists for Refugees project, ensuring effective delivery across three locations. • Identified artistic talent within refugee communities through participatory community assessments. • Designed and conducted a training needs assessment, developing trauma-sensitive, skills-based approaches for talent development. • Facilitated market linkage opportunities, including showcasing refugee art at exhibitions and galleries, to boost visibility and income. • Maintained regular feedback sessions with participants to ensure emotional safety, inclusion, and responsiveness to emerging needs. • Monitored implementation progress, aligned with work plans, budgets, and donor requirements. • Supported administrative functions including procurement, logistics, timely artist payouts, and budget reporting. • Managed content creation and storytelling through social media to sustain public engagement and advocacy for refugee talent. • Built collaborative networks with UNHCR, local artists, and community stakeholders to scale impact.
Brand Manager
Williette SafehouseBrand Manager
Jun. 2017 - Oct. 2017Monrovia, LiberiaLed brand development and strategic communications to amplify the mission of empowering youth with disabilities in Liberia. • Developed and executed a comprehensive brand strategy aligned with the organization's mission and programs, enhancing visibility and stakeholder engagement. • Managed and expanded the organization's digital presence across social media platforms, increasing follower engagement and community outreach. • Created compelling content for campaigns such as the Emancipate Fellowship and Williette Speaks Radio Show, highlighting beneficiary stories and program impacts. • Collaborated with program teams to produce promotional materials, including brochures, newsletters, and multimedia content, ensuring consistent messaging. • Organized and facilitated community events and workshops, strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders. • Monitored and analysed engagement metrics to inform and refine communication strategies, resulting in improved outreach and donor engagement. • Provided training and guidance to staff and volunteers on brand guidelines and communication best practices.
Communications and Administration Assistant
Keroche FoundationCommunications and Administration Assistant
Jan. 2017 - Jul. 2017Westlands NairobiProvided communications, media relations, and administrative support for the Foundation’s youth mentorship and entrepreneurship programmes. • Managed the Foundation’s social media channels and contributed to growing its digital presence. • Developed content for web marketing, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness campaigns. • Maintained and updated the organisation’s website to ensure timely and relevant information. • Supported the CEO with scheduling, calendar management, and coordination of internal meetings. • Updated and curated content for the Young Entrepreneurs Mentorship Programme portfolio. • Contributed to the planning and execution of strategic press campaigns and media engagement. • Assisted in organising and promoting press events and stakeholder briefings. • Supported the production of branded merchandise and visibility materials for advocacy and events.
Humanitarian Partnership Conference (HPC 2016) Focal Point
Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG)Humanitarian Partnership Conference (HPC 2016) Focal Point
Aug. 2016 - Nov. 2016Lower Kabete Road | Nairobi | KenyaLed end-to-end coordination, communications, and stakeholder engagement for a continental public health conference. • Assisted the coordinator with administrative and logistical planning for the upcoming Health Promotion Conference. • Contributed to the development of the conference communications strategy and key messaging. • Managed daily updates to HPC’s social media platforms to drive engagement and visibility. • Drafted and designed the post-conference HPC newsletter. • Mobilised participation from delegates and speakers, and supported presenter outreach. • Took detailed notes during steering group meetings to support follow-up actions. • Designed event materials (e.g. posters, programmes) and coordinated with the printing firm. • Issued formal invitations and maintained regular contact with confirmed and prospective attendees. • Liaised with the conference venue to ensure operational readiness prior to the event launch.
Communications Assistant
AMREF HEALTH AFRICACommunications Assistant
Jan. 2015 - Jul. 2015NairobiSupported strategic communications and advocacy through digital engagement, media monitoring, and content development for public health campaigns. • Managed AMREF’s social media presence on Twitter and Facebook, monitored audience engagement, and adjusted digital strategies accordingly. • Compiled daily updates on global health developments from local news and online sources to support timely, informed communication planning. • Drafted and designed content to inform the public on key initiatives, including the “Stand Up for African Mothers” campaign. • Conducted fieldwork including photography, videography, interviews, and background research for storytelling and visibility. • Promoted branded merchandise to support advocacy efforts and corporate social responsibility outreach.
Youth Programme Officer (Exchange Program)
AIESEC in TurkeyYouth Programme Officer (Exchange Program)
Jan. 2014 - Mar. 2014Gaziantep, TürkiyeLed cross-cultural youth empowerment initiatives and community education programmes targeting high school students and local institutions. • Promoted awareness of AIESEC’s global youth development culture, representing Kenya in a diverse, multicultural exchange environment. • Designed and delivered evidence-based educational sessions on youth-related socio-economic issues at community centres, high schools, and local government offices in Şahinbey District. • Scripted, produced, and promoted short educational films for youth engagement — including a project that won the “Best Creativity Award.” • Recognised with the “Best AIESECer” Award and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Çağdaş Bilgi Board.
Founder
The Story Book AfricaFounder
Oct. 2013AfricaThe Story Book Africa (SBA) is a creative enterprise with a social mission to empower African youth (18–35) to make informed decisions on their healing, growth, and development. What began as a blog is evolving into a continental platform that is using storytelling, advocacy, and entrepreneurship to inspire change and opportunity for young people across Africa. Through SBA, I am creating a space where young people can express, heal, and thrive — one story at a time. • Updating the corporate strategy to reflect issues impacting youth well-being, including mental health, reproductive health, peace and security, livelihoods, identity, and personal development. • Designing and implementing youth-led campaigns such as #PackingItAway (promoting mental wellness) and #WorkOfMyHands (supporting youth entrepreneurship). • Establishing and nurturing partnerships with youth groups, creatives, and youth-serving organisations across Africa to build collective momentum and visibility. • Defining staff roles, managing recruitment and onboarding, and currently supervising two full-time team members. • Developing and overseeing the financial structure of the enterprise, including fundraising efforts for the Story Book Podcast, blog, e-shop, and outreach programmes. • Planning, hosting, and co-producing the Story Book Podcast, which is sharing youth-driven stories on healing and purpose with over 4,000 monthly listeners globally. • Curating digital campaigns and storytelling content aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (health and well-being) and SDG 8 (decent work and youth empowerment). • Advocating for trauma-informed, inclusive approaches to youth mental health through storytelling, partnerships, and public engagement.
Science Writer
SCIENCE AFRICAScience Writer
May. 2013 - Aug. 2013KenyaServed as a science and health journalist reporting on research, innovation, and public health issues across Africa. • Researched and authored science and health-focused articles addressing emerging issues across Africa for publication on the ScienceAfrica platform. • Represented the organisation at science journalism conferences and workshops, including the Kenya Science Journalists Congress (KSJC). • Conducted in-depth interviews and developed personality profiles of researchers and medical professionals across institutions. • Built and maintained a growing network of contacts across health, research, and media sectors. • Collaborated with MESHA Kenya to coordinate field trips, workshops, and community science engagement initiatives.
Editor-in-chief
AIESEC in KenyaEditor-in-chief
Feb. 2013 - Sep. 2015NairobiLed editorial strategy, content production, and digital publishing for a youth-oriented magazine focused on arts, culture, and social commentary. • Recruited, managed, and supervised an editorial team of three or more contributors. • Reviewed all editorial content — including text, images, audio, and video — for factual accuracy, originality, and legal risk. • Approved design layouts and visual assets for the magazine and related promotional materials. • Oversaw the digital publication of Culture Beez Magazine on Issuu.com and reported on analytics to inform future editorial strategy. • Developed budget proposals for advertisers, sponsors, and content partners. • Organised and facilitated editorial team meetings and stakeholder coordination sessions. • Applied data-driven growth strategies to expand readership and integrated emerging new media tools based on Issuu analytics.
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