Melissa Nefdt Email & Phone Number

Pretoria, Gp, Za

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Conducted freelance instructional design, training, writing, and editing, and video productions services for the following organizations, among others:- Grassroot - Developed a WhatsApp-based learning program for community activists, based primarily around the topics of relevant legislation and regulation, building a public narrative, and community leadership from Marshall Ganz’s curriculum.- Social Impact Division, Stellenbosch University: Wrote four modules for an online course aimed at community health workers, on the topics of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Agility and Adaptability, Effective Oral Communication, and Effective Written Communication.- Okuhle Media/TRACE Studios: Produced two shoots for two Beauty Revolution events - coordinated and conducted interviews at the Future of Beauty Awards event and the Beauty Revolution Festival.- Steve Biko Foundation: Freelance proposal writing to secure funding for projects and programs.- Centre for Environmental Rights: Produced the shooting of interviews for the CER's 10th Anniversary Celebration video.- Public Affairs Research Institute: Edited and contributed writing to article, "Being watched, being excluded and being made to speak the ‘truth’: Foucault and power relations within a Limpopo municipality." https://pari.org.za/watched-excluded-truth-foucault-limpopo-municipality/

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

I coordinate the development of balanced communication outputs while operationalizing the global communication strategy on both internal and external communication, including capacity development for colleagues and partners.- Provide coordination, technical support, and advice to the VVOB colleagues and partners when needed- Identifying and using the best channels and media to reach the target group and other stakeholders- Keep abreast of policy trends,- Take part in internal & external working groups and task forces- Provide strategic communications support and thought leadership- Develop and implement effective communication plans, in line with the communications strategy- Develop communications and integrated media strategies aligned with program objectives- Proactively assess the social media environment (competitors and trends) and advise of opportunities that are available for increased exposure- Provide quality advice and support to strategic leaders, business partners, and project owners on effective communications including content for presentations, events, speeches, and key initiatives- Review and manage the Communications program of work to ensure communication recommendations meet the needs of a diverse group of dispersed stakeholders- Explore new ways to successfully drive desired outcomes, particularly through graphic design elements. Keep up with industry trends and adapt accordingly- Develop and maintain communications governance guidelines on quality, style, and format. Ensuring that guidelines are adhered to- Oversee progress on the implementation of the communications strategy- Initiating and maintaining relationships with key media contacts- Working with key internal figures and teams to develop strategies and messaging- Organizing or facilitating media training- Supervise the delivery of the communications plan- Build and maintain trusted stakeholder relationships

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

I develop the communications strategy while implementing programmatic support across programs and across South Africa. I also procure, select and contract the Comms-related service providers to support Communications activities while managing the quality of products created.- This includes topics such as Learning and Teaching for Diversity, Keep It Cool: Climate Change Education, Gender-Responsive Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education, Early Grade Reading Intervention, and Blended Learning for Educators in a (global) Network for Development.- Create and edit writing, filming, and photography content for distribution on online channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and the website.- Maintain relationships with broadcast media and partner organizations for the distribution of learning and promotional products to the target audiences- Collaborate with management to develop and implement an effective communications strategy based on our target audience- Write, edit, and distribute content, including publications, press releases, website content, annual reports, speeches, and other marketing material that communicates the organization's activities, products, and/or services- Promote communications and marketing materials through appropriate social channels- Ensure that all communications and marketing material align with brand standards- Work with communications team members to conceptualize and implement communications strategies and campaigns- Maintain records of media coverage and collate analytics and metrics- Proficiency in design and publishing software- Maintain digital media archives including photos and videos

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Facilitated career readiness sessions to interns in their first workplace placement, in order to improve their professional skills and employability, and prepare them for the world of work.Topics included: Goal setting for success Reflective learningEmotional intelligenceGood communication principlesCritical thinking and problem solvingProfessionalism and EthicsNetworkingamong others.

London, England, United Kingdom

Developed and delivered online training sessions with twelve youth scholars selected for the Curtis Scholarship. This was on topics such as Global Citizenship, Sustainable Development Goals, and Advocacy. - Supported and mentored the scholars individually in planning and engaging stakeholders before they launched their community projects on social issues they cared about.- Accompanied and supported Curtis Scholars on a 10-day learning trip to South Africa and a 5-day advocacy trip to New York to attend the Global Citizen Festival

London, United Kingdom

Planned, delivered, and evaluated residential Pre-Departure Training events. These were primarily for Youth Volunteers, Team Leaders, and Volunteer Managers, who were leaving to work on either Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, or livelihood projects in rural communities in Nicaragua, Tanzania, Nepal, and Borneo.- Redesigned and rewrote the 3-day residential ‘Team Leader Pre-Departure Training’ leadership module- Redesigned and rewrote the ‘Volunteer Manager Development Weekend’ module- Reviewed, developed, and implemented the Team Leader Development Weekend content/training guide- Accountable for the Health and Safety of all participants in attendance, including appropriate Risk Assessment and contingency planning for each event- Carried out accurate reporting and evaluation of assessment and training events- Reported on budgets, team objectives, volunteer feedback, and other administration processes- Planned, delivered, and evaluated scheduled assessment and training events, including Pre-Departure Training events, Team Leader Development Weekends, Pre-Expedition Training events, Returned Volunteer training events, and Assessment Days.- Facilitated sessions on, being culturally sensitive, sustainable development & Global Goals, facilitation styles & techniques, working & leading interculturally, and being emotionally resilient- Prepared all necessary resources and equipment for scheduled events- Ensured all Raleigh policies are adhered to on UK events delivered- Assisted in the recruitment, selection, training, and coordination of volunteer staff that support UK events- Design training curriculum- Designing training materials for instructors including manuals, syllabi, lesson plans, and PowerPoints- Developing and implementing training programs to meet organizational goals- Determining which training methodologies are most appropriate for various situations and audiences based on knowledge of learning styles and instructional design principles

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Using a variety of facilitation styles, I delivered active program sessions and contributed to the preparation, training, and reflection stages. This was part of the week-long residential training on topics such as leadership, personal development, and active citizenship.- Worked with a training quality manager on the development of materials for training sessions- Prepared session delivery in collaboration with team members- Developed training material for the Modules in the Materials Development Team- Reported on each training session to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the program implementation- Researched methods to develop an inclusive environment conducive to adult learning- Delivered training events and training sessions to the agreed standard- Maintained contact and links with participants outside of the training where feasible- Designing training materials for instructors including manuals, syllabi, lesson plans, and PowerPoints- Assisting instructors with course design, material development, and delivery of courses- Determining which training methodologies are most appropriate for various situations and audiences based on knowledge of learning styles and instructional design principles- Frequently carrying out research and recommending necessary learning equipment, such as platforms and projectors- Conducting in-house and offsite activities such as presentations, job simulations, and role-playing exercises- Enrich courses with visual aids to engage trainees

Remotely managed content for a South African website aimed at the youth community. I built and maintained a network of contributors who wrote articles offering young people life skills. I also developed and produced all marketing and promotional material.- Wrote articles offering young people advice on topics such as, how to fund their studies, interview tips, and what to expect when voting on election day- Edited and uploaded user-generated content on the WordPress website- Negotiated partnerships with universities and youth-focused NGOs to build the online community- Develop story and content ideas according to the publication’s style and editorial policy- Set publication standards and establish goals and expectations- Read content and correct spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors- Rewrite the text to make it easier for readers to understand- Research and authenticate facts, dates, and statistics- Evaluate submissions from writers to decide what to publish- Proofread, edit, and improve stories or pieces- Approve final versions submitted by staff- Recruit and manage writers and reporters

Lewes, East Sussex, Uk

Assisted the Lewes Quaker Meeting Children's Group, including:Facilitating weekly inclusive learning sessionsResponsible for childcare and safetyAd hoc administrative duties

Brighton, United Kingdom

Coordinated conferences for a leading global charity for international development research and teaching, including:Assisting in the organisation and running of two week-long training conferences commissioned by the World Food Programme (WFP), entitled “Advocacy for Nutrition” and “Transforming Nutrition: Ideas, Policy and Outcomes”.Liaising and coordinating with high-profile participants and trainers including from WFP, UNICEF, DfID, Save the Children, Irish Aid, World Vision, and government officials.

Johannesburg

Coordinated operations at a youth development organization where I managed a staff team of eight. I conducted program and event management, which included the logistics, scheduling, and budgets for the annual Youth Forum, while also facilitating training weekends and alumni events.- Created a new recruitment and induction system for new employees- Recruited, inducted, and assisted in the management of a staff team of eight- Developed and implemented performance management policy- Liaising with school, university, and organizational partners and developing new partnerships- Assist with planning and coordination of programs and their activities- Work to keep programs on schedule, within stated budgets, and functioning smoothly- Support program growth and development as necessary- Manage staff work assignments, workloads, and work schedules- Schedule and organize program-related meetings and events- Support planning and coordination of a program and its activities- Ensure implementation of policies and practices- Help build positive relations within the team and external parties- Schedule and organize meetings/events and maintain agenda- Keep updated records and create reports or proposals- Support growth and program development

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

I developed and managed national educational projects including Connecting Classrooms, Skills for Employability, DelPHE, and Commonwealth Scholarships.- Managed the budget, monitoring, and evaluation using the SAP system and Scorecard- Organized and facilitated workshops, policy dialogues, professional development, presentations, and competitions- Developed and maintained relationships and liaised with the school and government partners- Wrote reports and case studies- Conducted fundraising while securing partnerships- Ensure all projects are delivered on time within the stipulated scope and budget- Lead the initiation and planning of a project and ensure technical feasibility- Coordinating with cross-disciplined team members to make sure that all parties are on track with project requirements, deadlines, and schedules.- Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects- Manage relationships between clients and stakeholders- Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques- Perform risk management analysis to reduce project risks- Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation- Manage the relationship with the client and all stakeholders- Preparing status reports by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing relevant information- Identifying and developing new opportunities for clients- Conducting post-project evaluation and identifying successful and unsuccessful project elements

Hanover Park, Cape Town

Coordinated and managed the Youth-in-Action Program as well as community projects and events. I recruited, trained, and mentored the Youth-In-Action leaders through organizing and facilitating workshops, leadership camps, and cultural or educational outings in the community- Wrote reports for funders and donors of the Youth-In-Action Program- Responsible for the annual recruitment of new Youth-in-Action leaders- Managed two Assistant Youth Coordinators recruited from the youth program, as well as 40 youth volunteers- Liaised with partner organizations and principals of community high schools- Provided monthly statistics of activities and attendance of youth leaders and participants in projects- Responsible for report writing for the funders and donors of the Youth-In-Action Program- Assist with planning and coordination of programs and their activities- Work to keep programs on schedule, within stated budgets, and functioning smoothly- Support program growth and development as necessary- Manage staff work assignments, workloads, and work schedules- Administer or oversee fundraising operations for programs as well as community outreach- Schedule and organize program-related meetings and events- Create and maintain program records, reports, presentations, and proposals- Support planning and coordination of a program and its activities- Ensure implementation of policies and practices- Maintain budget and track expenditures/transactions- Help build positive relations within the team and external parties- Schedule and organize meetings/events and maintain agenda- Keep updated records and create reports or proposals- Support growth and program development

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Poverty And Development

Ba (Hons), International Relations

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Journalism, Politics, French

Education record