Umuliza M. Njiru Email & Phone Number

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

As Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist for Feed the Future AVCD Program, I oversee the strategic communications and knowledge management initiatives for USAID funded development program with over 15 implementing partners and $25M operating budget. Responsible for managing four communications officers and ensure their activity aligns and promotes their respective components. Carry out pioneering communications initiatives, contributing to accomplishment of program growth and propagation goals. Design and implement consolidated communications framework for program and implementing partners. Manage high profile international events, coordinating government briefings, roundtables, media tours and donor site visits. Utilize social channels to create a communication and messaging matrix for key stakeholders. Implement successful communication department practices including the creation of work plans, and budgets. Create quarterly and annual reports and facilitate positive story-telling through publishing engaging web content and producing short marketing films. Prepare and deliver reports to US government and USAID staff for review and evaluation. Notable contributions in this role to date: ★Sharing AVCD message with 316K Kenyan households over a three-year period through successful coordination and execution of strategic launch events and roll out activities.★Saving over $125K by converting event management to an in-house function, eliminating the need for consultants.★Instrumental in securing $9M two-year extension phase through the development of program scorecard, highlighting achievements against USAID indicators.

Nairobi

As the Knowledge and Sharing Engagement Specialist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) I worked in a team of five to capture and present information to support internal communications, knowledge sharing, and capacity development. During my time at ILRI, I utilized knowledge management expertise to improve engagement and collaboration of ILRI staff and partners through implementing improved communication channels and knowledge sharing initiatives. Along with my team I continued to define and implement effective branding policy, publishing and distribution strategies, and constituent management activities. I was also engaged in event management during this role, carrying out ILRI promotional campaign celebrating 40 years, coordinating local event while also leading remote activities across the globe. Maintained positive press relationships and coordinated press briefings for high-level events.Notable contributions in this role:★ Facilitated over 10 stakeholder engagements in-house, saving over $75K in consultant fees during the contract period.★ Selected as Master of Ceremony for ILRI’s 40-year celebration event in Nairobi.

Nairobi, Kenya

During my first role at ILRI as Corporate Communications Officer, I flawlessly implemented innovative communications practices and strategies to support corporate projects and goals, which lead to me moving up within the company. During my time in this role before being promoted to Knowledge Sharing and Engagement Specialist, I worked closely with ILRI’s directorate and was frequently consulted for creative solutions and ideas to enhance content development, branding strategy, event planning, presentation designs, and other materials to support high-profile communications projects. Collaborated daily with a team of designers and editorial colleagues, often worked with international consultants in support of special and corporate projects. Participated in all stages of the development process for communications and events from concept to production. Notable contributions in this role:★ Secured $10M in project funding by supporting facility tours for high-profile investors and stakeholders including Bill & Melinda Gates, Chancellor Angela Merkel, and His Excellency Mwai Kibaki. ★ Achieved top 20% recognition within ILRI for outstanding design projects and outreach campaigns. ★ Increased proposal submissions by 25% over three years through successful management of internal and external communications.

Master'S Degree, Organizational Development

Ba, Journalism - Public Relations