Leya Chikwibu
Kinshasa
Summary
Dynamic liaison officer with expertise in diplomatic communication, specializing in simultaneous interpreting and precise translation. Proven track record in coordinating high-level meetings and fostering relationships with officials to ensure effective engagement across diverse entities. Committed to achieving positive results and facilitating meaningful development in professional environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Liaison Officer/Interpreter
Embassy of Zambia
Kinshasa
11.2020 - Current
- Primary contact for diplomatic missions, local and international delegations, and Zambians
- Provided simultaneous interpreting services at meetings and events to enhance communication and understanding.
- Translating official documents between French and English accurately and contextually.
- Provided translation and interpretation services during official meetings and events.
- Facilitating effective communication between the embassy and various entities (governmental and non-governmental).
- Organizing high-level meetings and events to strengthen relationships with local officials and organizations.
- Build and maintain relationships between the host country and countries of accreditation
- Organize and participate in High Level meetings
- Collaborate with embassy departments to maintain consistent communication strategies.
- Monitored and reported on local political, social, and economic developments to inform embassy strategy.
- Contributing to the creation of briefing documents, reports, and presentations for embassy staff and diplomats.
- Ensuring confidentiality and integrity in all communications and transactions.
- Verifying the cultural relevance of translations and keeping up with linguistic developments in both languages.
- Acted as the primary liaison for high-ranking officials at the embassy.
- Coordinate in the preparation of documentation and logistics of meetings
- Supported the Head of Mission during conferences, workshops, and presidential visits.
- Head of the LES
Voluntary Work
International Protestant Church of Kinshasa
Kinshasa
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Women’s Ministry Head Coordinator
- Coordinated monthly volunteer schedules for Ministry Leaders, ensuring efficient staffing for programs.
- Oversaw service operations, managing volunteers and logistics for successful programs.
- Supported young adults (20+) in organizing programs, activities, and food preparations to foster community engagement.
- Facilitated worship experiences, enhancing spiritual connection through music.
- Sang in choir, supporting musical worship and community engagement.
- Substitute teacher for Sunday School
- Managed documentation and communication as Secretary on Church Board, facilitating effective decision-making.
- Serving as the Chairperson of the Church Board
Receptionist/Visa Clerk
Embassy of Zambia
Kinshasa
11.2016 - 11.2020
- Addressed and resolved customer inquiries and concerns at embassy, enhancing visitor satisfaction.
- Managed incoming and outgoing calls for effective communication.
- Functioned as the main liaison for internal and external clients, ensuring effective communication.
- Provide general support to visitors
- Submit and reconcile visa reports
- Organizing and scheduling appointments
- Writing and distributing email, correspondence memos, letters, faxes and forms
- Developing and maintaining a filing system
- Assisted in daily administrative duties for smooth workflow.
- Compiled reports on Zambian nationals stranded in Zambia, aiding in response coordination.
- Conducted stocktaking and inventory for the Communications department.
- Tracked inventory movements for accurate stock records.
- Act as a translator between internal and external officers
- Served as the embassy's representative at conferences to promote diplomatic relations.
- Coordinator of different official functions including Independence Day celebrations
- Consular Clerk
Science and Technology Teacher
Future Leaders Academy
09.2013 - 09.2016
- Science and Technology teacher for Grades 1-9
- Coordinated cultural activities, including end-of-year shows and public speaking events, enhancing student engagement and community involvement.
- Facilitated activities for students and teachers, promoting a supportive school community and encouraging collaboration.
Receptionist
Embassy of Zimbabwe in Kinshasa
Kinshasa
04.2011 - 08.2013
- Mirror of the Embassy and Customer care
- Coordinated appointments and reservations for the Ambassador to optimize schedule management.
- Coordinated meetings for officials and the Ambassador.
- Announced visitor arrivals and escorted them to corresponding offices to streamline communication and access.
- Provide secretarial services such as typing note verbal to corresponding ministries, payment vouchers and letters both in English and French.
- Assisting Diplomatic officials in typing end of month and end of year reports
- Facilitated accommodations for delegates visiting Kinshasa to enhance their overall experience.
- Presidential over flight clearances
- Assist the Mission Accountant in drawing up the yearly budget.
- Recording incoming and outgoing correspondences.
Trainee teacher for Primary and Secondary School
St Paul’s Academy
01.2008 - 04.2011
- Delivered instruction in Biology, English, Math, and Science, facilitating student understanding and academic growth.
- Managed daily operations of primary section, ensuring high-quality educational delivery and student support.
- Coordinated competitions in sports, public speaking, and cultural events to foster student engagement and skill development.
Tutor for the ESL after school classes
The American School of Kinshasa
Kinshasa
01.2008 - 01.2010
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Economics
University Of South Africa (UNISA)
South Africa01-2016
High School Diplomas - O Levels, A levels
01-2006
Skills
- Simultaneous interpreting
- Document translation
- Event coordination
- Cultural awareness
- Briefing document creation
- Customer relationship management
- Political analysis
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Cross-functional communications
- Multilingualism
- Intercultural awareness
- Policies and procedures implementation
- Proficient in Microsoft Application
Certification
- Management Strategies for People and Resources, 01/01/20
- Understanding Human Rights, 01/01/20
- Teacher of the Year Award, 01/01/16
- Management Strategies for People and Resources, 01/01/15
- Fundamentals of Starting and Running a Business, 01/01/15
- Certificate in French, 01/01/09
- High School Diplomas for O Levels, 01/01/04
- High School Diplomas in A levels, 01/01/06
References
Reference provided upon request.
Timeline
Liaison Officer/Interpreter
Embassy of Zambia
11.2020 - Current
Voluntary Work
International Protestant Church of Kinshasa
05.2019 - 05.2021
Receptionist/Visa Clerk
Embassy of Zambia
11.2016 - 11.2020
Science and Technology Teacher
Future Leaders Academy
09.2013 - 09.2016
Receptionist
Embassy of Zimbabwe in Kinshasa
04.2011 - 08.2013
Trainee teacher for Primary and Secondary School
St Paul’s Academy
01.2008 - 04.2011
Tutor for the ESL after school classes
The American School of Kinshasa
01.2008 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Commerce - Economics
University Of South Africa (UNISA)