Ruth Chibulu M'kala
Lusaka
Summary
Experienced communications and partnerships professional with a robust track record in securing significant funding and expanding partnership networks by 40% within the African continent. Demonstrates excellence in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and brand management. Well-versed in crafting impactful multimedia content and leveraging social media to enhance corporate visibility and support organizational goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Partnerships & Communications Advisor
AfriLabs
02.2024 - Current
- Led the development of the 2024-25 partnerships and communications strategy at AfriLabs, significantly enhancing stakeholder engagement.
- Crafted and personalized over 50 pitch decks, effectively raising over $800,000 in funding for critical programs.
- Developed and submitted over 20 proposals to various organizations in collaboration with the programs department, with 8 of them being successful.
- Managed the partnership acquisition process and pipeline by tracking critical prospect information, strategies, and goals in HubSpot.
- Coordinated efforts across multiple departments to ensure team alignment with deadlines, key partnership, and communication milestones.
Growth & Partnerships Manager
Pendulum Systems
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Developed and executed a highly successful growth and communications strategy for Africa, resulting in a 40% increase in Pendulum's partnership portfolio
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to author and submit proposals for funding and support for various projects and initiatives
- Supported the marketing department with the organisation rebranding by developing a rebrand dissemination strategy
- Led a team of 5 in the creation of tailored marketing materials such as briefs, deal sheets, and decks, catering to diverse audiences across African countries and maximizing impact
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with government officials and key partners such as the Global Fund and The Gates Foundation in multiple African countries including Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Kenya
Communications & Marketing Manager
Pendulum Systems
11.2019 - 05.2022
- Developed and implemented a 2020-23 global communication strategy
- Collaborated closely with program managers across 5 African countries to create & disseminate program communication materials such as brochures, deal sheets and decks
- Prepared 6 quarterly and 3 annual project reports for funders and partners
- Created and monitored a global media database for over 50 media contacts for seamless interaction with various media houses
- Managed the production and distribution of over 5 press releases, resulting in global media coverage through outlets such as Cision
- Handled the management -content development, scheduling and publications -of all digital platforms, including the website, LinkedIn and Twitter
- Supported leadership with the publication of articles in globally recognized media outlets, including the Financial Times, Brookings, and Devex
- Designed and produced internal quarterly newsletters, significantly improving internal communications
Social Marketing Regional Coordinator
The Palladium Group
11.2016 - 10.2019
- Oversaw the development and implementation of region-specific communication and demand creation strategies, informing all marketing activities for health services
- Collaborated with graphic designers to create marketing materials for health programs, products, and awareness campaigns
- Worked closely with technical departmental directors to write and consolidate regional project reports, documenting key lessons and progress
- Established and managed strategic partnerships with media houses, government bodies, and USAID-funded organizations in the region
- Managed and coordinated the projects participation at regional health events including commemoration days for World AIDS Day
- Facilitated field visits to 3 provinces to showcase project activities for health interventions including brand visibility for portfolio products
- Identified and documented success stories to showcase impact of project activities/
Communications Specialist
Population Services International, Zambia
07.2016 - 10.2016
- Developed and executed public relations activities including media briefings and dissemination events, for 6 projects
- Created and maintained a local media contact list/database, serving as an effective tool for engagement and earned coverage through outreach activities
- Established a media monitoring tool to track the organizations/project coverage and news, ensuring efficient knowledge management
- Assisted in event planning for national health campaigns, such as HIV testing day, World AIDS Day commemorations, and internal project launches
- Developed a media relations strategy that guided engagement and content curation for social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube)
Education
Certificate - Communicating for Impact
McKinsey & Company
01.2020
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Media & Political Studies
University of Namibia
01.2014
Skills
- Strategic messaging
- Stakeholder engagement
- Social media strategy
- Internal communications
- Multimedia content
- Marketing communications
- Brand messaging
- Media relations
- Content development
- Strategy implementation
- Messaging and speechwriting
- Event execution
- Press release writing
Accomplishments
- 2015-2016 Global Health Corps Fellow
- 2017 Johnson & Johnson Young Leader
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Partnerships & Communications Advisor
AfriLabs
02.2024 - Current
Growth & Partnerships Manager
Pendulum Systems
05.2022 - 08.2023
Communications & Marketing Manager
Pendulum Systems
11.2019 - 05.2022
Social Marketing Regional Coordinator
The Palladium Group
11.2016 - 10.2019
Communications Specialist
Population Services International, Zambia
07.2016 - 10.2016
Certificate - Communicating for Impact
McKinsey & Company
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Media & Political Studies
University of Namibia
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