Collins Mtika
Mzuzu
Summary
A spirited winner and an energetic and results-oriented performer with a high sense of journalism responsibility. An easy learner with a bias towards teamwork and stimulated experience and knowledge of journalism engrossed in teaching experience and liaison skills.
Attentive to news at the regional, national, and international level. experienced in crafting well-written positions and coverage, cultivates audience interest with an engaging style.
A journalist boasting the distinction of being a self-starter with over 10 years of demonstrated achievements in both print and electronic media. Known for being law-abiding, dynamic, and creative while maintaining the ethics and principles of acceptable journalism standards, personal attributes
An ear to listen and take advice. High sense of ethics, an action-oriented individual, motivated by success, and an obsessive, passionate commitment to continuous improvement. Holders of clean SADC driving license codes A and EB (motorcycles and light trucks)
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contributor
Good Governance Africa
Johannesburg
11.2015 - Current
- Africa – In Fact Magazine (, ) https://gga.org/news-events/africa-in-fact/
- Brainstormed with various writers and creative team members.
- Accurately sourced work and effectively researched topics.
- Created six original and concise pieces from 2015 to date.
- Performed in-depth research into topics to write clear and accurate copy.
- Used strong grammar and research skills to craft well-written, mistake-free copy.
- Followed detailed guidance for how to structure, write and research articles.
- Incorporated feedback from editors and subject matter experts into writing material.
- Organized and tracked multiple projects to meet tight deadlines.
- Attended team meetings to discuss projects, brainstorm ideas and put forward solutions to issues.
Director
Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM)
Mzuzu
05.2014 - Current
- Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM) www.investigative-malawi.com
- Recruited, hired and trained employees on operations and performance expectations.
- Set organization direction and developed strategies and tactics to fulfill mission.
- Established strategic direction and goals to accomplish objectives.
- Maintained accountability for operational and fiscal integrity, effectively managing designated budget.
- Informed board and committee about trends, issues and activities to facilitate policy-making.
- Reviewed and approved annual operating and capital budgets for company.
- Assessed potential collaboration opportunities to enhance organizational value and improve efficiency.
- Stayed up-to-date on best practices and cutting-edge ideas to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
Senior Investigative Reporter
NyasaTimes
05.2010 - Current
- Met deadlines with reliable, in-depth news coverage.
- Researched story background information to provide complete and accurate information.
- Gathered information and developed perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews and observation.
- Created tightly written news stories crafted from reliable sources.
- Revised work to meet editorial approval or fit time or space requirements.
- Discussed issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.
- Posted on social media sites frequently to increase news broadcast traffic.
- Received assignments or evaluated leads or tips to develop story ideas.
Malawi Correspondent
African independent Newspaper
08.2015 - 08.2018
- South Africa www.africanindy.com
- Provided prompt reporting by adhering to deadlines with organized research and polished delivery.
- Checked all information to provide reporting with 99% accuracy.
- Met deadlines with reliable, in-depth news coverage.
- Researched story background information to provide complete and accurate information.
- Gathered information and developed perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews and observation.
- Created tightly written news stories crafted from reliable sources.
- Revised work to meet editorial approval or fit time or space requirements.
Malawi Lead Researcher
Global Integrity
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Www.globalintegrity.org.
- Organized data in logical ways to enable efficient analysis and effective communication of findings.
- Collaborated with other researchers both in-person and virtually.
- Supported other researchers in study- and project-related activities.
- Adapted general research methodologies to meet project-specific requirements.
- Executed qualitative and quantitative research studies using multiple proven research methodologies.
- Provided suggestions for improvements to products and services based on data analysis and measurable results.
- Developed plans to execute agreed-upon research projects within budget and time requirements.
Research Peer Reviewer
Global Financial Intergrity
10.2014 - 01.2015
- Integrity www.globalintegrity.org
- Worked with team members to improve process integration and flow.
Bureau Chief
The Zambezian
01.2011 - 01.2015
- thezambezian.com
- Authored and updated bureau policies to address changing needs.
- Managed assignment calendar and called in teams to handle emerging stories across the northern region of Malawi
- Directed writers, editors and reporters to create fresh and interesting content.
- Responsible for: Monitoring the news to keep abreast of issues that need to be covered
- Ensuring that no pertinent news/issues are missed
- Working with Editors and fellow reporters to generate story ideas.
Executive Editor
Northern Life Magazine
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Responsible for: Monitoring the news to keep abreast of issues that need to be covered
- Ensuring that no pertinent news/issues is missed
- Working with Editors and fellow reporters to generate story ideas
- Coordinating and supervising junior reporters and editing their stories
- Mentoring Junior Reporters Working with the Editor in Chief to formulate and implement editorial policies
- Writing a minimum of 55 inches of copy per week Coordinating with the graphic department to ensure that the pictorial element of the publication is well represented
- Work with the news team to ensure that the publication reaches the print department on set deadlines.
Chief Reporter
Guardian Publications Limited
05.2006 - 01.2009
- Responsible for: Monitoring the news to keep abreast of issues that need to be covered
- Ensuring that no pertinent news/issues is missed
- Working with Editors and fellow reporters to generate story ideas
- Coordinating and supervising junior reporters and editing their stories
- Mentoring Junior Reporters 5 4 Working with the Editor in Chief to formulate and implement editorial policies
- Writing a minimum of 55 inches of copy per week Coordinating with the graphic department to ensure that the pictorial element of the publication is well represented
- Work with the news team to ensure that the publication reaches the print department on set deadlines.
Bureau Chief
Blantyre Newspapers Limited
12.2002 - 07.2005
- Responsible for: Monitoring the news to keep abreast of issues that need to be covered
- Ensuring that no pertinent news/issues is missed
- Working with Editors and fellow reporters to generate story ideas
- Coordinating and supervising junior reporters and editing their stories
- Mentoring Junior Reporters Working with the Editor in Chief to formulate and implement editorial policies
- Writing a minimum of 55 inches of copy per week
Correspondent
Power FM Radio
01.2002 - 12.2002
- FM 101 Radio Blantyre
- Post-Held: Northern Region, 6
- Met deadlines with reliable, in-depth news coverage.
- Researched story background information to provide complete and accurate information.
- Gathered information and developed perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews and observation.
- Reported news stories for publication or broadcast, thoroughly describing background and details of events.
- Created tightly written news stories crafted from reliable sources.
- Revised work to meet editorial approval or fit time or space requirements.
Education
BA - Communication Studies
Mzuzu University
Mzuzu, Malawi11.2023
Editor's Symposium On COVID And HIV Prevention
INTERNEWS
Lilongwe, Malawi11.2022
Media Symposium - COVID And HIV Prevention
INTERNEWS
Lilongwe, Malawi11.2022
Introduction To Digital Journalism
Reuters
Malawi11.2022
Environmental Journalism
Thomson Foundation
Malawi10.2022
News Writing
Thomson Foundation
Malawi09.2022
Telling African Stories
Thomson Foundation
Malawi08.2022
International Reporting
Thomson Foundation
Malawi05.2022
The Ethical Journalist's Toolkit
Thomson Foundation
Malawi04.2021
Digital And Information Security
Qurium Media Foundation
11.2019
Certificate – Natural Resource Governance and Financing for Development -
AFRODAD
Blantyre, Malawi01.2018
Certificate – Local Government Training -
Rhodes University
South Africa01.2017
Resilience Reporting
Africa Media Initiative
Johannesburg, South Africa11.2015
Reporting Illicit Finance
Institute For The Advancement of Journalism
Johannesburg, South Africa12.2014
Advanced Reporting - Finance And Governance
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Johannesburg, South Africa06.2013
Certificate Power Reporting -
African Investigative JournalismConference – Wits University
01.2013
Economic And Financial Journalism
International Institute of Journalism
Berlin, Germany11.2012
Investigative Journalism: Covering Corruption in M
Transparency International
Lilongwe, Malawi03.2012
Certificate of Competence (Journalism Summer School) -
Namibia Polytechnic
Windhoek01.2012
Southern Africa Water Wire Training -
IPS
01.2012
Conflict Sensitive Reporting
Media Council of Malawi
Lilongwe, Malawi09.2011
Certificate – Reporting Politics: Good Governance, Investigating Policies,Covering Elections -
International Institute of Journalism (IIJ)
01.2011
Certificate - Journalist to Journalist AIDS Vaccine Training Programme -
National Press Foundation
Washington, USA01.2010
International Journalists Programme (IJP) -
International School of Journalism
01.2009
Diploma - Journalism
Aggrey Memorial College
Blantyre, Malawi10.2008
Journalism
PenPoint School of Journalism
Mzuzu, Malawi05.2002
Certificate – International Finance and Economic Reporting (International -
Certificate – Behavior Change and Communication Principles and Practices -
Malawi Institute of Management And National AIDS Commission
Certificate – Reporting HIV/AIDS – 2009 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) Kenya -
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Certificate – Finance And Economic Reporting- 2012 -
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Certificate – “Reporting Integration in Southern Africa: History, Institutionand Politics of SADC -
Institute For The Advancement of Journalism
Skills
- PERSONAL SKILLS
- Strong story/report presentation and communication skills Decisive problem Solving, compatible to work in a team with flexible and good listening skills with both superiors and juniors Computer literate – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe packages
- Competence in background research, script Writing, investigative reporting, feature writing, editing and mentoring, article writing and research and interviews
Affiliations
a) GCE 'O' Level Cambridge University (Five credits, two distinctions and one pass)
b) Zimbabwe Junior Certificate
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
a) Member – Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN)
b) Member – African Network of Centre of Investigative Reporting (ANCIR)
c) Member – Organized Crime Corruption and Reporting Project (OCCRP)
Certification
- Certificate Training for Transformation (Mzuzu, Malawi) Certificate Elections Reporting – 2004 (Thomson Reuters Foundation, Blantyre, Malawi)
- Certificate in HIV/AIDS & Gender (from basic knowledge to good practice) INWENT, Germany
- Ethics for Journalists (MISA – Malawi)
- Investigative Reporting (MISA – Malawi)
- Covering Food Security issues (USAID – Malawi & Lilongwe Press Club)
- Crisis Communication and Public Relations (Food Crisis) GIZ Malawi
- Basic Internet Research Techniques (Mzuzu University)
- Certificate Counseling Skills (St John of God Community Services, Mzuzu, Malawi)
- Certificate Mental Health Assistant (St John of God Community Services, Mzuzu, Malawi)
- Science Journalism (UNESCO, Malawi)
- Parliamentary Reporting Course (Malawi National Assembly) Climate Change Reporting and Development (Oxfam, Malawi)
References
REFEREES,
Northern Life Magazine
P.O. Box 998, Mzuzu, Malawi
Tel: 01 311675
Email: diskamamga@gmail.com
The General Manager
Times Media Group
P/Bag 39, Blantyre, Malawi
Tel: (265) 01 671 181/070/562/263
cell: 09961550
Fax: (265) 01 671 233/114
FM 101 Radio
P .O. Box 761, Blantyre, Malawi
TEL: (265) 01 644 101/ 01 641 582/598
Interests
HOBBIES
, Reading Books, Novels, newspapers, Magazines, traveling, surfing the net
Languages
Chichewa
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
Accomplishments
- First Prize Africa Winner: The Haller Prize for Development Journalism 2015 - Malawi.
- International Center For Journalists' (ICFJ) 2016 Fellow - The HIV Prevention Reporting Fellowship - Washington, USA.
- International Journalists' Programme (2009 Southern Africa Fellowship) - Fellow Bonn, Germany.
Timeline
Malawi Lead Researcher
Global Integrity
01.2016 - 01.2017
Contributor
Good Governance Africa
11.2015 - Current
Malawi Correspondent
African independent Newspaper
08.2015 - 08.2018
Research Peer Reviewer
Global Financial Intergrity
10.2014 - 01.2015
Director
Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM)
05.2014 - Current
Bureau Chief
The Zambezian
01.2011 - 01.2015
Senior Investigative Reporter
NyasaTimes
05.2010 - Current
Executive Editor
Northern Life Magazine
01.2010 - 12.2011
Chief Reporter
Guardian Publications Limited
05.2006 - 01.2009
Bureau Chief
Blantyre Newspapers Limited
12.2002 - 07.2005
Correspondent
Power FM Radio
01.2002 - 12.2002
BA - Communication Studies
Mzuzu University
Editor's Symposium On COVID And HIV Prevention
INTERNEWS
Media Symposium - COVID And HIV Prevention
INTERNEWS
Introduction To Digital Journalism
Reuters
Environmental Journalism
Thomson Foundation
News Writing
Thomson Foundation
Telling African Stories
Thomson Foundation
International Reporting
Thomson Foundation
The Ethical Journalist's Toolkit
Thomson Foundation
Digital And Information Security
Qurium Media Foundation
Certificate – Natural Resource Governance and Financing for Development -
AFRODAD
Certificate – Local Government Training -
Rhodes University
Resilience Reporting
Africa Media Initiative
Reporting Illicit Finance
Institute For The Advancement of Journalism
Advanced Reporting - Finance And Governance
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Certificate Power Reporting -
African Investigative JournalismConference – Wits University
Economic And Financial Journalism
International Institute of Journalism
Investigative Journalism: Covering Corruption in M
Transparency International
Certificate of Competence (Journalism Summer School) -
Namibia Polytechnic
Southern Africa Water Wire Training -
IPS
Conflict Sensitive Reporting
Media Council of Malawi
Certificate – Reporting Politics: Good Governance, Investigating Policies,Covering Elections -
International Institute of Journalism (IIJ)
Certificate - Journalist to Journalist AIDS Vaccine Training Programme -
National Press Foundation
International Journalists Programme (IJP) -
International School of Journalism
Diploma - Journalism
Aggrey Memorial College
Journalism
PenPoint School of Journalism
Certificate – International Finance and Economic Reporting (International -
Certificate – Behavior Change and Communication Principles and Practices -
Malawi Institute of Management And National AIDS Commission
Certificate – Reporting HIV/AIDS – 2009 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) Kenya -
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Certificate – Finance And Economic Reporting- 2012 -
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Certificate – “Reporting Integration in Southern Africa: History, Institutionand Politics of SADC -
Institute For The Advancement of Journalism
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