Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Membership Of Professional Bodies
Other Skills And Competencies
Languages
Present Position
Number Of Years On Current Position
Specific Experience In The Region
Family Names
First Names
Key Qualifications
Personal Information
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Timeline
Generic
Wisdom Zunguzungu Nyirenda

Wisdom Zunguzungu Nyirenda

Lilongwe

Summary

Talented Program Director skilled in handling administrative, operational and outreach program functions. Wears many hats to accomplish dynamic objectives. Ready to 12 years of experience to new professional challenges with growth-oriented organization.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Programs

One Community
01.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated with various stakeholders for high level engagement, to identify applicable solutions, and offer technical guidance.
  • Enhanced communication within and outside the organization by establishing regular meetings with key stakeholders and creating comprehensive progress reports.
  • Created an inclusive work environment that encouraged diverse perspectives, ultimately leading to more effective problem-solving within the team and beyond.
  • Launched new initiatives that addressed identified gaps in services, expanding the organization's offerings to better meet community needs.
  • Evaluated program performance using data-driven approaches to inform decision making and future planning.
  • Managed a team of program managers, fostering professional development and consistently meeting departmental goals.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Built partnerships with external organizations that enhanced program offerings and expanded outreach efforts.
  • Secured funding for programs through successful grant writing and relationship building with donors, leading to greater financial stability.

Director of Programs

Judith Foundation (JF)
Mzuzu, Malawi, Northern Region of Malawi
01.2021 - 11.2023
  • Provide technical leadership for Child Protection for the Foundation,
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team members to share feedback and ideas for enhancing program quality for the Foundation.
  • Developed and recommended policies and procedures for evaluating programs for the Foundation.
  • Designed evaluation tools that measured the success of various programming aspects against organizational objectives.
  • Led staff training sessions on best practices in program delivery, increasing overall effectiveness across the organization.
  • Established systems for tracking participant progress over time, enabling us to monitor individual achievements as well as overall trends.
  • Developed strategic plans for the Foundational growth, resulting in increased program reach and impact.

District Civic Education Officer (DECO)

National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE-TRUST)
02.2017 - 03.2021
  • Lead implementation of program and activities at district level, build capacity of stakeholders, analyze local needs and actors, network and collaborate with other actors, facilitate meetings, mobilize communities, establish and manage resource centers, develop training materials, promote public relations and visibility, support peace-building initiatives, facilitate citizen engagement structures, mobilize resources, develop planning documents, provide management of staff and resources, etc.

Consultant

Mzuzu City Council
Mzuzu, Malawi, Northern Region of Malawi
08.2020 - 08.2020
  • Work on governance and public policy reforms, public health, formation of by-laws, hygiene and sanitation.

Public Lecturing

Mzuzu University
Mzuzu, Malawi, Northern Region of Malawi
03.2020 - 03.2020
  • Teach and lecture on water, hygiene, sanitation, and governance.

Resource Mobilization Officer

Global Hope Mobilization (GLOHOMO)
09.2016 - 08.2017
  • Review call for proposals, develop concept notes and proposals, train team members, coordinate development and capacity building initiatives, meet stakeholders, develop documentation and reporting system, manage team and resources, etc.

Programs Manager

Girls Educators and Mentors International (GEMI)
07.2014 - 09.2016
  • Demonstrate integrity, promote knowledge management and learning, lead strategic planning, oversee implementation, monitor and evaluate, build relationships, communicate effectively, motivate and lead a team, engage with stakeholders, ensure quality and consistency of technical components, etc.

Paralegal Officer

Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (PASI)
07.2012 - 07.2014
  • Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
  • Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
  • Conducted background investigations on defendant.
  • Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
  • Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
  • Facilitated efficient case resolution by attending depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials as necessary to assist attorneys in the presentation of evidence or arguments.
  • Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
  • Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.

Project Officer

Youth Watch Society (YOWSO)
05.2010 - 03.2012
  • Provide technical and management support, organize and facilitate capacity development and training activities, write reports, support program and project development, coordinate with partners, build relationships, manage resources, engage stakeholders, etc.

Early Childhood Development Project Coordinator

Save the Children
07.2008 - 05.2010
  • Supervise and support teachers, develop monitoring and evaluation strategies, manage documentation and reporting, train and mentor teachers and caregivers, facilitate activities, promote community engagement, ensure quality and equitable results, etc.

Village Partnership Facilitator

Children of the Nation (COTN)
02.2007 - 07.2008
  • Facilitate orphan support projects, provide advice and support to volunteers, visit sponsored children, manage COTN properties, translate mails, identify beneficiaries, keep records, write reports, mobilize communities, promote public relations, etc.

Education

Master's in Public Policy and Governance (Pending) -

African University - College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance

Certificate in Data Analysis Tools -

Blantyre International University

Good Cooperate Governance -

NGO Board

Certificate Understanding Election and Civic Responsibility -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Understanding Human Rights -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Understanding the Rights of Women and Girls -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate GO GREEN Champion -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Understanding Climate Change -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Community Organization for Action -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Management Strategies for People and Resources -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Creating and Maintaining a Social Enterprises -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Workforce Collaboration and Development -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Fundamentals of Business Expansion -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Gender Mainstreaming in the Political and Economic Arenas -

The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) and Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Welfare

Certificate in International Human Rights -

North-Western Law School Centre for International Human Rights

Child Case Management -

Ecumenical Counselling Centre

PHAST Training of Trainers -

Girls Educators and Mentors International (Zambia)

Certificate in First Aid -

Red Cross/Red Crescent

Pathway to Care Programme - Adult Social Care -

Florence Academy Training

Pathway to Care Programme - The 6 C's of Care -

Florence Academy Training

Pathway to Care Programme - Falls and Fracture Prevention -

Florence Academy Training

Certificates in Site Management and Supervisory Skills -

National Construction Industry Council of Malawi

Master of Arts in Youth Development (Pending) -

African University of Diplomacy Counselling and International Relations
01.2022

Certificate Caring for Vulnerable Children -

University of Strathclyde
03.2018

Diploma in Rural and Community Development (Obtained) -

Skyways University
06.2017

Certificate Environmental Justice -

University of East Anglia
12.2016

Certificate Sustainable Development for All -

University of Aberdeen
12.2016

Bachelor's Degree in Community Development (Obtained) -

Blantyre International University (BIU)
09.2012

Skills

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Strategic leadership
  • Problem-Solving
  • Budget coordination
  • Policy and procedure improvements
  • Decision-Making
  • Attention to Detail
  • Personnel Management
  • Program Improvements
  • Performance Management
  • Microsoft Word
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Public Speaking

Membership Of Professional Bodies

  • Chairman of Mzuzu Civil Society Network
  • Secretary Mzuzu Advocacy Platform
  • Chairman of Gender and Culture Technical Working Group
  • Executive Member of Child Protection Cluster
  • Chairman for Mzuzu City Covid-19 Communication Cluster
  • Board Chair for Judith Foundation

Other Skills And Competencies

Strong analytical and negotiations skills; interpersonal skills; Strong leadership and coordination skills; Excellent communication skills; Advocacy skills, Result oriented; Team Player, Excellent skills in community engagement, team building and placement and capacity building and facilitation skills, coaching and mentoring, appraisal and performance monitoring, financial prudence and system management, procurement and adherence standards, reporting standards, events managements, documentation,

Languages

English
Advanced
C1
Chiyawo/Chitonga/Chichewa/Nyanja (Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania & Zimbabwe)
Advanced
C1
Chitumbuka (Malawi, Zambia & Tanzania)
Proficient
C2

Present Position

Director of Programs

Number Of Years On Current Position

2 Years and 5 Months Days with a reputable organization

Specific Experience In The Region

Country: Malawi; Year: Citizen of Malawi

Family Names

Nyirenda Zunguzungu

First Names

Wisdom

Key Qualifications

Qualifications and skills: Specific professional experience: Pending Master of Public Policy and Governance, Master of Arts in Youth Development, Holder of Bachelors of Community Development, Diploma in Rural and Community Development/ and Several Certificates form Local and International well recognized and reputable institutions

Personal Information

  • Nationality: Malawian

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with 3 international Countries for youth leadership exchange programs,
  • Engaged and negotiated with 3 potential donors for support on potential projects
  • Collaborated with a team of over 50 like minded institutions on influencing policy change and amendments of act on children safeguarding policy and age discrepancies to harmonize in policy citation and implementation
  • Collaborated with more than 50 institutions on menstrual hygiene and other SRHR commemoration
  • Collaborated in more 10 activities with more than 20 like minded institutions in lobbying for elderly safeguarding and awareness campaign exercise
  • Achieved 100% of capacity building trainings planned activities with 97% success rate in knowledge of key stakeholders enhanced
  • Achieved 95% through effectively helping to coordinate the first ever success of commemoration of International Youth Day in the northern region
  • Achieved 80% of proposal submitted and awarded programs to enhance resource mobilization initiatives
  • Supervised team of 48 staff members in planning and effective implementation of various projects.
  • Achieved 95% of effective programs implementation with success rate of 98% in financial prudence and value for money
  • Collaborated with team of 100 plus members from ministry of gender, children's welfare, World Vision Malawi, Plan Malawi, Article 13, Save the Children, in the facilitation of National Children's Parliament
  • Collaborated with team of 80 plus in lobbying of parliamentarians to consider allocating a certain percentage of Constituency Development Fund to district bursary programs for needy students to complements efforts done by other key stakeholders at local councils.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Director of Programs

One Community
01.2024 - Current

Director of Programs

Judith Foundation (JF)
01.2021 - 11.2023

Consultant

Mzuzu City Council
08.2020 - 08.2020

Public Lecturing

Mzuzu University
03.2020 - 03.2020

District Civic Education Officer (DECO)

National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE-TRUST)
02.2017 - 03.2021

Resource Mobilization Officer

Global Hope Mobilization (GLOHOMO)
09.2016 - 08.2017

Programs Manager

Girls Educators and Mentors International (GEMI)
07.2014 - 09.2016

Paralegal Officer

Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (PASI)
07.2012 - 07.2014

Project Officer

Youth Watch Society (YOWSO)
05.2010 - 03.2012

Early Childhood Development Project Coordinator

Save the Children
07.2008 - 05.2010

Village Partnership Facilitator

Children of the Nation (COTN)
02.2007 - 07.2008

Master's in Public Policy and Governance (Pending) -

African University - College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance

Certificate in Data Analysis Tools -

Blantyre International University

Good Cooperate Governance -

NGO Board

Certificate Understanding Election and Civic Responsibility -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Understanding Human Rights -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Understanding the Rights of Women and Girls -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate GO GREEN Champion -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Understanding Climate Change -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Community Organization for Action -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Management Strategies for People and Resources -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Creating and Maintaining a Social Enterprises -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Workforce Collaboration and Development -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Certificate Fundamentals of Business Expansion -

Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI)

Gender Mainstreaming in the Political and Economic Arenas -

The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) and Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Welfare

Certificate in International Human Rights -

North-Western Law School Centre for International Human Rights

Child Case Management -

Ecumenical Counselling Centre

PHAST Training of Trainers -

Girls Educators and Mentors International (Zambia)

Certificate in First Aid -

Red Cross/Red Crescent

Pathway to Care Programme - Adult Social Care -

Florence Academy Training

Pathway to Care Programme - The 6 C's of Care -

Florence Academy Training

Pathway to Care Programme - Falls and Fracture Prevention -

Florence Academy Training

Certificates in Site Management and Supervisory Skills -

National Construction Industry Council of Malawi

Master of Arts in Youth Development (Pending) -

African University of Diplomacy Counselling and International Relations

Certificate Caring for Vulnerable Children -

University of Strathclyde

Diploma in Rural and Community Development (Obtained) -

Skyways University

Certificate Environmental Justice -

University of East Anglia

Certificate Sustainable Development for All -

University of Aberdeen

Bachelor's Degree in Community Development (Obtained) -

Blantyre International University (BIU)

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Wisdom Zunguzungu Nyirenda