Fiona Nakalema
The Bronx,NY
Summary
Dynamic communications professional with extensive experience at the United Nations Headquarters, excelling in internal communications and community engagement. Proven ability to facilitate high-stakes discussions and manage complex logistics. Adept in strategic thinking and proficient in graphic design, delivering impactful results in fast-paced environments.
Communications professional with proven track record in driving effective communication campaigns. Adept at fostering team collaboration and delivering impactful messaging to diverse audiences. Known for reliability and flexibility, excelling in dynamic environments with strong focus on achieving results.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Assistant
United Nations Headquarters
01.2026 - Current
- Provides information to staff, delegations, press and the public for the commencement and duration of the meetings for all sessions held at HQ.
- Provides information based on thorough knowledge and understanding of UN organizational structure, commissions, committees, non-governmental organizations, permanent missions, UNHQ meetings, and events, press conferences as well as activities at overseas offices of the UN and its specialized agencies.
- Facilitates communication on emergency situations among Ambassadors, high-level delegates, their governments and their missions in order to ensure, for example, coordinated positions on Security Council votes and transmittal of important instructions.
- Follows proceedings of the Security Council in order to respond immediately to questions regarding the status of the discussion, results of the vote, etc.
- Ensures that the UN protocol is observed and understood at all times (accreditation of member states, offices of the observers, national liberation movements, inter-governmental organizations and high-ranking officials of the Secretariat and Specialized agencies.).
- Assists visitors with information queries at the GA lobby and issues escorted and non-escorted passes, coordinates with security and following established security procedures.
Editorial & Personal Assistant
United Nations Headquarters
10.2023 - 01.2026
- Provided high-quality administrative and logistical support to the Under-Secretary-General and Front Office team: managed calendars, scheduled meetings, prepared briefing materials, made travel arrangements, and handled internal and external phone queries.
- Assisted in screening correspondence submitted for editing for signature of the USG DOS to ensure compliance with submission standards and regulations;
- Contributed to the efficient and timely editing of correspondence by providing full range of editorial support for DOS Correspondence Team by applying relevant policies, regulations and guidelines to ensure a smooth workflow; asked incoming correspondence to DOS Divisions and tracked subsequent workflow; kept all concerned informed of changes in processing procedures;
- Registered incoming and outgoing correspondence in the departmental correspondence management system (Unite Correspondence);
Program Assistant
World Bank
04.2022 - 09.2023
- Provided high-quality administrative and logistical support to the Front Office team: managed calendars, scheduled meetings, prepared briefing materials, made travel arrangements, handled internal and external phone queries and emails, reviewed and exercised quality control over materials submitted for clearance.
- Provided back-up support to Executive Assistant, other ACS colleagues during absences or peak periods and assisted staff from the field visiting HQ who don’t have local ACS support.
- Provided support to the Infrastructure Department’s Knowledge Management Program: took the lead in the logistical arrangements for all webinars and learning events, maintain and updated Intranet page, kept the learning events calendar up to date, etc.
- Organized the logistics for departmental meetings, retreats, official meetings, and other events, assessed and obtained appropriate facilities, services and equipment, etc. Processed STC contracts and consulting firm purchase orders.
- Ordered supplies and submitted facilities requests as needed. Discreetly handled sensitive and confidential correspondence and information
Program Assistant
World Bank Group
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Provided overall quality support to the HD Vice President and the front office staff including coordinating schedules for meetings and events, handling phone calls, updating contact lists and group distribution lists.
- Managed the preparation of daily briefing materials for the Vice President and the front office staff, including anticipating needs, coordinating tasks with others within and across GPs.
- Supported representational functions of the office including coordinating and managing events logistics; Independently responded to extensive and diverse inquiries on routine and non-routine matters, including channeling requests to the appropriate staff for disposition and providing necessary follow-up.
- Handled hotel and travel logistic and paperwork for of mission travel for front office staff.
- Used appropriate judgement, and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters; friendly and professionally in answering telephone calls and requests from others and or redirecting inquiries to appropriate sources.
- Assisted with Spring and Annual Meetings. Acted as back up for staff while on leave. Undertook other ad hoc duties that were assigned.
Receptionist/Program Assistant
World Bank Group
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Provided administrative and logistical support to the Methods Adviser, Lead Evaluation Specialist and ETC Evaluation Adviser notably; scheduled meetings, coordinated logistics for BBLs, conference, workshops, retreats, learning events and meetings, processed requests for travel arrangements, printed reports and documents, maintained a directory of IEG approach papers and annual reports.
- Maintained and updated the Evaluation Capacity Development database making sure all contact details of the members were up to date.
- Supported the front office team through maintenance of unit’s leave and mission calendar, ordered office supplies and kept an inventory of the stationery and pantry supplies, maintained and updated a directory of important telephone numbers/addresses and useful information for staff.
Office Assistant
World Learning Inc
03.2018 - 07.2019
- Ensured front desk was tidy and had all necessary stationery and material (e.g. pens, forms and informative leaflets), received and announced guests;
- reviewed daily all conference room or other meeting room calendars to anticipate visitor/front desk needs;
- answered phone inquiries, directed calls and provided basic information, monitored stock and ordered office supplies, ensured proper mail distribution, oversaw mail deliveries, packages and couriers
- provided general office support including, but not limited to: filling, collating reports, photocopying, mailing documents and organizing deliveries, processing of payments via INTACCT for incoming general expenses invoices, and followed-up with different vendors if invoices were incorrect, built and maintained positive working relationships with co-workers, other employees and the public using principles of good customer service;
- Kept office and restroom keys and distributed to new staff; created key fobs and maintained its tracker, served as liaison with building management when required and serving as a back-up for the Office Manager
Education
Master of Science - Public Relations & Advertizing
Cyprus Institute of Marketing
Nicosia, Cyprus09-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Skills, Tourism
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda04-2005
Skills
- Community engagement
- Internal communications
- Marketing communications
- Communication Expertise
- Social Media Proficiency
- Graphic Design Knowledge
- Leadership Experience
- Results Orientated
- Proficient Technical Skills
- Teamwork Mentality
- Strategic Thinking
- Knowledge & Research
Timeline
Communications Assistant
United Nations Headquarters
01.2026 - Current
Editorial & Personal Assistant
United Nations Headquarters
10.2023 - 01.2026
Program Assistant
World Bank
04.2022 - 09.2023
Program Assistant
World Bank Group
09.2021 - 04.2022
Receptionist/Program Assistant
World Bank Group
08.2019 - 09.2020
Office Assistant
World Learning Inc
03.2018 - 07.2019
Master of Science - Public Relations & Advertizing
Cyprus Institute of Marketing
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Skills, Tourism
Makerere University