GETRUDE CHIGERWE
Harare,HA
Summary
Strategic communications and partnerships specialist with over seven years of experience in the UN system and private sector. Expertise in leading regional, policy, advocacy, and multimedia communications initiatives focused on gender equality, women's empowerment, governance, resilience building, and development. Proven ability to translate technical program results into compelling communications materials for a global audience. Skilled in fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships involving government, civil society, donors, and the UN to enhance regional visibility and advocacy efforts, notably within SADC and Africa-wide initiatives. Strong background in strategic communications, digital advocacy, knowledge product development, donor visibility enhancement, and multisectoral coordination.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Analyst
UN Women – Zimbabwe
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Led strategic communications and advocacy across gender equality, women’s empowerment, governance, HIV and institutional strengthening portfolios, strengthening organisational visibility, policy influence and partnerships at national and regional (SADC/Africa) levels.
- Led strategic advocacy and communications planning, translating complex programme and policy data into clear, compelling narratives for decision-makers, partners and the public.
- Produced high-impact policy briefs, donor reports, case studies, talking points, campaign assets and visibility materials, supporting evidence-based advocacy and resource mobilization.
- Managed digital platforms and social media, planning and publishing advocacy content, campaign materials and programme updates to increase engagement and visibility.
- Led multimedia content production (photography, video, infographics, web content and publications) for regional workshops, policy moments and high-level engagements.
- Coordinated regional and national advocacy campaigns aligned to international days and policy milestones, strengthening public positioning and stakeholder engagement.
- Worked closely with government counterparts, CSOs, donors and UN partners to harmonise messaging, support joint advocacy and strengthen multisectoral collaboration.
- Contributed to SADC and African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) initiatives, supporting regional communications strategies, stakeholder engagement and advocacy positioning.
- Drafted and edited content for websites, knowledge platforms and partner channels, ensuring alignment with branding, visibility and corporate communications guidelines.
- Supported partnership development and coordination, including engagement with civil society, government and development partners around gender, SRHR and GBV priorities.
- Led UN Communications Group (UNCG) coordination and joint advocacy messaging for multi-agency campaigns and international commemorations.
- Managed communications consultants and service providers (design, video, print, media, digital), ensuring quality delivery, timelines and cost control.
- Planned and managed communications and advocacy budgets, overseeing allocation, tracking and reporting.
- Led emergency risk communication and advocacy during COVID-19 response and supported humanitarian communications, strengthening community engagement and partner coordination.
- Key Achievements:
- Strengthened regional and national visibility of gender and GBV programmes through integrated communications and partnerships.
- Improved translation of technical data and policy content into accessible advocacy products for diverse audiences.
- Supported multi-partner advocacy and coordination across government, UN and civil society stakeholders.
Communications Assistant
UNDP – Zimbabwe
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Supported communications and coordination for the Cyclone Idai humanitarian response, contributing to public information, donor visibility and partner engagement.
- Developed and disseminated crisis and recovery communications materials including briefs, updates, human-interest stories and situation highlights.
- Worked with government, UN agencies, NGOs and humanitarian partners to support aligned messaging and information sharing.
- Supported documentation of humanitarian and early recovery interventions, translating field activities into evidence-based communications products.
- Contributed to analysis, reporting and knowledge products related to disaster response and recovery.
- Strengthened donor and public-facing visibility of UNDP-supported interventions.
Communications Officer
Condor Green InfoTech
01.2015
- Led organisational communications, marketing and partnerships support, with responsibility for strategy, budgets, team management and service providers.
- Led development and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies aligned to organisational and partnership priorities.
- Managed communications budgets, planning, allocation, monitoring and reporting.
- Supervised staff and service providers, ensuring quality, timely delivery of communications products.
- Led strategic messaging, visibility and stakeholder engagement, supporting partnerships and organisational positioning.
Education
Master of Arts - Mass Communications
Liverpool John Moores University
UKBachelor’s Degree - Film and Television
City Varsity
South AfricaLevel 6 Diploma - Journalism and Media Studies
ABMA
UKSkills
- Strategic Communications and Advocacy
- Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement (Government, CSOs, Donors, UN)
- Gender, GBV and Human Rights Communications
- Regional and Multisectoral Coordination (SADC, AWLN, UNCG)
- Digital Communications, Social Media and Content Strategy
- Multimedia Production (Photo, Video, Infographics, Knowledge Products)
- Policy Briefs, Concept Notes and Knowledge Products
- Evidence-Based Advocacy and Data Storytelling
- Resource Mobilisation Communications and Donor Visibility
- Editorial Planning, Branding and Visibility Compliance
- Team and Service Provider Management
- Budget Planning and Management
LANGUAGES
English – Fluent
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
- Direct supervision of staff and consultants
- Management of communications and advocacy portfolios
- Budget ownership and financial oversight
- Coordination of multi-agency and multi-partner processes
- Leadership in crisis and humanitarian communications (Cyclone Idai, COVID-19)
REGIONAL & THEMATIC EXPERIENCE
- Southern Africa / SADC Region
- SRHR, Gender Equality, GBV & Human Rights
- Humanitarian Response & Early Recovery (Cyclone Idai, COVID-19)
- Policy Advocacy, Strategic Communications & Partnerships
- Donor, Government, UN & Civil Society Engagement
Timeline
Communications Analyst
UN Women – Zimbabwe
01.2020 - 01.2025
Communications Assistant
UNDP – Zimbabwe
01.2019 - 12.2019
Communications Officer
Condor Green InfoTech
01.2015
Bachelor’s Degree - Film and Television
City Varsity
Level 6 Diploma - Journalism and Media Studies
ABMA
Master of Arts - Mass Communications
Liverpool John Moores University