Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Career Interest
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Additional Information
Affiliations
Extra-curricular activities
REFEREES
Timeline
Receptionist
Nyarai B. Smoke

Nyarai B. Smoke

MUTARE

Summary

A highly motivated and dynamic administrative professional with exceptional communication and organisational skills. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision, while maintaining high levels of accuracy and professionalism. Experienced in managing diverse administrative functions, student relations and stakeholder engagement.

Possesses strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with proven expertise in office management, customer service and public relations. Adept at working collaboratively in multicultural environments and committed to achieving institutional goals. Known for adaptability, teamwork,and the ability to implement and support effective PR and communication strategies.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

College Secretary

Africa University
08.2022 - Current
  • Manages the Dean's diary, scheduling appointments, consultations, and meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Acts as the first point of contact between the Dean and all College or University clients.
  • Organizes and plans College meetings, including preparation of agendas and minute-taking for College, Dean's Caucus, and other strategic meetings.
  • Performs reception duties for the Dean and College.
  • Consolidates Senate Reports and drafts E-Cabinet and Business Senate Reports for submission and Dean's approval.
  • Tracks and monitors student progression, ensuring all necessary follow-ups with College Departments and Registry.
  • Consolidates College student registration statistics.
  • Consolidates Board of Directors meetings reports for the College.
  • Supports budget preparation and management for the College, ensuring alignment with University financial procedures.
  • Maintains organized filing systems for all College correspondence and critical documents.
  • Organizes Dean's travel and itineraries, as well as logistics for College events and workshops.
  • Supports the Dean in advising College staff on University policies, regulations, and procedures.
  • Follows up on contractual issues, timetabling, and other key administrative responsibilities.
  • Acts as a liaison between the Dean and DVC's Office, ensuring timely submission of essential documents and reports.
  • Communicates with Class Representatives on behalf of the Dean to address student concerns.
  • Provides logistical and administrative support during matriculation and graduation ceremonies.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned by the College Dean to support smooth College operations.

Clerk Typist

Africa University
08.2007 - 08.2022
  • Received and process all incoming degree programme applications through the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, including verification of qualifications, decision validity and document authenticity.
  • Handle inquiries from prospective students via phone and email, offering timely and professional advice on the application process.
  • Review and assess both full-time and part-time student applications for completeness in line with university eligibility criteria.
  • Generate admission and offer letters, informed students of admission requirements, and communicated application status (acceptance/rejection).
  • Verify qualification and personal documents of new students during the registration process.
  • Follow up on pending application approvals with Colleges and referred applicants to Heads of Departments for programme-specific guidance.
  • Maintain an organized filing system for recruitment documentation and compiled application statistics for internal/external audits and ZIMCHE reporting.
  • Assisted the Student Recruitment Officer in updating admissions data and tracked prospective students who did not meet admission requirements.
  • Conduct career and academic counseling, providing tailored guidance based on programme offerings across university Colleges.
  • Managed front office desk relations.
  • Coordinate with the Director, Advancement and Public Affairs in organizing and attending exhibitions and recruitment events locally.
  • Participated in On-Spot Admissions, school visits, and career conventions throughout Zimbabwe.
  • Exhibit at international shows, including the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
  • Design and develop advertisements, brochures and promotional materials in collaboration with internal and external designers.
  • Source quotations and coordinated advertisements placements in local and international press outlets.
  • Monitor and report enrolment statistics for university-wide strategic planning and reporting.
  • Support the transfer of credits and updated student credential information for admissions.





Acting Student Recruitment Assistant

Africa University
06.2021 - 09.2021
  • Responded to telephone, mobile, email, and social media (e.g., Facebook) inquiries by providing timely and accurate information tailored to each individual query.
  • Assisted walk-in clients with comprehensive information on admissions procedures, entry requirements, and available university services.
  • Provided admissions advice and entry requirement guidance for both undergraduate and graduate programmes.
  • Verifiy and process online applications, including follow-ups with applicants for incomplete submissions.
  • Support applicants experiencing challenges with the online application system, including applying on their behalf where necessary.
  • Verify academic credentials from various institutions to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
  • Managed admissions communications, including notification of application outcomes to prospective students.
  • Draft academic advertisements and international recruitment adverts for both new and existing programmes.
  • Sourced quotations and coordinated placement of advertisements in local and international media platforms.
  • Design and develop informational and promotional materials to support student recruitment and public engagement.
  • Represented the University at national and international exhibitions, such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
  • Provided career guidance and academic programme advice to prospective students locally and abroad.
  • Managed the production and strategic distribution of student recruitment brochures and marketing materials.
  • Compilation of detailed student recruitment reports for the Board of Directors meetings.
  • Coordinate with the Director, Advancement and Public Affairs in organizing and attending exhibitions and recruitment events locally.


Secretary, Academic Affairs

Africa University
01.2016 - 09.2021
  • Maintained accurate and confidential student academic records including admissions, registration, academic progression, and graduation documentation.
  • Oversaw data entry and management of the student database; ensured timely updates and retrieval of student records.
  • Compilation of Board of Directors reports for the Department.
  • Drafted official correspondence including confirmation letters, reference letters, probation notifications, and Dean’s List notifications.
  • Handled student programme changes, inter-college transfers, and related academic documentation.
  • Coordinated examination logistics, including dispatch of materials and collaboration on certificate issuance.
  • Supported the admissions and orientation process, assisting new students with registration and file creation.
  • Managed the closure of files for graduating students and archival processes.
  • Provided clerical and administrative support to the Assistant Registrar, ensuring smooth office operations.
  • Organise and coordinate graduation ceremonies, including:
    - Designing VVIP guest lists and seating plans.
    -Managing the order of proceedings and issuing academic regalia.
    -Coordinating event setup and logistics.
  • Ensure all records management and filing systems were maintained for accuracy, confidentiality, and easy access.
  • Assisted in the verification and update of student data and documentation.
  • Performed other duties as assigned in line with supporting Academic Affairs operations.

Administrative Assistant

Catholic Development Commission (CADEC) MUTARE
04.2007 - 09.2007
  • Maintained stock levels of essential supplies such as fuel and food, and ensured proper distribution, particularly in rural areas.
  • Operated the switchboard, managed all incoming and outgoing calls and attended to visitors.
  • Handled filing of general correspondence, ensuring records were well-organized and up to date.
  • Typed official correspondence, reports and internal memos.
  • Took minutes during workshops, meetings and field days.
  • Managed office equipment and stationery, including monitoring, ordering, and keeping inventory of supplies.
  • Recorded incoming and outgoing goods, ensuring accurate documentation for accountability.
  • Arranged travel and accommodation for business trips, conferences and official duties.
  • Scheduled and booked appointments for the Projects Directors and other senior staff.
  • Coordinated workshops, conferences, and other official functions as mandated by senior management.
  • Conducted data entry, including uploading key information into relevant software systems.
  • Assisted with the preparation of weekly and annual reports, supporting data consolidation and submission.
  • Served as minute secretary during various meetings, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
  • Organized meetings, managed calendars, and ensured logistical support was in place for smooth execution.
  • Maintained up-to-date records and information management systems for future reference and accountability.
  • Consistently performed organizational and administrative tasks efficiently and within required timeframes.

Education

Master of Commerce Degree in Strategic Management. -

Great Zimbabwe University

BCom Honours Degree in Marketing Management. -

Zimbabwe Open University

Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Marketing. -

Trust Academy/Chartered Institute of Marketing

Certificate in Digital Marketing. -

Bindura University of Science Education

Certificate in Corporate Secretaryship. -

Institute of Administration And Commerce

Executive Certificate in Business Administration. -

Catholic University of Zimbabwe

Exec. Cert in Diplomacy, Protocol And Etiquette. -

Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy

Skills

  • Proficient in the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office suite
  • Experienced in E-mail and Internet tools
  • Ms Access (Database)
  • Knowledgeable in Windows XP Professional
  • Strong skills in Spreadsheet and database management
  • Competent in using Social Media tools

Career Interest

I am passionate about strategic communication, student recruitment, stakeholder engagement and brand development. My career interest lies in advancing within the fields of marketing and public relations, where I can contribute to initiatives that enhance institutional visibility, student engagement and community outreach.

With a solid background in academic administration and event coordination, I aim to leverage my growing expertise in digital marketing, customer relations, and strategic planning to support organizational growth, drive impactful communication and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Nationality : Zimbabwean

Sex              :  Female

Status         :  Married

Language Proficiency: English and Shona


Holder of Clean Class 4 Drivers License

Additional Information

Community Leadership Roles - Africa University


Secretary General - Africa University Workers Committee

  • Represent staff interests, coordinate meetings, communicate key decisions and support employee welfare initiatives.

Secretary General - Africa University Staff Sport Association

  • Promote staff wellness and engagement through organized sports activities and events, lead planning and communication efforts.

Committee Member - Africa University Sports Committee

  • Contribute to the development of sports programmes and university-wide events.

Exhibition Organizing and Planning

  • Event Coordination
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Brand Promotion
  • Logistics and Setup

Ushering - University Wide Committee [CAPD office]

  • Actively involved in ushering at major events coordinated by the Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) office and Office of Advancement and Public Affairs. Responsibilities includes welcoming guests, assisting with event logistics, and coordinating the seating of VIPs.

Affiliations

  • Full/Associate Member of Marketers Association of Zimbabwe

Extra-curricular activities

  • Playing netball, basketball and volleyball
  • Travelling

REFEREES

Mr. G. Nera                                                                  

Assistant Registrar - Academic Affairs                                               

Africa University                                                                                  

P. O Box 1320,                                                             ,                             

MUTARE                                                                                                 

Tel: +263 775587961                                                        

E-mail: ara@africau.edu    


Prof C. Ezeala                               

Dean, CHANS

Africa University

P.O Box 1320

MUTARE

E-mail: deanchans@africau.edu 

Tel: +263 712081240


Dr. S. L Mutambu

Senior Lecturer, DBMLS

Africa University

P.O Box 1320,

MUTARE

Email: mutambus@africau.edu

Tel: +263 773786602

                                         

Timeline

College Secretary

Africa University
08.2022 - Current

Acting Student Recruitment Assistant

Africa University
06.2021 - 09.2021

Secretary, Academic Affairs

Africa University
01.2016 - 09.2021

Clerk Typist

Africa University
08.2007 - 08.2022

Administrative Assistant

Catholic Development Commission (CADEC) MUTARE
04.2007 - 09.2007

Master of Commerce Degree in Strategic Management. -

Great Zimbabwe University

BCom Honours Degree in Marketing Management. -

Zimbabwe Open University

Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Marketing. -

Trust Academy/Chartered Institute of Marketing

Certificate in Digital Marketing. -

Bindura University of Science Education

Certificate in Corporate Secretaryship. -

Institute of Administration And Commerce

Executive Certificate in Business Administration. -

Catholic University of Zimbabwe

Exec. Cert in Diplomacy, Protocol And Etiquette. -

Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy

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Nyarai B. Smoke