Jessie Gakwandi Benimana
Vail,AZ
Summary
International development professional with proven experience in designing and implementing project activities, communications, and coordination of project components and teams. With a background in both education and work experience in IT and business administration, and a passion for community development, I always seek for opportunities that merge all three while creating a sustainable and long-lasting impact for communities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications and Reporting Consultant
DAI Global LLC
08.2023 - Current
- Oversees all communications activities for the Feed the Future DRC Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience Activity
- Reviews publications to ensure adherence to USAID and Feed the Future branding and marking requirements
- Optimized report templates and enhanced reporting process for increased efficiency and quality
- Designs graphic materials for general use and tailored to events
Communications Manager
USAID Nguriza Nshore Project implemented by DAI Global LLC
02.2021 - 02.2023
- Led the implementation of the communications strategy
- Led the writing process of bi-weekly, quarterly and annual donor reports
- Designed and led the implementation of a platform bringing together young entrepreneurs and established businesses, Government actors
- Supervised the work of external consultants
- Oversaw Nguriza Nshore's social media presence and provided technical assistance to partners in various areas of communications including social media, investment documents design, communications strategy and more.
Communications and Digital Knowledge Management Specialist
USAID Nguriza Nshore Project implemented by DAI Global LLC
02.2020 - 02.2021
- Supported the implementation of the project's communications strategy
- Managed social media accounts
- Designed and updated the project's website
- Coordinated project events
- Supported the report writing process.
Technical Programs Specialist
USAID Huguka Dukore implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2018 - 02.2020
- Created a field coordination system on a mobile platform to facilitate the monitoring of over 300 sites and information flow between teams
- Designed and managed a youth leadership program, which was included in the project implementation across all sites and successfully scaled across various projects and countries
- Supported the development of multimedia items such as videos, pictures and other graphics to showcase project impact on youth lives.
Technical Programs Manager
Akazi Kanoze 2 Project (Mastercard Funded) implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Coordinated several components of the project including business bridging programs, training and awards
- Coached young entrepreneurs in business pitching and public speaking
- Supported the report writing process
- Supported all project events.
Implementing Partners and Communications Manager
Akazi Kanoze 2 Project (Mastercard Funded) implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Coordinated the work of 3 implementing partners
- Contributed to donor reports
- Designed and led the implementation of an awards program to recognize outstanding schools and teachers
- Coordinated all communications activities.
Youth Working Group and Communications Manager
Akazi Kanoze 1 (USAID Funded) and Akazi Kanoze 2 (Mastercard Funded), implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Coordinated the work of the youth employability working group, made of youth organizations receiving Mastercard Funds through digital tools, site visits and quarterly meetings
- Coordinated all communications activities
- Contributed to donor reports.
Information Systems Program Manager
Akilah Institute for Women
03.2014 - 12.2014
- Designed and oversaw the set up of Akilah's Information Systems Program
- Developed Akilahs Information Systems programs curriculum
- Liaised with Rwanda's Workforce Development Authority to have the program accredited
- Delivered classes to Information Systems students
- Developed proposals for grants application
- Created and maintained an ICT professional network for Akilah's Information Systems program
- Created an IT Club, which created a bridge between students and the external professional world for exchange and exposure for the students
- Represented Akilah Institute in IT and education centered events.
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Sail Ltd
08.2011 - 02.2014
- Managed the day to day business activities for the software startup
- Wrote company proposals and represented the company at clients proposal/product presentation
- Represented the company in various meetings and conferences including with the ICT Chamber and the Ministry of ICT
- Collected user requirements and coordinated the solution design process.
Research Assistant
University of Southern California
06.2009 - 06.2011
- Conducted qualitative data collection with Professor Donald Miller on the long-term impact of sexual assault on survivors in Rwanda
- Transcribed interviews from Kinyarwanda to English
- Consolidated interviews into monthly reports.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Oklahoma Christian University
Kigali, Rwanda03.2016
Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering -
University of Rwanda, Formerly Kigali Institute of Science And Technology
Kigali, Rwanda01.2013
Awards
- Delta Mu Delta
- Best Computer Engineering Student Class of 2013
- Best Business Plan for a tech startup - Africa Innovation Prize
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Full Professional
Timeline
Communications and Reporting Consultant
DAI Global LLC
08.2023 - Current
Communications Manager
USAID Nguriza Nshore Project implemented by DAI Global LLC
02.2021 - 02.2023
Communications and Digital Knowledge Management Specialist
USAID Nguriza Nshore Project implemented by DAI Global LLC
02.2020 - 02.2021
Technical Programs Specialist
USAID Huguka Dukore implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2018 - 02.2020
Technical Programs Manager
Akazi Kanoze 2 Project (Mastercard Funded) implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2017 - 01.2018
Implementing Partners and Communications Manager
Akazi Kanoze 2 Project (Mastercard Funded) implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2016 - 01.2017
Youth Working Group and Communications Manager
Akazi Kanoze 1 (USAID Funded) and Akazi Kanoze 2 (Mastercard Funded), implemented by EDC, Inc
01.2015 - 01.2016
Information Systems Program Manager
Akilah Institute for Women
03.2014 - 12.2014
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Sail Ltd
08.2011 - 02.2014
Research Assistant
University of Southern California
06.2009 - 06.2011
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Oklahoma Christian University
Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering -
University of Rwanda, Formerly Kigali Institute of Science And Technology
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