Alain Gashaka

18 YEARS IN COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION.
Professionally engaged in project development and management, communication strategy, strategic plans with more than EIGHTEEN years of experience, Alain also has a double competence in project monitoring/evaluation and digital transformation. While most of his professional career has been spent in Burundi, he has also gained extensive experience in Rwanda, the Republic of Congo, and many other countries in East Africa.

Alain is a convinced professional, determined to put his technique and ethics at the service of the development of his country, in the promotion of the activities of the Civil Society Organizations of Burundi via "success stories" and social media through photography (where he is an active influencer on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn see also his website www.agashaka.bi), and it is in this sense that beyond his contractual contributions, he is personally involved in different organizations (sustainable development and resilience of communities, rights and duties of the professionals of the Press)
HIS MOTTO: "A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE ."

What I Do

Conversing - Coaching - Consulting

Communications & Fundraising Development

Medias Development I Public Relations

Storytelling I Gender Data

Resume

18 Years of Experience

Education

2015-2017
Ecole Supérieure de journalisme de Lille

Master's Degree in Media Management, Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management

Activités et associations : Created in 1924, the École supérieure de journalisme de Lille (ESJ Lille) is one of the first professional journalism training schools in Europe. It is the oldest of the 14 schools recognized by the profession in France.
2000-2004
Université Lumière de Bujumbura

Bachelor's degree, Communication & Audiovisual Design

The objective of this programme is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and analysing communication and information. The programme takes a multidisciplinary approach. It is based on theoretical knowledge (communication theories, communication concepts, methodological and critical analyses, etc.) and practical applications (photos, press, video, Web, etc.).

Experience

2022 - Current
UN Women

National Communications Officer

• Provide inputs and background information for the development of the Country Office’s communication strategy;
• Provide support to advocacy efforts and campaigns by organizing roundtable discussions, press conferences, and other publicity events and providing inputs to briefing materials and press releases;
• Provide support to programme and other Country Office’s staff on UN Women corporate communications guidelines and printing norms;
• Track and monitor print and social media and report relevant information to senior staff to inform strategy development.
• Identify storylines and achievements within the Country Office’s for online and print publications;
• Draft press releases, articles, key messages and other advocacy materials;
• Coordinate the translation, adaptation, or rewriting of information received for the local context; disseminate materials to appropriate stakeholders;
• Coordinate the publication of materials for final approval; maintain relationships with printers/ publishers;
• Maintain library/ database of reference materials, photos, and digital assets;
• Follow guidelines from RO/HQ.
• Identify stories, and provide input to the development of content for the Country Office website hosted at the Regional Office and social media channels;
• Update the website and social media channels, ensure consistency in branding;
• Research, compile and produce reports on web statistics on a regular basis and electronic surveys, as required;
• Serve as a focal point on UN Women activities open to the press, as necessary;
• Maintain and update database of relevant press in country;
• Respond to request for information and arrange interviews, as delegated;
• Provide substantive inputs to talking points.
• Contribute to the identification of best practices and lessons learned;
• Organize trainings and workshops on communication practices;
• Provide/ exchange information with HQ and Regional Office MCO, and Country Offices.

2021 - 2022
Radio La Benevolencija

Senior Project Manager

LA BENEVOLENCIJA & DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IN BURUNDI - PROJECT « STRENGTHENING THE DEMOCRATIC CULTURE AND THE RULE OF LAW IN BURUNDI »

The project will focus on the following 4 main and specific objectives : (1) Strengthen respect for fundamental freedoms and in particular freedom of information within the media sector; (2) Strengthen the participation of citizens in the process of ensuring accountability of elected officials via the media; (3) Contribute to the enlargement of political and civic space in which media operate to promote dialogue and accountability between media practitioners (in-country and exiled) and state authorities and (4) Strengthen the sustainability of independent media in Burundi. The Project Coordinator has to:
• Manage the day-to-day partnership aspects of the project;
• Supervise trainers in the development of training modules and organise training;
• Organise and coordinate thematic planning meetings with media partners;
• Under the supervision of the Head of Mission, manage the respect of the contracts signed with the partners;
• Monitor closely the administrative and financial aspects of the project activities, including preparing requests for disbursement of funds related to the implementation of the project;
• Work closely with the authorities to ensure the smooth running of field activities;
• Ensure the achievement of objectives by monitoring the progress of performance indicators;
• Produce a monthly report on the progress of activities;
• Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of the project.

2021
ECO Consult GmbH & Co. KG

Digital Management Consultant

- Promote the results of the GIZ/ACCES project in social networks, i.e. the service aims, in a general sense, to disseminate the knowledge, experiences and materials of the ACCES+ project through FOPABU and project social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, web pages)
- Regularly promote climate change adaptation measures (MACC) on FOPABU and ACCES+ social media
- Ensure good visibility of the measures
- Manage reactions and questions about these publications.

2021
EUROPE Ltd

Advocacy & Communication Consultant

- Attend technical meetings to frame the needs of the consortia;
- Collect existing tools in the consortia for advocacy and institutional communication;
- Evaluate the capacities of the beneficiaries in terms of communication and advocacy;
- Present a first draft of the guide and its annexes to the TA;
- On the basis of this draft, organize a joint working session with the focal points of the three projects, as well as the Technical Assistant and the European Union Delegation (if applicable), in order to present the guide;
- Conduct a training of trainers
- Write a provisional final report and submit it to the Technical Assistant and then to the European Union Delegation for comments;
- Write a final report incorporating the comments.

2020-2021
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH Deutsche GesellschaftDeutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Global Communications Manager

- Conceptualizing, Planning and Implementing all the internal and external communication activities of GIZ Burundi :
o Publication of articles (information, success stories) on GIZ Burundi project activities and on the IDA Burundi web page;
o Publication of a weekly newsletter on current events in the Burundian media ;
o Development of communication products such as videos, films, PowerPoint presentations, etc. according to the Portfolio Management;
- Supporting the programs in their conceptualization, planning and implementation of internal and external communication activities; and
- Provide technical training to the Communication Focal Points within the projects;
- Support the Portfolio Management in the organization of common activities of GIZ Burundi (staff day, country planning, etc.).

2018-2020
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH Deutsche GesellschaftDeutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Executive Assistant to the Country Director, Communications & Digital Transformation Manager

- the conceptual and administrative support of the Director in the managerial tasks at the internal of the GIZ Burundi;
- the conceptual and administrative support of the Director in relationship management external (partner, donors, international and national organizations);
- daily administration and monthly planning of the activities of the Office of the Resident Director
- the representation of the Director in task forces and internal working groups of the GIZ Burundi;
- the conceptualization and publication of internal and external communication of GIZ Burundi (newsletter, intranet, manuals, digital presentations, messages Whatsapp / Twitter / video, speech);
- the Director's support for digital transformation in GIZ Burundi;
- the conceptualization and maintenance of the GIZ Burundi space on Microsoft Sharepoint / IDA;
- ensure the application of the regulations for the graphic design of the company within country office and programs
- planning, organization and documentation of managerial meetings and workshops and Internal and External Strategies of GIZ Burundi
- conceptualization, organization and implementation as well as coordinator of joint activities within the GIZ Burundi according to the annual planning (staff day, country planning etc.)
- planning and management of the agenda and the organization of the management of the DR.
- ensure good communication between the Management Board and GIZ programs Burundi
- conceptualization, planning and implementation of all activities of the internal and external communication of GIZ Burundi
- support programs in their conceptualization, planning and implementation of internal and external communication activities
- management of the mail box of GIZ Burundi and external requests
- preparation, management and follow-up of the official correspondence of the Management Board of GIZ Burundi

2015-2018
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH Deutsche GesellschaftDeutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Communications Expert

Drafting and implementation of internal and external communication strategy of GIZ/PAGGF
The Expert
- Is in charge of drafting the communication strategy GIZ/PAGGF and handles the internal validation of the strategy and with key partners and lessors;
- Develops and oversees the development of www.paggf.bi website with an open source content management system;
- Performs or supervises the project graphic: computer graphics, choice of logo, visibility;
- Prepares, distributes and services a variety of communication media;
- Develops and page quarterly newsletter for the project;
- Establishes and organizes the project archive: creates an archiving system, establish and update a file of documents available, provides tagging and storage of documents, ensure the proper maintenance of records and other project documents.
- Establishes and maintains an inventory of land partners, stakeholders in development cooperation, institutions, public authorities, etc.
- Realizes the organization and moderation of workshops, meetings and events of the project.
- Support to awareness raising and information

The Expert
- Prepares land experts with media outreach to populations;
- Prepares and disseminates spots and radio programs and informative display in public;
- Oversees the development of printed products, including translation into Kirundi messages to the population;
- Supervises any further action of visibility and awareness.

Link Media
The Expert
- Creates and maintains regular links with key national media: print, newspapers, television, radio etc. ;
- Informs and provides the information to the press and ensures the proper dissemination of the messages of the project to the media.

2013-2015
Oxfam Novib

Regional Media & Communications Officer

To contribute to developing and participate in delivering a strategic media and communications plan of Oxfam in the country/region to support advocacy and humanitarian programmes in the region
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
 To (lead and) co-ordinate the media & communication activities for Oxfam Novib activities related to the Peace Programme;
 To draft or prepare, on the basis of knowledge of relevant local and international trends and developments, the agreed OI media policy, specific media and communication products;
 Assist in identifying new media angles;
 To carry out OI media & communication activities related to humanitarian program including response and advocacy. Also to contribute to achieving quality, efficiency and impact of joint OI media and communication efforts in the region, taking into consideration potential OI brand risks;
 Assess and or draft press releases and statements for Oxfam Novib from a media perspective and in live with agreed OI policy;
 To strengthen via capacity building and information sharing the ability of OI counterparts to work effectively with the media;
 Review and check facts in policy and media documents produced by ON and other OI affiliates as needed;
 Proactively identify, meet, establish and cultivate relationships with key media contacts and compile and maintain contacts and general data bases in close coordination with others and act as a public spokesperson by liaising with media and other external parties and give interviews;
 To keep updated on the latest developments in the region related to the Peace Programme and development context and provide brief bi-weekly progress reports of the international and national media and advocacy work and others required;
 As needed provide accurate and timely minutes if ON and OI meetings;
 To ensure Peace Programme data, policy and media documents are achieved appropriately in an easily retrievable electronic and paper-based filing system.

2013-2014
Burundi GreenActs

Senior Environmental Planner-Freelance

« Burundi GreenActs» is an environmental channel promoting conservation and sustainable utilization of environmental and natural resources. It constitutes a team of experts, students and civil society groups which seek to support conservation of natural resources. We provide cost-effective projects and consultancy services that address issues of environmental management and provision of relevant and reliable geospatial information. « Burundi GreenActs» provides its clients with integrated geospatial solutions and data management services.

Our Vision
To be an excellent and responsive organisation that provides critical solutions to address the complex environmental problems that challenge the world
Our Mission
To conduct innovative research, implement development projects and provide quality education in the critical areas of environment and natural resources

2014
FAO

Senior Project Coordinator

IOC SmartFish is a regional fisheries programme managed by the Indian Ocean Commission, funded by the European Union and co-implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. IOC SmartFish, which operates in twenty countries throughout the Indian Ocean Region, Southern and Eastern Africa, focuses on fisheries governance, management, monitoring control and surveillance, trade, and food security.

The programme is implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in collaboration with the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East Africa Community (EAC) and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Other regional institutions involved include the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and regional fisheries management organizations, such as the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO), and the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA).

The specific objective of the contract is to “Support the implementation of activities under the Letter of Agreement between the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (“FAO”) under the Implementation of a Regional Strategy for the ESA-IO Project (GCP/RAF/466/EC) which is focused on “Involving fishing communities into the sustainable use of Lake Tanganyika’s living and non-living resources”. It will contribute to the two goals of the LTA FAO LOA:

A. Sensitization tools and knowledge for improved targeting of lake communities as well as national authorities for the enhanced implementation of the Lake Tanganyika Framework Fisheries Management Plan.
B. Contribution to the implementation of the Lake Tanganyika Framework Fisheries Management Plan fostered by sensitizing lake communities on conservation and management issues and supporting community projects aiming at sustainable use of the lake’s living and non-living resources.

2010-2012
UNOPS

Communication and Outreach Officer

- Develop and implement annual internal and external communication strategies for the various audiences of the project.
- Develop a strategy for regional environmental awareness raising activities.
- Provide external communications advice to the regional Project Coordination Unit (PCU) and the national Project Management Units (PMUs) of the UNDP/GEF Project, including audience identification, message identification, style, medium and timing.
- Ensure that external communication activities of PCU and PMUs are coordinated and documented.
- Facilitate further development and maintenance of the LTA Website.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of an online database and documentation centre for the LTA.
- Ensure an increase in the number and quality of media hits for the PCU and LTA, including production of advocacy materials, identification of publicity opportunities, preparation of press releases, production of media-friendly communication products (clear, compelling, attractive) for opportunistic events.
- Edit and proofread documents.
- Support the mobilization of staff and other resources to produce end-products.
- Support knowledge and information exchange activities with international partners, through IW: LEARN and other appropriate media.

2007-2012
IREX

Media Sustainability Consultant

By "sustainability" IREX refers to the ability of media to play its vital role as the "fourth estate." How sustainable is a media sector in the context of providing the public with useful, timely, and objective information? How well does it serve as a facilitator of public discussion? To measure this, the MSI assesses five "objectives" that shape a media system: freedom of speech, professional journalism, plurality of news, business management, and supporting institutions.

2009-2010
European Union Delegation to Burundi - ARCANE Project

Web Communication Manager

- Coordinate and support the Communications of Civil society in Burundi
- Develop and implement annual internal and external communication strategies for the various audiences of Civil society in Burundi
- Ensure an increase in the number and quality of media hits for Civil society in Burundi
- Production of advocacy materials for Civil society in Burundi
- Prepare of press releases, production of media-friendly communication products (clear, compelling, attractive) for opportunistic events of Civil society in Burundi
- Manage the website of Civil society in Burundi

2009
Panos Institute Great Lakes

Advocacy National Consultant

- Enhance a strategy of awareness in Human Rights,
- Analyze and observe of the audiovisual and written press productions on Human Rights issues,
- Establish an analysis of techniques and content of the media reporting

2008-2009
UNICEF

Advocacy and Social Mobilization Consultant

- Provide professionnal Advocacy and Social Mobilization support on Child Rights to the Ministry of Communication,
- Initiating and developping proposals and projects to bring about policy changes and resource allocations favorable to children in Parliament and other State institutions,
- Manage UNICEF Burundi website and support the Ministry's website,
- Ensure a favorable visibility of Children and Child issues on the official website of the Governement,
- Monitor the national print and broadcast media daily for content involving children and forward weekly reports and analyses to the Minister of Communication and UNICEF,
- Participate in Research, Studies, and Situation Analyses of the implementantion of Childs Rights,
- Participate in training and building the capacity of mass media professionnals, staff of the Ministries and State institutions, in Advocacy, Social Mobilization and Programme Communication for Child Rights,
- Prepare and submit budgets, budget and project reports in a timely manner,
- Participate actively in Advocacy, Social Mobilisation and Programme Communication activities of the UNICEF Communication Section.

2006-2008
National Council of Communication

Press Monitoring Officer

- Analyze and observe of the audiovisual and written press productions in Burundi,
- Manage the monitoring service of « WRITTEN PRESS OF BURUNDI»,
- Collect all information produced by 7 radios and 3 newspapers;
- Make a daily monitoring of news,
- Establish an analysis of techniques and content of the media reporting

2005-2006
Organisation des Médias d'Afrique Centrale - OMAC

Media Analyst

- promote free expression development in the region, contributing to the financial and technological independence of newspaper companies
- reinforce the cooperation and solidarity among media professionals on both a national, regional and international level.
- unite newspaper associations, press freedom groups, media executives and journalists of the Central African countries.
- organise the head office, situated in Bujumbura,
- coordinate all the focal points in his or her country. The Committee includes members from Chad, Cameroon, Burundi, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Rwanda.

2005
BONESHA FM

Senior Journalist

- Radio reports
- Presentation of newspapers in French and in the national language
- Analysis of the productions

2002-2004
Zoom Net

Editor Chief

- Coordinate the direction of Zoom Net with partners
- Daily radio reports
- Production of agency articles for publication
- Analysis of report productions

Skills

Communication for Development

95%

Knowledge Management

98%

Teamwork

100%

Public Relations

90%

Strategic Communications

100%

Social Media

90%

Research

92%

NGOs

95%

Project Management

90%

Editing

90%

Media Relations

88%

Press Releases

92%

Human Rights

98%

Communication marketing

98%

Capacity Building

92%

Community Development

96%

Strategic Public Relations Planning

85%

International Relations

94%

Project Coordination

98%

Presentation Skills

90%

Language Skills

French

100%

English

90%

Kirundi

100%

German

35%

Swahili

80%

Portfolio

My Works
Project 1

Project 1

Media
Media Project 2

Media Project 2

Media
Projet 3

Projet 3

Media
Project 4

Project 4

Media

Posts

My Diary

Contact

Get in Touch

+257-79 97 31 31

Bujumbura - Burundi, P.O. Box 7338

gashaka@gmail.com

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