About

Highly accomplished Communications and Public Relations professional with over 25 years of international experience, specializing in media relations, journalism, and climate change communications. Proven leader in developing and executing strategic communication initiatives, building strong international partnerships, and managing diverse teams to deliver high-impact results. Adept at public awareness campaigns, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement across complex global environments.

Work

National Designated Authority for the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund - Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
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Public Relations and Communications Officer

Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Summary

Led public relations and communications efforts for a national authority, driving public awareness and strategic dissemination of information on climate change and environmental issues.

Highlights

Developed, implemented, and refined comprehensive education and sensitization programs on climate change, significantly enhancing public awareness and engagement.

Directed the creation and distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, ensuring widespread dissemination of critical climate change impacts and solutions.

Managed proactive media relations, securing timely coverage for major events, developing impactful website content, and producing accurate public relations materials to maximize organizational publicity.

Facilitated the development and provided technical leadership for the National Designated Authority’s (NDA) Communications Strategy in 2018, establishing a foundational framework for national climate communication.

Pan African News Agency (PANAPRESS)
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Senior Correspondent for Southern Africa

Dakar, Dakar Region, Senegal

Summary

Reported news and monitored regional coverage across Southern Africa, ensuring comprehensive journalistic representation for PANAPRESS.

Highlights

Provided in-depth news reporting and analysis for the Southern African region, contributing to the agency's comprehensive global coverage.

Monitored and evaluated news coverage from a network of regional correspondents, ensuring content quality, accuracy, and adherence to editorial standards.

Maintained strong regional coverage during a period of organizational restructuring, adapting to new operational models while sustaining journalistic output.

Pan African News Agency (PANAPRESS)
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Bureau Chief for Southern Africa

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Established, led, and managed the Southern Africa bureau, overseeing regional news coverage and aligning operations with the agency's strategic direction.

Highlights

Successfully established and managed the Southern Africa bureau, reporting directly to the Director General, ensuring effective regional operations and strategic alignment.

Directed and oversaw comprehensive news coverage across the Southern African region, enhancing content quality and regional relevance for subscribers and clients.

Developed and executed long-term strategic plans that aligned bureau activities with the agency's overarching mission and objectives.

Led and mentored a diverse team of reporters, fostering high-performance and ensuring consistent, high-quality news output.

Pioneered as the first and only woman appointed to lead a regional office within PANAPRESS, demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact.

Pan African News Agency (PANAPRESS)
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Head of Lusaka National Office

Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Summary

Established and managed the Lusaka National Office, aligning local operations with PANAPRESS's strategic mission and expanding news distribution.

Highlights

Successfully established, led, and managed the national head office, ensuring operational efficiency and strategic alignment with agency goals.

Negotiated a pivotal agreement with the Zambian News Agency to redistribute PANA's news in Zambia, significantly expanding the agency's national reach and influence.

Promoted to establish the Johannesburg office in 2002, a testament to strong leadership and successful office management.

Associated Press (AP)
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Stringer (Freelance Journalist)

Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Summary

Contributed timely and accurate news reports as a freelance journalist for Associated Press, supporting global news dissemination.

Highlights

Produced high-quality news reports on diverse topics as a freelance journalist, meeting strict deadlines and contributing to AP's international coverage.

Developed and maintained a network of local contacts to source exclusive stories and provide unique insights for global audiences.

Panapress (Pan African News Agency)
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Senior Full Time Correspondent

Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Summary

Served as a Senior Full-Time Correspondent, covering diverse news stories and contributing to regional reporting for PANAPRESS.

Highlights

Authored and submitted comprehensive news articles and reports, ensuring timely and accurate coverage of key events and developments.

Collaborated with editorial teams to refine story angles and content, contributing to the overall quality and impact of published news.

Managed multiple reporting assignments simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines in a fast-paced news environment.

Palesa News Agency
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Reporter

Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Summary

Generated news content and reports as a Reporter for Palesa News Agency.

Highlights

Conducted interviews and gathered information to produce accurate and engaging news stories for various platforms.

Researched and verified facts, ensuring the integrity and credibility of all reported content.

Education

Mulungushi University
Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Master of Arts

Media and Corporate Communications

The Zambia Catholic University
Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Bachelor's Degree

Mass Communication

Africa Literature Centre
Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Diploma

Journalism

Mildred Mulenga

Public Relations and Communications Leader | Senior Journalist
Lusaka, ZM.

Publications

Various Articles

Published by

New York Times

Summary

Authored various articles published in the New York Times, contributing to international news coverage during my extensive journalism career.

Various Articles

Published by

Associated Press

Summary

Contributed numerous articles to the Associated Press, providing comprehensive news reports and analyses throughout my journalism career.

Languages

English

Certificates

Certificate in Project Management for Climate Change

Issued By

University of Zambia

Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Projects

Issued By

University of Zambia

Certificate in Developing Concept Notes for the Green Climate Fund

Issued By

Climate Technology Centre & Network

Certificate in Project Proposal Development

Issued By

University of Zambia

Certificate in Journalism Writing

Issued By

US Information Service

Certificate in Environmental Reporting

Issued By

Commonwealth Press Union

Skills

Expertise

Communication and Journalism, Media Business and Management, Resource Management, Controlling Information, Media Communication, Public Speaking, Project Management, Administration, Customer Service, Relationship Management, Stakeholder Management, Report Writing, Leadership & Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Cross-cultural Communication, Negotiation, Partnership Building, Public Relations, Environmental Reporting, Climate Change Communication, Microsoft Office Suite.

References

Mr. Francis Mpampi

Former National Coordinator (NDA) - Contact information available upon request.

Mr. Embokem Fomenky

Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief (PANAPRESS) - Contact information available upon request.

Mr. Hyde Haguta

Media Consultant - Contact information available upon request.

Projects

International Climate Change Journalism Training (COP 26)

Summary

Collaborated with global media partners and served as a trainer for the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), developing and delivering reporting tips to international journalists.

UNFCCC Media Fellowship & Training Program

Summary

Participated in and contributed to UNFCCC media training workshops for journalists from developing countries, enhancing their understanding of climate change negotiations and specific issues.

Mildred Mulenga