MKOTAMA KATENGA KAUNDA
Blantyre, Malawi,BL
Summary
Dynamic Content Writer and Media Officer with a proven track record at the Organization for Minorities in India, enhancing engagement through compelling storytelling and strategic content management. Expert in social media analytics and performance monitoring, coupled with exceptional communication skills, I've significantly boosted ROI and fostered community discussions on critical issues.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Content Writer
Organization for Minorities in India
California
02.2021 - 09.2021
- Developed and wrote clear, engaging, and content for websites, social media, and email campaigns
- Edited and proofread content to ensure grammatical accuracy, consistency, and adherence to tone and style guidelines
- Monitored content performance through analytics tools and refined strategies to boost engagement and ROI
- Collaborated with graphic designers and other creatives to produce multimedia content
- An NGO established in 2007 to campaign for minority rights in India
Research Assistant
Company Name
Phalombe
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Translated research materials between English and Chichewa for rural participants
- Conducted data collection through interviews, focus groups, and photovoice workshops
- Prepared and organized data for analysis
- Co-authored a published article on ethical research practices
Media and Advocacy Officer
MBAULA
Blantyre, Malawi
03.2016 - 08.2018
- Manage MBAULA's communication strategies, website, and social media platforms.
- Create and share content, including stories and updates on Malawi's cookstove sector.
- Organize campaigns, handling media like photography and event coverage.
- Publish newsletters and donor reports, tracking advocacy and social media results.
Research Assistant
African Centre of Communication for Development
Zomba
03.2014 - 08.2016
- Developed research questions for a Liverpool-Wellcome Trust-funded project.
- Facilitated community discussions on health and behavior change.
- Supported community empowerment and resilience-building efforts.
- Collected data through focus groups, interviews, and participatory methods.
- Co-authored the final evaluation report, including data analysis.
Education
Master of Arts - International Relations
University of Portsmouth
03.2023
Bachelor of Science - International Studies
The Open University
07.2014
Skills
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
I have developed strong critical analysis skills through my academic background and extensive involvement in research projects This expertise enables me to extract valuable insights from both qualitative and quantitative data, allowing me to craft compelling narratives and articles that effectively communicate key findings and perspectives
ADAPTABLE WRITING EXPERTISE
I have honed versatile writing skills through my diverse experiences, enabling me to produce high-quality work across various fields I have written extensively on topics such as politics and international affairs have developed the ability to adapt my writing to suit a wide range of subjects and audiences
Skills/Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Content creation and storytelling
- Public relations and media management
- Speech-writing and press release drafting
- Editing and proofreading
- Content Creation skills
- Social media management
- Website content management
- Analytics and performance monitoring
- Email marketing
Accomplishments
- Led Nationwide Advocacy Movement: Co-led a campaign against the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Malawi, mobilizing citizens via WhatsApp and achieving a landmark court ruling to halt its installation.
- Developed Civic Education Program: Designed a youth-focused program for United Purpose to combat deforestation and promote improved cookstove adoption.
- Created Sector-Focused Magazine: Authored and curated content showcasing Malawi's cookstove sector, gathering stories nationwide for a publication distributed to key stakeholders.
PUBLICATIONS
De(coloniality) and voice in research from/in the ‘South’: reflections from field experiences using a participant-centred methodology
Critical African Studies
M.I. Kamlongera/M. Katenga-Kaunda
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21681392.2024.2433947
Researchers’ reflections on ethics of care as decolonial research practice: understanding Indigenous knowledge communication systems to navigate moments of ethical tension in rural Malawi
Research Ethics
M.I. Kamlongera/M. Katenga-Kaunda
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17470161231169484#con2
An insider's guide to Blantyre: 'Cheaper than New York, cleaner than London
The Guardian
M. Katenga-Kaunda
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/feb/29/insiders-guide-blantyre-malawi-cheaper-new-york-cleaner-london
Volunteer Experience
I wrote analytical articles for the International Association for Political Science Students in a blog titled "A Different View." The articles had the potential of reaching an audience of 120,000 members from 77 countries. Authors were encouraged to critically analyse world events using leading theories in international relations.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Content Writer
Organization for Minorities in India
02.2021 - 09.2021
Research Assistant
Company Name
01.2019 - 07.2019
Media and Advocacy Officer
MBAULA
03.2016 - 08.2018
Research Assistant
African Centre of Communication for Development
03.2014 - 08.2016
Master of Arts - International Relations
University of Portsmouth
Bachelor of Science - International Studies
The Open University
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