Global communications
Rebecca's story
Rebecca is a global communications strategist with excellent project management and team leadership skills honed during more than 18 years in the international development/NGO, private and public sectors. She displays a passion for issues-based campaigns including education, social justice and sustainability. She has worked at some of the world's leading communications and marketing consultancies and has won international awards in East Africa, Europe and North America for media and public relations, digital and events. Innovative, passionate and with an ability to get the job done, no matter how challenging the situation.
British and Canadian, she speaks English, French, and Spanish and has worked and adventured across Europe, East Africa, the Americas, the Middle East and Australasia. Most recently, she was a senior engagement specialist for the world's largest women's rights movement and the global communications advisor for a peacebuilding NGO, across the Horn of Africa. Prior to this, she was a communications specialist at UNICEF's HQ, responsible for global campaigns, learning and training, and the lead digital communications specialist at the International Bureau of Education - UNESCO, both in Switzerland. Beforehand, she was based in Kenya and Uganda implementing education and healthcare projects, including winning Startup Weekend Global Award 2016 (out of 49 countries) to empower young entrepreneurs to develop technology solutions for the most pressing education challenges.
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She holds a MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of London, a BA in Modern Languages and an advanced Certificate in Marketing (Chartered Institute of Marketing). Fervent about education, she's also a qualified English teacher (CELTA).
Beyond work, a mother and an avid outdoor enthusiast, Rebecca has climbed peaks in five continents, bikes 100 km at the weekends and runs half marathons. A dedicated volunteer for over 20 years including being a DJ at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, taking disabled people hiking, tutoring in a Bolivian orphanage where she set up a global sponsorship programme and teaching special needs' children arts.
Tools
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Strategy and implementation
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Media and public relations
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Digital
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Branding and marketing
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Partnerships
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Stakeholder engagement
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Government and community relations
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Crisis and risk communications
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Project management
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Recruitment and mentorship
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Training and capacity building
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Events
"As you know Rebecca is leading the Children's Food Trust team to help revolutionise school meals and has used her creative skills and outstanding media relations to make sure it is at the forefront of the debate. Rebecca was part of the team that won the pitch against stiff competition last year and is now charged with making our ideas a reality. Rebecca has shown great commitment to the account."
Laura Oliphant, Managing Director, Geronimo Communications, England
"Thanks so much for your important contribution to two really important projects, it is much appreciated. The field we work in is not large and I do hope our paths cross again. I look forward to it."
Lars Smith, Managing Director, Camara Education Limited, East Africa
"Thank you so much, Rebecca. It was wonderful to work with you and I wish you much success."
Pierre Ouillet, Vice-Provost and CFO, University of California
"Rebecca, thank you so much for your help and bloody hard work. I've really appreciated your project management and outstanding PR results over the past couple of years."
Vanessa Clarke, Communications Director, Edge Foundation, England
"Thanks for your cordial working relationship and for training so many thousands of teachers."
Cecilia Wakahiu, Head, National ICT Innovation and Integration, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Kenya
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"Thanks for the invaluable contributions you made while at the IBE-UNESCO."
Dr. Mmantsetsa Marope, Director, International Bureau of Education-UNESCO, Switzerland
"She's an approachable leader, shows genuine concern for development, and there is a lot to learn from her expertise.”
Eudora Koh, Account Executive, Grey Worldwide, Canada
"Dear Rebecca, many thanks for all your help this year. All the best for the new year."
Carla and Paul, BBC Breakfast, England
"You are a valued member of our senior management team. You are creating a culture where campaigns are planned, measured and evaluated. I appreciate your passion and enthusiasm."
Debbie Harvie, Managing Director, University of British Columbia, Canada
"I truly appreciate your support. I don't know what I would have done without you. I was stressed, anxious and confused. You have become my role model. I admire the way you work."
Lynn Tansy, training coordinator, Camara Education Limited, Kenya
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"If you ever thought your work doesn't get noticed, take a look at this message regarding your quick action around the oil crisis. To be honest, I've never seen executives at a $12 billion company tied into the PR effort. Keep up the good work!"
Patrick McAvoy, VP, Brodeur Worldwide, Europe
"You've done such an outstanding job!"
Daniel Kessler, Communications Director, Living Goods, East Africa