ASSA BANDA
Bath,Zambia
Summary
Experienced professional specializing in international relations, diplomatic protocol, and strategic leadership. Skilled in facilitating high-level interactions, fostering cross-sector collaborations, and ensuring compliance with established protocols. Known for strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, I excel at leading initiatives that promote effective partnerships and drive impactful outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
International Relations/Protocol Officer
Zambia Correctional Service
Lusaka, Zambia
02.2020 - 12.2024
- Played a pivotal role in the Joint Permanent Commission between Zambia and Tanzania, leading negotiations for prisoner transfers
- Facilitated logistics for high-level delegations, including visa issuance and event coordination, ensuring adherence to diplomatic protocols
- Organized high-profile events such as a Presidential visit to Lusaka Central Prison and coordinated Commissioner General engagements, showcasing meticulous planning and strategic oversight
- Built and maintained networks with stakeholders, including immigration, customs officials, and consular representatives, ensuring seamless execution of international engagements
- Organised the successful visit of the President to Lusaka Central Prison, going above and beyond in budget management and collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State House, demonstrating organizational prowess in high-profile events
Executive Director
Smile Foundation Zambia
Lusaka
01.2019 - 12.2024
- Lead the organization's strategic planning and execution, focusing on advancing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) for marginalized young women and girls in underserved areas
- Oversee all facets of operations, including program development, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks
- Directed the organization's first project at the Home of Happiness, providing essential cleaning, organizing, and health support for children with disabilities
- Initiated outreach programs to elderly care homes, engaging in cleaning, organizing, and distributing basic necessities to improve residents' quality of life
- Secured a grant to provide menstrual health support to over 100 women and girls in prisons and underserved communities, reducing period poverty by 45%
- Recruited, trained, and managed a team of volunteers and staff, emphasizing safeguarding practices and professional development
Mandela Washington Fellow/Intern
Population Action International
Washington, USA
07.2022 - 08.2022
- Conducted analysis of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Family Planning (FP), and Primary Health Care (PHC) advocacy strategies, providing actionable recommendations for civil society integration
- Collaborated with partners to evaluate advocacy strategies, identifying best practices and lessons learned to inform future initiatives
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings and produced detailed reports, enhancing communication and coordination within advocacy networks
- Assessed existing literature on advocacy strategy frameworks for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) aiming to integrate family planning into UHC and PHC
- Provided well-considered recommendations to enhance these integration efforts
- Played a pivotal role in organizing a variety of meetings with PAI partners, facilitating discussions, and subsequently compiling informative reports derived from the shared information
Administrative Assistant
Mwembeshi Open Air/Maximum Prisons - Zambia Correctional Service
Lusaka
07.2013 - 02.2019
- Provided administrative and logistical support, managing staff and volunteer records to ensure operational compliance
- Developed work plans, reports, and documentation, advancing organizational goals with a focus on precision and efficiency
- Acted as HIV Coordinator, facilitating access to healthcare information for vulnerable populations
- Organized appointments and meetings, fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Education
MSc. - International Development
University of Bath
09.2024 - 09.2025
Certificate in Civic Engagement - undefined
Rutgers University
06.2022 - 07.2022
M.A. - International Relations
Mulungushi University
08.2021 - 12.2024
B.A. - International Relations
Mulungushi University
08.2014 - 12.2019
Certificate in Diplomatic Practice, Protocol, and Public Relations - undefined
Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (ZIDIS)
07.2019 - 09.2019
Certificate in Criminal Justice and Prison Studies - undefined
Bothwell Imakando Staff Training College
08.2012 - 07.2012
Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Critical thinking abilities
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Strong Adaptability skills
- Networking Skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Proficient in computer literacy
- Strong Time Management capabilities
- Strong organizational skills
- Self-motivated
- Results-oriented
- Collaborative team player
Accomplishments
- Chevening Scholarship Award- 2024/2025
- Mandela Washington Fellowship – Rutgers University, Civic Leadership Engagement, 2022
- 9th African Conference on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights – Nairobi, Kenya, 2020
- SAT Leading Change Youth Fellowship , 2022
Timeline
MSc. - International Development
University of Bath
09.2024 - 09.2025
Mandela Washington Fellow/Intern
Population Action International
07.2022 - 08.2022
Certificate in Civic Engagement - undefined
Rutgers University
06.2022 - 07.2022
M.A. - International Relations
Mulungushi University
08.2021 - 12.2024
International Relations/Protocol Officer
Zambia Correctional Service
02.2020 - 12.2024
Certificate in Diplomatic Practice, Protocol, and Public Relations - undefined
Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (ZIDIS)
07.2019 - 09.2019
Executive Director
Smile Foundation Zambia
01.2019 - 12.2024
B.A. - International Relations
Mulungushi University
08.2014 - 12.2019
Administrative Assistant
Mwembeshi Open Air/Maximum Prisons - Zambia Correctional Service
07.2013 - 02.2019
Certificate in Criminal Justice and Prison Studies - undefined
Bothwell Imakando Staff Training College
08.2012 - 07.2012
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