ABIGAIL ALANDE
Nairobi
Summary
Adaptable and results-driven leader with experience in public policy, international trade, political affairs, stakeholder engagement, and digital transformation. Recognized for delivering high-quality policy analysis, shaping strategic initiatives, and leading cross-functional teams in complex, high-stakes environments. Skilled in government-to-government and government-to-business relations, partnership development, and strengthening institutional impact through research, communications, and capacity building. Passionate about leveraging the intersection of business, media, and politics to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Economic and Commercial Affairs Attaché
Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs-Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
10.2023 - 01.2024
- Drafted and reviewed a total of 18 Bilateral Trade Agreements, Technical and Economic Cooperation Agreements, and Note Verbales across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Developed strong skills in political judgment through engaging with Government to Government (G2G) and Government to Business (G2B) relations, showcasing a keen interest in collaborating with political stakeholders.
- Provided analysis and input on various regional and international legal texts within trading frameworks such as World Trade Organization, East African Community(EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Partnership Agreements (EAC-EU and UK), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted trade and economic data from diverse sources, producing insightful reports. Conducted research on activities conducted by regional economic bodies, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
- Prepared 3 technical papers/briefs on economic and commercial matters, along with crafting talking notes and presentations to effectively communicate complex economic issues.
- Assisted in organizing 5 international meetings, conferences, business forums, and seminars to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Proactively followed up on 15 trade/economic related matters with the private sector and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s), ensuring seamless coordination and communication channels for effective outcomes.
Claims Assistant
Africa Reinsurance Corporation
Nairobi, Kenya
04.2023 - 09.2023
- Assisted in managing a portfolio of 300+ medical and motor insurance claims from various insurance companies across the Sub-Saharan African region, ensuring timely processing and settlement.
- Facilitated efficient communication and coordinated claims payments with over 40 companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring smooth operations and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Tracked project risks and opportunities, maintaining an up-to-date database to communicate insights effectively within the organization.
- Achieved a 95% success rate in managing cash call credit refunds, salvages and subrogations, showcasing strong financial acumen and attention to detail.
- Organized and assisted in facilitating weekly project team meetings, ensuring seamless coordination and documentation for effective project management.
Development Coordinator
Girls Aloud Global
United Kingdom, Ireland, North America
06.2020 - 02.2022
- Created and implemented personal development curricula, workshops, and learning materials for approximately 100 young women in 3 nations, fostering their growth in youth leadership using faith-based strategies.
- Offered mentorship and coaching to 22 women in youth leadership, dedicating over 100 hours to helping them reach their goals.
- Maintained a proven track record in thought leadership, leading teams of highly motivated individuals and focusing on talent development.
- Guided a diverse international network, resulting in enhanced reporting, communication and project management skills.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, fortifying the organization’s impact through strong relationships and positive experiences.
- Organized virtual team meetings and developed strategic approaches to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Onboarded new team members successfully through orientation and comprehensive training programs.
Fundraising and Communications Intern
NationsOrg
Lyon, France
03.2021 - 04.2021
- Orchestrated stakeholder engagements and utilized crowding platforms and social media to secure sponsorships and partnerships achieving a 60% success rate. These efforts expanded the organization’s presence in Europe and North America.
- Crafted engaging digital content that boosted social media engagement by 40% and spearheaded the relaunch of the organization’s website, catering to a global audience of 136,000 followers on Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Conducted market research, data analysis and copywriting to bolster the development of fundraising and recruitment strategies, leading to a 70% surge in volunteer and intern recruitment.
- Utilized media tracking tools and performed a SWOT analysis to support the organization in meeting its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to user engagement.
Ambassador and Strategy Volunteer
Global Purpose Enterprise
London, United Kingdom
05.2020 - 03.2021
- Assisted in programme managing virtual events for mentees and Black Youth aged between 17-25, contributing to youth development and coordinating networks of the organization.
- Provided strategic counsel on funding, organizational structure, and vision mapping, securing collaborations and sponsorships with companies like EY, LinkedIn, and SOHO House.
- Assisted in managing and curating programs such as Back to School Events, Talent Development Initiatives, Summer Social Media Events for the youth.
- Implemented successful growth strategies, resulting in a 50% increase in organization size and a 90% increase in mentees by February 2021.
- Advanced effective sales strategies that reached a wider customer audience in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, resulting in multiple sold-out events for under-25 Black Youth.
Education
Bachelor's (Honors) - Political Science and International Relations, Minor in Communications and Media Studies
Carleton University
Ottawa, OntarioSkills
- Excellent Organization skills
- Excellent teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Exceptional leadership skills and ability to lead large and small teams
- Proficient in MacOs, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint), Android, Web Systems and Adobe Creative Cloud
- Experience working with international partners and stakeholders in the public and private sectors
- Strong analytical, evaluative and creative problem solving abilities
- Ability to think strategically and translate ideas into action
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Self-motivated and highly adaptable
- Proven successful implementation of strategies for audience growth
- Strong relationship management skills especially in inclusive & diverse spaces
Certification
- Digital Marketing Certificate - HubSpot Academy, Virtual
- Google Project Management Certificate - Google and Coursera, Virtual
- Corporate Social Responsibility - International Trade Centre
- Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Associate - Microsoft and Coursera
- Fundamentals of Journalism - NBCU Academy
- Business Foundations Specialization - University of Pennsylvania
- Leadership and Communication - Harvard University
- Corporate Communication Strategy - London School of Economics
- Strategic Communications - King’s College London
- Global Diplomacy: Diplomacy in the Modern World - University of London and SOAS University of London
LANGUAGES
English (Proficient)
Swahili (Intermediate)
Spanish (Basic)
French (Basic)
Italian (Basic)
Timeline
Economic and Commercial Affairs Attaché
Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs-Kenya
10.2023 - 01.2024
Claims Assistant
Africa Reinsurance Corporation
04.2023 - 09.2023
Fundraising and Communications Intern
NationsOrg
03.2021 - 04.2021
Development Coordinator
Girls Aloud Global
06.2020 - 02.2022
Ambassador and Strategy Volunteer
Global Purpose Enterprise
05.2020 - 03.2021
Bachelor's (Honors) - Political Science and International Relations, Minor in Communications and Media Studies
Carleton University