Akem Olives Nkwain
Communication Specialist
Yaoundé
Summary
Accomplished Communications Officer with 8 years of experience in leading effective media relations, content development, and strategic campaigns for not-for-profits and non-governmental organizations. Passionate about using media relations and communication tools to advocate for social justice and support organizational missions.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
Fair Planet
Berlin
12.2022 - Current
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for Internet and digital channels on environmental justice in Cameroon to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Propose features on climate change mitigation in Cameroon.
- Enhanced the publication's reputation by consistently delivering high-quality, well-researched articles on various topics.
- Utilized social media channels to promote articles and interact with readers, increasing online engagement rates.
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
Gavi - The Vaccine Alliance
Bamenda, Cameroon
09.2022 - Current
- Covered and reported on immunization improvement in hard-to-reach communities in Cameroon.
- Negotiated access to high-profile interviews, providing readers with unique perspectives on various topics.
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for Internet and digital channels on global health and immunization.
- Developed story ideas and conducted interviews with industry experts and celebrities.
- Evaluated and followed up on news leads and news tips to develop story ideas.
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
Aljazeera Journalism Review
03.2022 - Current
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for Internet and digital channels affecting the life of journalists in Cameroon for Al Jazeera Journalism Review - a journalism magazine of the Al Jazeera Media Institute.
- Collaborated with editors and other journalists to create compelling content.
- Crafted detailed investigative pieces that shed light on local government actions, promoting transparency and accountability in the African sub-region for coverage to Al Jazeera English.
- Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE - COSMO USAID FUNDED PROJECECT
National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC)
Yaoundé, Centre
4 2023 - Current
- Worked under direction of communications lead and assisted in proactively generating communication to build and reinforce communication strategies.
- Trained 250 staff across from 26 CBOs in Cameroon on success story writing
- Produced advocacy and communication materials (e.g. briefing notes, images, video. Web pages etc.)
- Handled day-to-day communication and collaboration activities related to key initiatives/programs in the organization.
- Drafted compelling press releases, articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy information for both web-based and traditional media, to generate positive media coverage for the organization.
- Established and maintained an up-to-date documentation hub for communication materials including publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audiovisual materials, and web resources.
- Prepared or edited organizational publications such as employee newsletters or stockholder reports for internal or external audiences.
- Maintained close collaboration with USAID Communication Specialists and other donor staff for effective overall coordination.
- Maintained and updated media relations contact list/database. Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to local and international media.
- Implemented communications process to educate, motivate and align employees via consistent messaging and timing..
- Took photographs and videos during special events for promotional materials and social media pages.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
- Facilitated press conferences and other outreach events to raise visibility of organization.
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits.
- Boosted social media engagement with consistent and creative content creation.
Communications Officer
Non Communicable Disease and Control Program - CBC
12.2022 - 03.2023
- Oversaw production of annual reports, highlighting the program's achievements on the fight against NCDs in Cameroon.
- Facilitated workshops for staff on effective communication technique and success story writing
- Prepared or exited program's publications such as employee newsletters or stockholder reports for internal or external audiences.
- Used various social media platforms for media and blogger outreach.
- Conducted field trips to track and collect success stories from communities.
Communications Officer
CBC Health Services' Inclusive Education CoP
Bamenda, North-West Region
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and materials.
- Trained staff on effective communication techniques, fostering a cohesive team within Community of Practice (CoP)
- Improved internal communications with introduction of monthly newsletter.
- Oversaw production of annual reports, highlighting CoP's achievements in promoting inclusive education.
- Took photographs and videos during special events for promotional materials and social media pages.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
COMMUNICATION LEAD
Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services
Bamenda, Cameroon, North-West Region
02.2018 - 03.2023
- Crafted press releases, newsletters, blog posts, whitepapers, and other collateral materials that effectively conveyed complex information in an accessible manner.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information supporting the organization's work, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits.
- Prepared or edited organizational publications such as employee newsletters or stockholder reports for internal or external audiences.
- Used various social media platforms for media and blogger outreach.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
- Strengthened team productivity with effective project management and clear communication guidelines.
- Coordinated workshops, conferences, and speaking engagements to the organization's work among target audiences.
- Managed media relations for organizations to produce successful results.
Education
Master of Science - Specialized in media and cross-cultural communication
University of Bamenda
Bamenda, Cameroon 11.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communication and the Science of Information and Communication Technology
Advanced School of Mass Communication, University of Yaoundé II
Yaoundé, CE 10.2014 - 12.2017
Skills
Websitesandsocialmedialinks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akemnkwain-239435b4,
https://twitter.com/akem_nkwain,
https://institute.aljazeera.net/en/ajr/article/2273,
https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/navigating-rough-waters-rural-doctor-goes-extra-mile-reach-zero-dose-children, https://www.fairplanet.org/story/how-young-cameroonians-tackle-waste-pollution/
Personal Information
Driving License: B
References
- NINA MONTAGU-SMITH, Al Jazeera Media Institute, Smithn@aljazeera.net
- COMFORT MUSSA, CBM International, +237676574919, commyngabir@gmail.com
- KOJO BAFFOE, Gavi-The Vaccine Alliance, kojobaffoe@gmail.com/gavi@zebraculture.com
Timeline
Communications Officer
Non Communicable Disease and Control Program - CBC
12.2022 - 03.2023
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
Fair Planet
12.2022 - Current
Communications Officer
CBC Health Services' Inclusive Education CoP
10.2022 - 03.2023
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
Gavi - The Vaccine Alliance
09.2022 - Current
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
Aljazeera Journalism Review
03.2022 - Current
Master of Science - Specialized in media and cross-cultural communication
University of Bamenda
11.2021 - Current
COMMUNICATION LEAD
Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services
02.2018 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communication and the Science of Information and Communication Technology
Advanced School of Mass Communication, University of Yaoundé II
10.2014 - 12.2017
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE - COSMO USAID FUNDED PROJECECT
National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC)
4 2023 - Current
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