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
Strategic Communication Planning
Content Creation and Storytelling
Media Relations and Press Release Writing
Copywriting and Editing
Graphic Design and Multimedia Production
Social Media Management
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Corporate and Internal Communication
Active Listening and Empathy
Verbal and Written Communication
Adaptability and Flexibility
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
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