GIFT KATUTA
Communications Specialist
Lusaka
Summary
I am a Mass Communications graduate from the University of Zambia with more than four-year experience in advocacy, media, and strategic communications across both humanitarian, and development sectors. I am skilled in creating content and compelling narratives that drive action and visibility. I have proven success in leading communication strategies, managing multimedia content, and engaging digital platforms to enhance institutional reputation. I bring creativity, clarity, and strategic insight to every initiative.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Media and Communications Coordinator
Save the Children International
Lusaka
01.2026 - Current
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications and media engagement plans in line with the 2025 - 2027 Save the Children's Country Strategy to enhance visibility, brand positioning, advocacy, and fundraising objectives.
- Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies aligned with the Save the Children's 5 priority areas of education, health and nutrition, child protection, child poverty and climate resilience, and child rights governance.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with 25 national and local media; manage media inquiries, draft press releases, and coordinate media events and interviews.
- Produce high-quality written and visual content including human-interest stories, case studies, reports, photography, and video content in compliance with safeguarding standards for all the Save the Children's 14 project.
- Manage 5 digital platforms, including social media and website content; design and implement digital campaigns and monitor performance analytics to improve reach and engagement.
- Strengthen internal communications through development of newsletters, staff updates, and cross-departmental information sharing mechanisms.
- Lead communications during emergencies, coordinating messaging with regional and global teams to ensure timely and consistent public information.
- Ensure compliance with organizational brand guidelines and provide branding guidance and support to staff and partners.
- Integrating child safeguarding principles into all communications activities, ensuring ethical storytelling and responsible representation of children and communities.
Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media Manager
SAVE THE CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL
Lusaka
11.2024 - 01.2026
- Spearheaded the design and execution of Save the Children Zambia Country Office communication and advocacy campaigns to ensure that social services are child sensitive.
- Produced and oversaw diverse communication products including impact stories, multimedia reports, project briefs, capacity statements, infographics, and newsletters.
- Led media relations and Save the Children Zambia Social Media platforms including the website, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
- Provided capacity building and mentorship to program staff on effective storytelling, basic photography, and communication ethics.
- Developed advocacy materials including position papers, policy briefs, communiques to influence decision-making.
- Coordinated donor visibility initiatives and media coverage to amplify community voices.
- Ensured that Save the Children International Country Office communications and branding material follow the Save the Children global branding guidelines.
- Supported resource mobilization by producing the materials needed including PowerPoint Presentations and infographics.
- Prepared senior staff members for media appearances for brand advancement and influencing decision making.
Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
CARE INTERNATIONAL IN ZAMBIA
Lusaka
01.2022 - 10.2044
- Designed and implemented integrated communication and advocacy strategy for CARE Zambia between 2022-2024.
- Documented human-interest stories and best practices across 4 thematic areas of climate and agriculture, health and nutrition, emergency preparedness and response and education and empowerment to demonstrate measurable impact.
- Coordinated strategic events, media engagements, and press briefings.
- Developed communication tools and knowledge products including capacity statements for all the four thematic areas as well as success stories, fact sheets and project briefs for 16 projects.
- Strengthened digital communication systems through management of 2 main social media platforms of Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Facilitated media training and storytelling workshops for staff and partners.
- Supported cross-project advocacy and donor communication.
Product Assistant Designer
KEDA CERAMICS ZAMBIA LTD
Lusaka
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Designed innovative ceramic patterns using creative visual concepts.
- Contributed to product presentation and marketing materials.
- Collaborated with design teams to ensure precision and customer satisfaction.
Newspaper Designer & Digital Media Manager
TECHWATCH NEWSPAPER COMPANY
Lusaka
01.2020 - 01.2020
- Designed newspaper layouts and ensured print/digital coherence.
- Created engaging adverts and promotional graphics for clients.
- Managed social media platforms, curating timely news updates.
News Reporter, Editor & On-Air Presenter
UNZA RADIO/LUSAKA STAR ONLINE NEWSPAPER
Lusaka
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Reported and edited news stories for broadcast and online dissemination.
- Produced and presented a radio program 'Reggae Vibrations' featuring top Zambian artists.
- Edited audio clips and coordinating newsroom operations.
- Built foundational skills in storytelling and audience engagement.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Management Strategy
The University of Zambia
Lusaka - Zambia 03-2026
Bachelor of Mass Communication - Development Studies
The University of Zambia
Lusaka - Zambia 01-2020
Skills
Strategic Communication & Advocacy Planning
Digital Media & Online Presence Management
High-Quality Content Production (Stories, Infographics, Briefs, Newsletters)
Branding, Public Relations & Media Engagement
Storytelling, Editing & Copywriting
Graphic Design & Layout (Canva, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premier Pro and Lightroom)
Photography, Videography & Visual Storytelling
Stakeholder & Donor Engagement
Event Coordination & Visibility Campaigns
Certification
Basic ICT Skills – University of Zambia (2018)
Timeline
Media and Communications Coordinator
Save the Children International
01.2026 - Current
Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media Manager
SAVE THE CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL
11.2024 - 01.2026
Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
CARE INTERNATIONAL IN ZAMBIA
01.2022 - 10.2044
Product Assistant Designer
KEDA CERAMICS ZAMBIA LTD
01.2021 - 01.2021
Newspaper Designer & Digital Media Manager
TECHWATCH NEWSPAPER COMPANY
01.2020 - 01.2020
News Reporter, Editor & On-Air Presenter
UNZA RADIO/LUSAKA STAR ONLINE NEWSPAPER
01.2017 - 01.2019
Master of Business Administration - Management Strategy
The University of Zambia
Bachelor of Mass Communication - Development Studies
The University of Zambia