Hello! I'm Nelly Furaha Kininga, a dedicated communications professional with over 6 years in NGO leadership, project management, and quantitative research. I excel at turning data into compelling stories that drive impact for communities in Malawi and beyond. I bring technical strengths in SQL, Python, Tableau, and Power BI, plus fluency in multiple languages. I'm committed to leveraging technology to empower communities and advance development goals, with a collaborative, results-oriented approach.

Nelly Furaha Kininga

Hello! I'm Nelly Furaha Kininga, a dedicated communications professional with over 6 years in NGO leadership, project management, and quantitative research. I excel at turning data into compelling stories that drive impact for communities in Malawi and beyond. I bring technical strengths in SQL, Python, Tableau, and Power BI, plus fluency in multiple languages. I'm committed to leveraging technology to empower communities and advance development goals, with a collaborative, results-oriented approach.

Available to hire

Hello! I’m Nelly Furaha Kininga, a dedicated communications professional with over 6 years in NGO leadership, project management, and quantitative research. I excel at turning data into compelling stories that drive impact for communities in Malawi and beyond.

I bring technical strengths in SQL, Python, Tableau, and Power BI, plus fluency in multiple languages. I’m committed to leveraging technology to empower communities and advance development goals, with a collaborative, results-oriented approach.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
Swahili
Advanced
French
Advanced
German
Beginner
Arabic
Beginner

Work Experience

Story Writer and Book Writing at The GOATPOL
February 1, 2019 - Present
Drafting engaging stories and collaborating with editors to ensure publication readiness. Incorporate feedback to enhance the story's meaning and impact. Develop strong storytelling skills and hone the craft of book writing.
Founder & CEO at Grace of Light for Orphans GLO
February 1, 2019 - Present
Define and articulate the organisation’s mission, vision, and long-term goals to inspire stakeholders and staff. Innovate and adapt strategies to meet evolving needs of orphaned children, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards. Act as the primary liaison with the Board of Directors to establish foundational governance structures and policies.
Mental Health Counsellor at Mental Health Counsellor
January 1, 2021 - Present
Provide active listening and empathy to create a safe space for clients to express feelings. Implement stress management techniques like mindfulness and time management to promote emotional healing. Conduct crisis intervention, offering immediate support and safety planning for clients in distress.
Volunteer Deputy Secretary General at RISA
November 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025
Implemented high-quality education for refugee-led private schools in Dzaleka Refugee Camp to enhance children’s well-being. Advocated for private schools to be led by refugee directors to amplify their voices and promote inclusivity. Collaborated with different schools to create a strong network and organized effective meetings with refugee stakeholders.
Freelance Researcher at Upwork
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Conducted data computing and transcription tasks for data computing, specializing in segmentation, review, and transcription for 'Bantu' languages. Reviewed multiple works in various languages to ensure accuracy and quality of data modeling. Utilised strong attention to detail and linguistic skills.
Data Scientist, Collaborator, Member at Omdena Organization
June 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Conducted deep research and data gathering for multiple projects, collaborating with local chapters. Built models for final projects, attended weekly meetings, and prepared detailed reports for input. Contributed remotely to Omdena’s innovation projects.
Volunteer Communication Committee at MIT Emerging Talent
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Advocated for refugees’ education through storytelling. Participated in the migration committee to share innovative ideas. Promoted the migration summit on social media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Data Scientist in Sustainable Finance Intern at Impact Vest Group LTD
August 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Created a new financial and sustainability framework leveraging Defi concepts and blockchain technologies to drive sustainable growth. Led a team of seven, delivering knowledge-sharing sessions on sustainability.
Project Director at Emmanuel Foundation
March 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Monitored project progress, oversaw finances, ensured project quality, and made strategic decisions. Provided leadership and direction to project managers to implement decisions and maintain organizational alignment.
Team Leader Manager at Omdena Project Milan Chapter
September 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Coordinated and organized the project with a global team across four countries. Set deadlines and milestones, managed resources and budget, and monitored the team to meet organizational goals.
Research Assistant at The City University of New York
September 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Collaborated with a global team of 90 individuals to collect and analyse data on various topics. Administered and presented 1,800 quantitative surveys and 320 quantitative interviews to stakeholders. Worked remotely with interns, managers, and supervisors from four countries.
Community Social Worker at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)
February 1, 2018 - September 1, 2021
Advocated for individuals and groups to access resources and services, raising awareness on social issues such as domestic violence and mental stigma. Provided emotional support to help clients cope with trauma, grief, and substance abuse. Represented JRS in the Central Region of Malawi.
Psychologist Facilitator at Refugee Outreach Collective (ROC)
February 1, 2018 - September 1, 2021
Fostering trust and rapport to encourage openness and honest dialogue in group therapy sessions. Led family counseling sessions and mental health workshops using cognitive behavioral exercises.
Administrative Secretary at YETU Community Radio
January 1, 2017 - September 1, 2018
Supported station operations, answered phones, greeted visitors, managed schedules, and handled administrative duties. Assisted with programming and production tasks, maintained records, and coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth operations.
Call Centre Assistant at Defender Company
June 1, 2014 - December 1, 2015
Evaluated customer problems and complaints, provided solutions, answered inbound/outbound calls, and delivered personalized service while informing customers about products or services.
Story Writer and Book Writing at The GOATPOL
February 1, 2019 - Present
Drafted engaging stories and collaborated with editors to ensure publication readiness; incorporated feedback to enhance the story's meaning and impact.
Chief Executive Officer at Grace of Light for Orphans Malawi
January 1, 2019 - Present
Defined and articulated the mission and vision of Grace of Light for Orphans to inspire stakeholders. Innovated strategies to meet the evolving needs of orphaned children while ensuring legal and ethical compliance. Served as the primary liaison with the Board of Directors to establish governance structures and policies.
Office Administrator at African Village Project Malawi
March 1, 2025 - Present
Managed correspondence and files to ensure efficient office operations. Scheduled meetings and events, optimizing team collaboration and productivity. Maintained records and databases, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility.
Communication Officer at ADAI Circle
January 1, 2022 - November 30, 2023
Implemented strategies to manage an organization's internal and external communications. Analyzed the effectiveness of communication campaigns. Developed and executed communication strategies to promote the organization's goals.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at University of the People
May 1, 2025 - January 24, 2026
Certificate in Computer and Data Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Associate of Arts in Business Management at Southern New Hampshire University
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
Diploma in Certified Social Work at Regis University
January 1, 2020 - December 1, 2020
Certificate in Certified Mental Psychology Facilitator at Andrews University School of Social Work
January 1, 2020 - June 1, 2020
Certificate in Sustainable World at UN Association of Finland
January 1, 2020 - June 1, 2020
Certificate in Get That Future at University of Turku
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
at University of the People
June 1, 2025 - January 24, 2026
at Southern New Hampshire University
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
at Regis University
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2020

Qualifications

Entrepreneurship
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Effective Communication for Health Outcomes
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Facilitation
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Sustainable World
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Microsoft Suite
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Fundamentals of Grant Writing
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Vocal Music
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Sport Administrator Course
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Understanding the Rights of Women and Girls
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Leadership
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Servant Leadership—The Deciding Difference
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Virtual Assistant
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Data Science Collaborator
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Learning Facilitator
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Diploma in Social Work
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Certified Data Analyst
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Certified in Leadership
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026
Certified Data Science
January 11, 2030 - January 24, 2026

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Education, Healthcare, Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment