Digital transformation and the launch of an interactive, people-centered intranet

I have led global digital transformation projects to fundamentally change the way stakeholders and partners collaborate, engage and access information and resources. This has included the launch of key digital platforms.

For seven years at UNICEF, I was the global internal and intranet communications manager for the Division of People and Culture (DPC), tasked with engaging a workforce of over 22,000 employees. As part of this work, I served as the project manager for a major relaunch of the division’s global intranet site and architecture under UNICEF’s enterprise content management digital transformation project. The project aimed to transform how staff create, share, and find information, collaborate with each other, and access the tools they need to be productive. Under the project, the division gradually moved from outdated platforms and unstructured ways of storing documents to a policy-compliant digital working environment where staff have access to mobile-friendly and cloud-based tools, technologies, and systems that enable better collaboration, communication, and engagement.

As part of my project management responsibilities, I led the development of strategies, work plans, designs, and wireframes, supervised a project consultant (direct report) to implement user experience (UX) design and facilitate capacity building, advised and liaised with senior management, and coordinated multi-stakeholder reviews and inputs. I also managed a cross-functional project team (direct and indirect reports) and worked effectively with cross-functional teams, the information technology division, and other key stakeholders across UNICEF. A major milestone in the project was launching a new and interactive global intranet site for the division, catered to the needs of different types of employees. The project also moved staff to cloud-based document management systems, launched internal collaboration, project, and campaign sites under the DPC architecture, and maintained a focus on capacity building and behavior change throughout.

Following the launch, I continued to lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of all content on the intranet site, effectively utilizing SharePoint’s content management system. This included managing editorial planning, overseeing the development and publishing of digital and multimedia content, writing and editing articles, global messages, and content for thematic pages and resources, and overseeing and training a network of site contributors. I also promoted the site through content strategies and campaigns and monitored and enhanced its impact through data-driven insights and analytics.

As of 2024, the DPC intranet site was the central hub for employees at UNICEF to engage with people-centered content and find the information they need to thrive in the organization. Its pages generated tens of thousands of views, clicks, reactions, and downloads. Moreover, it was consistently among the top two most visited sites across UNICEF.

Championing gender equality

Throughout my career, I have managed the delivery of content focused on gender equality, including widely accessed articles, case studies and campaigns.

UNICEF

The Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) Certification is the leading global assessment methodology and business certification standard for gender equality. The certification process includes a comprehensive review of gender equality in four areas: gender balance at all levels; gender pay gap; policies and practices to ensure equitable career opportunities for everyone; and an analysis of an organization-wide survey of staff’s experience and perceptions of gender equality in the workplace. As part of UNICEF’s work to secure various levels of EDGE Certification, I developed communications strategies, campaigns, articles, executive messages and digital content to advocate for staff engagement and support. When UNICEF initially achieved EDGE certification – becoming the first United Nations agency to earn the certification – I played a key role in drafting a press release and news article as well as scripting and and finalizing a video announcing the achievement for to staff and the public at large.

UNOPS

She Builds: She Builds was a month-long global conversation on Devex, that began on International Women’s Day in March 2014. The campaign put a spotlight on the critical role women play in creating healthy, stable and thriving communities around the world. I managed the development and coordination of content, as part of UNOPS’ contribution to the campaign. Read more about the campaign

Report: ‘Empowering girls by improving education in South Sudan’. My feature on promoting primary education for girls in South Sudan is featured in a flagship UNOPS brochure. Read more

Research publication: I managed the editing, production and dissemination of this flagship independent study on equality and non-discrimination in Global Sanitation Fund (GSF)-supported programmes (English/French). The study was the most most downloaded GSF product in 2017. Download the study

Case study: This widely accessed case study focuses on gender equality and dynamics in the community-led total sanitation process. I managed the editing, production  and dissemination of the publication. Download the case study

The Courier Magazine

Harnessing the role of African women in the Diaspora (magazine article): “The African Diaspora are increasingly recognised as significant development actors, providing remittances, Foreign Direct Investment, technology and knowledge transfers and positive political contributions to their countries of origin. African women in the Diaspora are coming to the fore. But as Stéphanie Mbanzendore, Chairperson of Burundian Women for Peace and Development (BWPD) notes, better targeted policies are needed.” Read more

Gender and education

Throughout my career, I have managed the delivery of content focused on gender equality, education and gendered needs in education including widely accessed articles, case studies and campaigns.

UNICEF

The Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) Certification is the leading global assessment methodology and business certification standard for gender equality. The certification process includes a comprehensive review of gender equality in four areas: gender balance at all levels; gender pay gap; policies and practices to ensure equitable career opportunities for everyone; and an analysis of an organization-wide survey of staff’s experience and perceptions of gender equality in the workplace. As part of UNICEF’s work to secure various levels of EDGE Certification, I developed communications strategies, campaigns, articles, executive messages and digital content to advocate for staff engagement and support. When UNICEF initially achieved EDGE certification – becoming the first United Nations agency to earn the certification – I played a key role in drafting a press release and news article as well as scripting and and finalizing a video announcing the achievement for to staff and the public at large.

UNOPS

She Builds: She Builds was a month-long global conversation on Devex, that began on International Women’s Day in March 2014. The campaign put a spotlight on the critical role women play in creating healthy, stable and thriving communities around the world. I managed the development and coordination of content, as part of UNOPS’ contribution to the campaign. Read more about the campaign

Article: ‘Post-disaster recovery: Building schools and health centres in Indonesia’. Read more

Article: ‘Renovated schools boost sustainable development in Sri Lanka’. Read more

Factsheet: ‘Building safe and resilient schools’. Read more

Report: ‘Championing school WASH’. Read more

Report: ‘Empowering girls by improving education in South Sudan’. My feature on promoting primary education for girls in South Sudan is featured in a flagship UNOPS brochure. Read more

Campaign: Global Sanitation Fund Campaign championing sanitation and hygiene in schools.

Research publication: I managed the editing, production and dissemination of this flagship independent study on equality and non-discrimination in Global Sanitation Fund (GSF)-supported programmes (English/French). The study was the most most downloaded GSF product in 2017. Download the study

Case study: This widely accessed case study focuses on gender equality and dynamics in the community-led total sanitation process. I managed the editing, production  and dissemination of the publication. Download the case study

The Courier Magazine

Harnessing the role of African women in the Diaspora (magazine article): “The African Diaspora are increasingly recognised as significant development actors, providing remittances, Foreign Direct Investment, technology and knowledge transfers and positive political contributions to their countries of origin. African women in the Diaspora are coming to the fore. But as Stéphanie Mbanzendore, Chairperson of Burundian Women for Peace and Development (BWPD) notes, better targeted policies are needed.” Read more

UNOPS achievements

At UNOPS, I developed and implemented profile-raising communications strategies that helped transform advocacy, inform policy and boost programming, visibility, media coverage, engagement and partnerships. This included managing the production and dissemination of prominent content including flagship publications, digital platforms and websites, campaigns, social media content, and audiovisual content.

Brand building: Global Sanitation Fund

I led brand development and positioning for the UNOPS-hosted Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council’s Global Sanitation Fund (GSF). This included developing and implementing targeted communications strategies, developing and promoting key messages, and producing and disseminating a range of targeted products including the GSF publications, social media content, audiovisual content and newsletters. Read more

Digital campaigns

She Builds: She Builds was a month-long global conversation on Devex, that began on International Women’s Day in March 2014. The campaign put a spotlight on the critical role women play in creating healthy, stable and thriving communities around the world. I managed the development and coordination of content, as part of UNOPS’ contribution to the campaign. Read more about the campaign

Social media

I led the development and dissemination of social media content and campaigns to enhance advocacy, branding, visibility, partnerships, learning and behaviour change. My work leading social media content and campaigns for the Global Sanitation Fund helped enhance online engagement by more than 50%.

Publications

My work in leading the writing, editing, production and dissemination of the report contributed to increased media coverage, visibility, engagement and downloads. The 2016 Progress Report is the most downloaded Global Sanitation Fund publication.

Download the 2016 edition

I managed the editing, production and dissemination of this flagship independent study on equality and non-discrimination in Global Sanitation Fund (GSF)-supported programmes (English/French). The study was the most most downloaded GSF product in 2017. Download the study

Managed by UNOPS, the Annual Statistical Report on United Nations Procurement (ASR) is the flagship procurement report for the United Nations system. I managed the production of the 2012 and 2013 editions of the ASR and its Thematic Supplement. This included coordinating content development, editing, design, printing and dissemination. My work led to increased media coverage and downloads, new partnerships and an expanded media network for UNOPS. See examples

Global Sanitation Fund partnership resource: I have extensive experience managing the production of partnership and resource mobilization products, such as the flagship Global Sanitation Fund product, ’10 reasons to partner with the Global Sanitation Fund’. The product was frequently used for GSF resource mobilization and awareness raising activities. Read the publication

Practical case study: I produced widely used guidance and tools, including this case study on Community-Led Total Sanitation. Read more

Published by the Global Sanitation Fund, the Follow-up MANDONA handbook provides a step-by-step guide to facilitating a proven approach to improving sanitation in rural communities. I managed the production and dissemination of the handbook (English/French), which was very well-received and widely used by water, sanitation and hygiene practitioners.

Download the handbook

Factsheet: Conveying an organization’s work with the right balance of strong visuals and concise text is an area I excel in. I have produced a range of factsheets in English, French and Spanish, including this fact sheet highlighting UNOPS school infrastructure work. Download the factsheet

This widely accessed case study focuses on gender equality and dynamics in the community-led total sanitation process. I managed the editing, production  and dissemination of the publication. Download the case study

Digital platforms, websites and newsletters

At UNOPS, I managed a range of intranets, extranets, websites, blogs, online communities and newsletters. This included managing and promoting the Global Sanitation Fund’s website pages and newsletters, which boosted traffic by over 50%. I also led overall content development for a new and more interactive UNOPS website, increasing traffic by over 25%, and also help enhance internal communications by developing targeted intranet pages and content. Moreover, I relaunched and improved the coordination and quality of the monthly UNOPS global newsletter, distributed to approximately 6,000 personnel in three languages, which led to a 15% increase in reader satisfaction.

Writing/editing

As an expert writer at UNOPS, I wrote, edited, pitched and oversaw the editorial process for compelling and targeted content widely accessed by tens of thousands of internal and external stakeholders.

Post-disaster recovery: Building schools and health centers in Indonesia: “Hundreds of primary schools have been built in Indonesia, increasing the quality of education and the number of primary school students in the country following the 2004 tsunami.” Read more

Renovated schools boost sustainable development in Sri Lanka: “Seven thousand students in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province are benefiting from newly renovated schools, as part of the Government’s efforts to boost education and reconciliation in the country.” Read more

Audiovisual production

Freddy the Fly: I led the development, production and dissemination of the widely viewed ‘Freddy the Fly’ sanitation awareness video. Read more

UNOPS results video: I drove the conceptualization and dissemination of a range of UNOPS videos highlighting results, staff experiences and projects.

UNICEF achievements

At UNICEF, I have developed and implemented communications strategies that have enhanced the value proposition, positioning, visibility and impact of people-centred programmes. Moreover, these strategies have helped drive brand building, advocacy, engagement, partnerships and collaboration. I have managed the production and dissemination of prominent content including strategy publications, digital platforms and websites, campaigns, social media content, and audiovisual content.

Organizational culture

Working closely with diverse stakeholders and teams across the organization, I have led, coordinated and contributed to a range of communications strategies supporting UNICEF’s ongoing organizational culture change journey. This has included promoting and positioning the UNICEF Core Values brand through various channels and platforms, drafting, editing and publishing a range of high-level messages, articles and knowledge products, co-developing and implementing campaigns, and revamping content on internal and external digital platforms. Read more

Organizational change

I have designed and delivered targeted communications strategies and content for a range of change management initiatives. Read more

Brand building: UNICEF Careers

Together with a small team, I have co-developed, co-led and coordinated brand development for UNICEF Careers and UNICEF’s employer brand. This has included developing communications strategies and plans, promoting the brand on a range of internal and external platforms including intranet sites, newsletters and social media, and launching a new UNICEF Careers website. Read more

Campaigns

UNICEF Values: I coordinated the production of communications content and internal/external outreach for the rollout of UNICEF’s updated Values, a flagship resource used to improve organizational culture. Read more about the campaign

UNICEF Competency Framework: I coordinated the production of communications content and a global campaign for the launch/rollout of UNICEF’s updated Competency Framework, a flagship resource used to improve organizational culture. Read more about the campaign

Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE): As part of UNICEF’s work to secure various levels of EDGE Certification, I developed communications strategies, campaigns, articles, executive messages and digital content to advocate for staff engagement and support. Read more about the campaign

Global Staff Survey

Publications

I managed the editing, production and dissemination of the UNICEF HR Strategy publication, collaborating with senior leaders, content experts and vendors. View the strategy

UNICEF Careers website

I co-led the development, launch and promotion of a new UNICEF Careers website, as part of a project team. One of my key responsibilities was managing the development and compilation of all content (including written text, visuals and multimedia content) for the launch. I currently co-manage the site as part of a small site management team.

Digital transformation and launching UNICEF HR’s intranet site

I led a global digital transformation project for UNICEF’s HR division, as part of a broader UNICEF-wide project aimed at fundamentally changing the way staff collaborate and access information. As part of this project, I managed the launch of a new, people-centered and interactive global HR intranet site, which I continue to manage.

UNICEF Careers on social media

I have developed and coordinated social media content on Facebook and LinkedIn, helping to boost UNICEF’s talent attraction, talent acquisition and employer brand.

Newsletters

I lead the production and dissemination of strategic newsletters to enhance the value proposition, positioning, visibility and impact of UNICEF’s people-centred programmes. These newsletters have helped drive brand building, outreach, awareness, engagement, knowledge exchange, collaboration/partnerships, change management, and culture/behaviour change. In 2022, the global internal newsletter I manage benefited from a 102% increase in reader engagement and contributed to a 200% increase in traffic to the UNICEF HR intranet.

Audiovisual production

I manage the production and dissemination of targeted audiovisual content covering a range of themes, working closely with videographers and technical experts.

In focus: Sustainable education

I have delivered a range of high-profile, targeted content accessed by thousands of stakeholders, including content covering education in sustainable development and humanitarian contexts. Some examples are highlighted below.

Campaign: Global Sanitation Fund Campaign championing sanitation and hygiene in schools.

Article: ‘Post-disaster recovery: Building schools and health centres in Indonesia’. Read more

Article: ‘Renovated schools boost sustainable development in Sri Lanka’. Read more

Factsheet: ‘Building safe and resilient schools’. Read more

Video: ‘Freddy the Fly’. I led the development, production and dissemination of the widely viewed ‘Freddy the Fly’ video, advocating for sanitation and hygiene behaviour change. Among other themes, the video highlights the impact of open defecation and inadequate sanitation on students and schools. The video has over 20,000 views and is used by country programmes in communities and schools to shape opinions, norms and public discourse. Watch the video here

Report: ‘Championing school WASH’. Read more

Report: ‘Empowering girls by improving education in South Sudan’. My feature on promoting primary education for girls in South Sudan is featured in a flagship UNOPS brochure. Read more

Championing people, culture and values

UNICEF

Working with UNICEF for close to five years, I have developed and delivered content strategies that have enhanced the positioning of people-centered programs, championed workplace culture and values, facilitated change management and boosted employer branding. This has included coordinating campaigns, leading digital transformation, producing compelling publications, videos and written content, promoting employee surveys, and facilitating talent outreach via diverse platforms, channels and partnerships.

Organizational culture

Working closely with diverse stakeholders and teams across the organization, I have led, coordinated and contributed to a range of communications strategies supporting UNICEF’s ongoing organizational culture change journey. This has included promoting and positioning the UNICEF Core Values brand through various channels and platforms, drafting, editing and publishing a range of high-level messages, articles and knowledge products, co-developing and implementing campaigns, and revamping content on internal and external digital platforms. Read more

Organizational change

I have designed and delivered targeted communications strategies and content for a range of change management initiatives. Read more

Brand building: UNICEF Careers

Together with a small team, I have co-developed, co-led and coordinated brand development for UNICEF Careers and UNICEF’s employer brand. This has included developing communications strategies and plans, promoting the brand on a range of internal and external platforms including intranet sites, newsletters and social media, and launching a new UNICEF Careers website. Read more

Diversity, equity and inclusion

At UNICEF, I have developed and disseminated communications strategies, campaigns, newsletters, publications, online content/platforms and other diverse content covering several key diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) areas including Gender Equality, Anti-Racism and Discrimination, Disability Inclusion and Inclusion of LGBTQI+ Staff. Read more

UNOPS

With UNOPS, I led and coordinated global organizational culture and employer branding projects and campaigns, as the communications focal point for the People and Change department. This included designing and managing a global staff learning and development campaign, launching ‘UNOPS Voices’, a global series of first-person staff stories, designing and managing newsletters, and producing compelling written, digital, social media and audiovisual content. Moreover, I liaised and developed partnerships with local and international press, presented to diverse audiences during public events and served as a spokesperson, to promote UNOPS careers and culture. I also coordinated a live workplace Q&A with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon involving hundreds of staff from 10 UN organizations.

A diverse, inclusive and safe workplace for all

At UNICEF, I have developed and disseminated communications strategies, campaigns, newsletters, publications, online content/platforms and other diverse content covering several key diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) areas including Gender Equality, Anti-Racism and Discrimination, Disability Inclusion and Inclusion of LGBTQI+ Staff.

Gender Equality

The Economic Dividends for Gender Equality –or EDGE– Certification process includes a comprehensive review of gender equality in four areas: gender balance at all levels; gender pay gap; policies and practices to ensure equitable career opportunities for everyone; and an analysis of an organization-wide survey of staff’s experience and perceptions of gender equality in the workplace.

As part of UNICEF’s work to secure various levels of EDGE Certification, I developed communications strategies, campaigns, articles, executive messages and digital content to advocate for staff engagement and support. When UNICEF initially achieved EDGE certification – becoming the first United Nations agency to earn the leading global assessment methodology and business certification standard for gender equality. – I played a key role in drafting a press release and news article as well as scripting and and finalizing a video announcing the achievement for to staff and the public at large.

In focus: Corporate sustainability

Throughout my career, I have effectively engaged, partnered with and promoted the private sector through talent outreach initiatives, corporate sustainability-themed publications, business development products, public-private media partnerships and thematic articles. This work includes:

Brand building: Global Sanitation Fund

I led brand development and positioning for the UNOPS-hosted Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council’s Global Sanitation Fund (GSF). This included developing and implementing targeted communications strategies, developing and promoting key messages, and producing and disseminating a range of targeted products including the GSF publications, social media content, audiovisual content and newsletters.

Publications

Social media

Audiovisual

Web platforms and newsletters