Sarah John Masenga
Dar es salaam,Tanzania
Summary
Results-driven Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist with over 9 years of experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement across civil society and private sectors. Expertise in designing and implementing effective communication strategies and leading national campaigns. Proficient in digital media, event management, and producing high-quality multimedia content. Committed to leveraging strategic communication for sustainable development in Tanzania.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Communications Specialist
Foundation for Civil Society (FCS)
Dar es Salaam
01.2019 - 09.2025
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive communications and public relations strategy that aligns with organizational goals.
- Ensured consistent articulation and promotion of the organization’s desired image and position across all communication channels and constituencies.
- Supported the organization’s transformation into a dynamic development facilitator by crafting impactful messaging that highlights its evolving mission.
- Produced quarterly newsletters, E-Newsletters, reports, success stories and case studies to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
- Oversaw editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of communication materials, ensuring high-quality standards.
- Regularly updated the organization’s website with current and engaging content to maintain stakeholder interest and relevance.
- Acted as the organization’s primary representative to the media, coordinating responses to media inquiries and fostering strong media relationships.
- Monitor media trends and coordinate press releases, interviews, and events to enhance the organization's visibility.
- Developed and maintained a database of media contacts to streamline communications.
- Managed the appearance and consistency of all print and electronic materials, including letterheads, logos, and brochures, to maintain a cohesive brand image.
- Collaborated with the Digital Solutions and Systems Specialist to enhance the organization’s digital presence, integrating innovative tools and platforms.
- Lead and manage public relations campaigns and cause-related special events that align with organizational priorities.
- Developed programs, technical assistance, and resource materials to support the positioning and visibility of organizational activities.
- Established systems to evaluate the success of communication initiatives, including tracking audience engagement and feedback.
- Prepared regular reports for the Head of Growth on communication performance, trends, and areas for improvement.
- Ensured spending within the approved budget and in line with finance and procurement guidelines.
- Provided communications support and counsel to other departments and units within the organization.
- Coordinated with the Growth team to align communication efforts with resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and data insights.
- Accomplishments
- CSO Week
- Spearheaded the design and execution of multi-channel communication strategies for Civil Society Week (CSO Week) Tanzania’s largest civic engagement event, reaching over 3 million people annually.
- Increased social media engagement by 100%, with event hashtags #WikiYaAzaki and #CSOWeek trending for 5 consecutive days on X (formerly Twitter) during a 5-year leadership tenure.
- Secured national coverage across 17+ major media outlets, contributing to a 70% increase in public awareness compared to previous years.
- Oversaw creative branding, and logistics coordination improving event visibility and operational efficiency.
- Increased FCS brand visibility by 40% through data driven campaigns, strategic media partnerships and compelling storytelling, positioning FCS as a trusted voice and thought leader in Tanzania’s civil society space.
- Curated content targeted, audience-specific content that drove a 35% year-over-year increase in social media engagement and media coverage, turning digital platforms into tools for advocacy and influence.
- Managed communications for 30+ partner organizations such as CSOs, private sector partners including CRDB Bank, Vodacom Foundation Tanzania, World Bank, UNDP, strengthening their public positioning and engagement in Tanzania during the CSO week, delivering coordinated digital and print campaigns that increased their online reach and amplified collective visibility.
- Capacity Building for Partner Organizations
- Designed and delivered communication training on best practice to 90+ implementing partners across Tanzania, leading to a 75% improvement in communications to report on outcomes and programming success (measured via pre/post training assessments).
- Enabled 50+ CSOs to independently produce media kits, success stories, and advocacy materials aligned with donor branding and reporting standards.
- Crisis Communication & Risk Management
- Established proactive communication protocols and early warning system, enabling real-time response to emerging issues, reducing potential crises by over 60%.
- Successfully navigated and mitigated 3 high-risk media incidents with no reputational loss, thanks to strategic messaging, stakeholder coordination, and timely intervention.
- Budget & Team Leadership
- Developed and managed an annual communications budget exceeding $73,000, ensuring cost-effective campaign execution while meeting strategic and financial targets.
- Supervised a cross-functional team of 7 consultants, fostering a collaborative work culture and streamlining workflows to enhance productivity and on-time project delivery.
Program Assistant Communications and Advocacy, Public Policy Engagement Department
Twaweza East Africa
Dar es Salaam
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Designed high-impact advocacy materials including fact sheets, videos, infographics, and reports for flagship programs like Sauti za Wananchi and Uwezo, contributing to a 15% increase in stakeholder engagement.
- Planned and executed 20+ public events, including national press conferences, exhibitions, and monthly Sauti za Wananchi media briefings, as well as KIUFUNZA teacher motivation events in partnership with COSTECH and Georgetown University.
- Managed media partnerships, including the production and airing of the “BungeLive” TV program on Star TV, increasing civic awareness and reaching a broader national audience.
- Supported MEL activities, ensuring evidence-based reporting to donors and government partners.
- Developed and implemented targeted dissemination plans for advocacy communication materials, ensuring strategic outreach to government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and community groups.
- Streamlined event logistics and stakeholder coordination, resulting in a 25% increase in event attendance and enhanced partner satisfaction.
- Key Achievement: Successfully budgeted and tracked $200,000+ in annual advocacy expenditures, optimizing resource allocation for high-impact campaigns
Media and Event Manager
Executive Solutions Public Relations and Events Agency
Dar es Salaam
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Produced media monitoring and PR reports for top clients including including Tanzania Breweries Limited and Ophir Energy, enhancing client satisfaction by 20% through timely, insightful analysis that informed proactive public relations strategies.
- Coordinated high-profile CSR projects and community outreach events such as Ophir Energy’s school renovation handover in Mtwara, strengthening community relations and enhancing the client’s public image and messaging.
- Conducted visibility campaigns for Kilimanjaro Premier Lager’s “KILI CHATS” and “KILI NANI MTANI JEMBE”, to drive brand awareness and engagement across targeted demographics.
- Acted as liaison between clients, government officials, and media houses, securing necessary approvals and media coverage.
- Translated communications and reports from Swahili to English, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance for international stakeholders and global reporting.
- Key Achievement: Strengthened client reputation and media presence by cultivating strategic relationships with key stakeholders
Bank Officer Intern
CRDB Bank Limited
Dar es Salaam
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Processed high-volume banking transactions, including deposits and withdrawals, maintaining 80 % accuracy under tight deadlines.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through proactive service, resolving 50+ daily inquiries and streamlining operational workflows.
- Supported administrative functions, improving branch efficiency by 10% through process optimizations.
- Key Achievement: Recognized for exceptional customer service, contributing to a 5% increase in customer retention metrics.
Education
MASTER OF ARTS - MASS COMMUNICATION
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
01.2023 - 01.2025
BACHELOR OF ARTS - MASS COMMUNICATION
Tumaini University Makumira
10.2009 - 11.2012
CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED SECONDARY SCHOOL - ACSE
Loyola high school
01.2006 - 01.2008
CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL - CSE
Shaaban Robert Secondary school
01.2001 - 01.2005
Skills
- Knowledge Management & MEL Systems
- Digital Media Campaigns & Social Media Management
- Multimedia Production (Photo, Video, Infographics)
- Event Planning, Field Coordination & Media Outreach
- Capacity Building & Training Delivery
- Crisis Communications & Risk Mitigation
- Digital Media Tools
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Social Media Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Canva, WordPress, Google Analytics, SEO Tools, Social Media Tools
- PR campaign planning
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Project co-ordination
- Media relations savvy
- SEO strategies
- Social media analytics
- Podcast creation
- Brand advocacy
- Brand management
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Corporate communications
- Reputation management
Languages
Languages: English (Fluent) | Swahili (Fluent)
Training
- Change the Game Academy
- The Training of Trainers on local fundraising focuses on the importance of local fundraising and effective communication strategies to empower citizenry.
- Website https://www.changethegameacademy.org
Timeline
MASTER OF ARTS - MASS COMMUNICATION
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
01.2023 - 01.2025
Communications Specialist
Foundation for Civil Society (FCS)
01.2019 - 09.2025
Program Assistant Communications and Advocacy, Public Policy Engagement Department
Twaweza East Africa
01.2015 - 01.2019
Media and Event Manager
Executive Solutions Public Relations and Events Agency
01.2014 - 01.2015
Bank Officer Intern
CRDB Bank Limited
01.2013 - 01.2014
BACHELOR OF ARTS - MASS COMMUNICATION
Tumaini University Makumira
10.2009 - 11.2012
CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED SECONDARY SCHOOL - ACSE
Loyola high school
01.2006 - 01.2008
CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL - CSE
Shaaban Robert Secondary school
01.2001 - 01.2005