Alexa Taylor
Maputo,
Summary
Professional with proven experience designing, leading, evaluating, and scaling gender-transformative education programs. An advocate for child protection, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and eliminating violence against women and girls. Excellent writing, research, and communication skills, a strong understanding of project cycle management, and a keen interest in organizational development, team leadership, and strategic partnerships.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Country Director
Kids Play International
07.2021 - 08.2023
- Led team of 35 people to implement seven gender-transformative education programs in rural Rwanda with 1,500+ direct beneficiaries.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Managed project life cycles and oversaw four grants reaching over $300,000. Wrote successful grant proposals and awarded funding from French Development Agency, Global Sport for Development, and Development Bank of Rwanda, totaling $100,000.
- Executed gender-responsive evaluations using gender-analysis framework, created mixed-method MEAL tools, triangulated and disaggregated data, and analyzed and synthesized results for impact reports and recommendation plans to scale programming and inform organizational policies.
- Launched three new gender and mental health programs to expand organizational reach to boys ages 13-18, parents, and community youth and adults.
- Developed annual budgets and produced financial reports integrating restricted and unrestricted funding to ensure tight fiscal responsibility.
- Responsible for improving organizational Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. Worked with partners to conduct risk assessments, bolster case management systems, and ensure safeguarding is considered through program cycle and aligned with Child Protection Minimum Standards.
- Strengthened relationships with key funders and stakeholders, including Comic Relief, United States Embassy, USAID, Rotary International, French Development Agency, and local, provincial, and national government entities.
Program Coordinator
Kids Play International
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Motivated and directed staff to align operations with organizational mission using appropriate training initiatives and presentations.
- Spearheaded curriculum development for All Girls United and Healthy at Home—12-session gender-transformative program for girls ages 13- 18 and seven-session parenting workshop, respectively, aligned with government's gender and child development policies.
- Expanded team of program facilitators by 50% by recruiting program alumni and led 40+ program training sessions per year.
- Executed process evaluations to understand program progress against short-term outcomes, including facilitator skill, content comprehension and delivery, community receptiveness, and fidelity of delivery, informing curriculum revisions and follow-up training.
Reporter and Copy Editor
Review Of Journalism
09.2018 - 04.2019
- Published 10+ stories that critically reviewed media coverage of Ontario politics. Copy edited 30+ digital and print stories for grammar, accuracy, and clarity.
- Recommended copy edits based on knowledge of target audience and internal and external style guides.
- Verified statistics and facts against internal and external sources.
- Conducted weekly interviews with political analysts, journalists, activists, academics, lobbyists, City Hall officials and government officials at municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
General Assignment Reporter
National Post
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Wrote and submitted 10+ accurate, engaging, and fact-checked stories on health, science, and economics, published online and in print.
- Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
- Carried out research and key informant interviews and participated in video explainers.
- Utilized SEO principles to optimize content for search engine rankings.
Communications Coordinator
B-Creative Group
05.2017 - 08.2018
- Successfully handled all marketing and communication for two NGOs and one business improvement association. Authored quarterly newsletters, press releases, and stories for website showcasing impact.
- Organized major municipal events and presented at board meetings and strategic planning sessions.
- Helped edit and review content across internal platforms.
- Assisted with planning, production, and execution of email blasts, digital signage boards, special event flyers, and social media campaigns.
- Copyedited, proofread, and revised company advertisements, print materials, and press releases before dispersal.
Associate
Leadership Africa USA
01.2014 - 05.2014
- Attended high-level meetings and roundtables at U.S. Department of Energy and Capitol Hill leading up to Ministerial and authored press releases published on AllAfrica.com.
- Executed communications and planning logistics for Ministerial, including itinerary and official website copy, and organizing of speakers and attendees (private sector and NGO).
Education
Master of Journalism -
Ryerson University
Toronto, Canada10.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Women's And Gender Studies
University of Regina
Regina, Canada10.2014
Certificate - International Development
University of Regina
Regina, Canada10.2014
Skills
- Results-Based Management
- Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
- Gender Analysis and Gender-Responsive Evaluations
- Public Speaking and Facilitation
- Financial Management
- Research and Report Writing
- Team Capacity Building
- Relationship-Building
- Donor Management
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning
Certification
- Gender-Based Violence and Child Protection Case Management (UNCHR, 2023)
- Primary Prevention Framework for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (The Alliance CPHA, 2023)
- Results-Based Management (UN Women, 2023)
- Safeguarding Matters (Safeguarding Resource & Support Hub, 2023)
- Investigating Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (UNHCR, 2023)
Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (The Alliance CPHA, 2023) - Stewards of Children (Darkness to Light, 2022)
Timeline
Country Director
Kids Play International
07.2021 - 08.2023
Program Coordinator
Kids Play International
05.2019 - 06.2021
Reporter and Copy Editor
Review Of Journalism
09.2018 - 04.2019
General Assignment Reporter
National Post
06.2018 - 09.2018
Communications Coordinator
B-Creative Group
05.2017 - 08.2018
Associate
Leadership Africa USA
01.2014 - 05.2014
Master of Journalism -
Ryerson University
Bachelor of Arts - Women's And Gender Studies
University of Regina
Certificate - International Development
University of Regina
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