Sandra Mpofu
Dublin,Ireland
Summary
Motivated community development professional with proven experience supporting displaced individuals and coordinating integration initiatives across four Dublin Volunteer Centres. Skilled in outreach, stakeholder engagement and developing inclusive volunteering pathways. Facilitator and trainer with strong expertise in diversity, cultural awareness and community cohesion. Adept at storytelling, advocacy and promoting positive narratives that highlight the contributions of new communities. Strong project management abilities, excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to inclusion, empowerment and social integration.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
Displaced Person and Integration Project Officer (THRIVE)
Dublin City Volunteer Centres
Dublin, Ireland
03.2023 - 12.2025
- Coordinated integration and volunteer initiatives across four Dublin centres for international protection and temporary protection applicants.
- Promoted volunteering through outreach/information sessions in accommodation centres.
- Created workshops on unconscious bias and cultural awareness for volunteer organisations.
- Forged partnerships with community groups to develop inclusive roles for displaced individuals.
- Enhanced volunteer policies for and ongoing support for organisations to better meet displaced peoples needs.
- Enhanced volunteer policies for and ongoing support for organisations to better meet displaced people's needs.
- Ensured accuracy and accessibility of content while managing THRIVE website.
- Facilitated recruitment and placement processes for displaced volunteers alongside staff.
- Carried out needs/gap analysis to ensure valuable service delivery
- Maintained open communications with all stakeholders.
- Met deadlines for projects by developing effective strategies.
- Created detailed reports for tracking project status.
- Utilised strategic planning to meet project objectives.
- Project Ambassador
- Implemented feedback from stakeholders, improved overall project execution efficiency.
- Identified potential risks, mitigating impact on project timeline.
- Improved project efficiency by monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.
Programme Manager
Patsime Edutainment Trust
Harare
01.2015 - 01.2023
- Led implementation of donor-funded projects with 100% success in compliance with organisational and funder standards.
- Directed project planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on weekly to annual schedules.
- Supervised delivery of activities by community volunteers and youth clubs.
- Conducted assessments of youth-friendly services with Ministry of Health and other agencies.
- Created Comprehensive Sexuality Education content and advocacy resources.
- Executed community training sessions covering SRHR, gender-based violence, child protection, and human rights topics.
- Supported inclusive initiatives for adolescents with disabilities through tailored sessions.
- Organised stakeholder engagements and intergenerational dialogues in local districts.
Education
Executive Master's - Business Administration and Leadership
Midlands State University
Zimbabwe 02.2019 - 6 2021
Postgraduate Diploma - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Children with Disabilities)
Lund University
Sweden 01.2018 - 1 2019
Bachelor of Arts - African Languages and Culture
Midlands State University
Zimbabwe 02.2011 - 11 2014
Skills
- Advocacy
- Ability To Communicate Effectively
- Needs Analysis
- Managing Projects
- Self-Motivated
- Storytelling
- Social Media
- Outreach
- Online Platforms
- Newsletters
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
REFERENCES
References available upon request.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Cross Cultural practices all forms including food, music, sport and recreation, Selfcare and wellbeing, including yoga and meditation
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Whispers Feminist Organisation, Project Volunteer, Harare, Zimbabwe, 2019, 2022, Advocated with traditional, religious and administrative leaders on human rights and civic participation., Conducted research and gap analyses to inform programme design., Contributed to Monitoring & Evaluation for Voter Education projects., Supported development of research publications on women's participation in politics., Identified women without identity documentation and facilitated access to services., Prepared documentary scripts coordinated interviews and produced content highlighting women's stories., Mobilised communities and developed educational and advocacy materials., Managed petty cash and supported administrative functions
Accomplishments
- Secured funding and delivered high impact Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights projects in Zimbabwe, expanding access for adolescents and young women.
- Led an initiative enabling 20 sex workers in Harare Avenues to access essential sexual health and legal services and tell their stories through 3 theatre performances.
- Led a team pioneering drama for development as a workplace wellness model in trade unions, funded by SIDA.
- Produced and presented the nationally broadcast Buddyz Talk Show, elevating youth voices and engaging key experts.
- Recognised as one of Zimbabwe’s Top 5 Young Leaders in Sexual Health -SAFAIDS;
- Selected as a British Council Business Mentor, supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
- Recognised as Zimbabwe's Top 5 theatre actresses -National Art and Merit Awards 2021
- Developed an inclusive SRHR project for young people with disabilities, supported by Lund University, enhancing access and advocacy.
- Created a Theatre for Development toolkit used by farmers in remote areas to strengthen community education.
- Led the branding, naming of a Displaced Persons project - Thrive a shared project across four Dublin Volunteer Centres, establishing it as a recognised integration model.
- Created and delivered Unconscious Bias module and Training for organisations supporting displaced volunteers.
- Produced accessible information materials that improved engagement and participation among displaced volunteers.
- Elevated Thrive’s profile through strategic partnerships and outreach, positioning it as a leading integration initiative in Ireland.
TRAINING
QQI Level 6 – Training Delivery and Evaluation (Train the Trainer), Ireland
Timeline
Displaced Person and Integration Project Officer (THRIVE)
Dublin City Volunteer Centres
03.2023 - 12.2025
Executive Master's - Business Administration and Leadership
Midlands State University
02.2019 - 6 2021
Postgraduate Diploma - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Children with Disabilities)
Lund University
01.2018 - 1 2019
Programme Manager
Patsime Edutainment Trust
01.2015 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Arts - African Languages and Culture
Midlands State University
02.2011 - 11 2014