Communications Expert/Public Relations Strategist

Chike Walter Duru, Ph.D

Nigeria ******@*****.*** +234 803-***-**** LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chike-walter-duru-ph-d-84aa272a/ SUMMARY

A strategic communications leader with nearly two decades of experience enhancing brand recognition, improving corporate communications, and achieving substantial results. Specializing in Public Relations, Impact Story Telling, and Cross-Regional Communications. A partner with global corporations to navigate complex communication challenges, especially in high-impact regions such as Africa and Europe.

● Leadership in Communication Strategies: Led communications at a national and global scale for UNOCHA and the World Bank, increasing visibility by 40% and engagement by 30%.

● Media Relations Expertise: At UNOCHA, developed media relations that led to a 30% increase in media coverage and visibility; the Office of the Governor and The World bank- improved media relations by 30%.

● Global Stakeholder Collaboration: Managed stakeholder relationships across Africa and Europe, particularly with the British Council, The World Bank, and UNOCHA, driving engagement by 30%.

● Digital and Traditional Media Campaigns: Managed multimedia content and campaigns across digital and traditional channels at UNOCHA, improving public awareness by 25%.

● Crisis and Issue Management: Experience with crisis management at the World Bank/FGN, The British Council, and the Office of the Governor, mitigating issues and misinformation by up to 35%. COMPETENCIES

● Media Relations

● Content Creation and Messaging

● Communication Research

● Internal & External Communication

● Analytics and Reporting

● Cross-Cultural Communications

● Crisis Communications

● Public Speaking & Presentation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

National Public Information Specialist Aug 2024 – September 15 2025 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) Nigeria

● Lead external and internal communications efforts, crafting and delivering key humanitarian messages to diverse stakeholders.

● Organize media field trips and high-profile press events, strengthening outreach initiatives to crisis- affected regions such as Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.

● Maintain and expand relationships with national and international media outlets, raising the visibility of UNOCHA's efforts and increasing media coverage by 30%.

● Oversee the production and distribution of multimedia content, enhancing public awareness of humanitarian efforts and achieving a 20% increase in audience engagement.

● Led social media campaigns and maintained digital platforms, resulting in a 25% growth in social media presence.

Lead, Communications Nov 2021 - July 2024

World Bank/FGN- Nigeria Digital ID4D Project

Key Achievements

● Spearheaded communication strategies for internal, external, and public affairs, raising the project’s visibility by 40% across multiple regions.

● Led crisis communication efforts, ensuring swift and accurate responses, which reduced reputational risks by 25%.

● Boosted media partnerships and online engagement by 50% through strategic media relations and digital campaigns.

● Developed and implemented comprehensive communication strategies that improved brand visibility by 25% and increased stakeholder engagement by 30%. External Communications and Public Affairs Leadership

● Led strategic communications across Africa and Europe, implementing cohesive external, internal, public affairs, and regulatory communications plans, resulting in a 40% increase in stakeholder engagement and visibility.

● Served as the spokesperson for high-profile projects, ensuring a consistent public image and positioning key initiatives at the forefront of public and media attention.

● Advised on communications strategies that enhanced internal and external messaging effectiveness, improving communication performance by 15%.

● Secured high-profile speaking opportunities for executives, elevating organizational visibility and increasing awareness by 30%.

● Enhanced digital presence, driving a 50% boost in new media engagement through optimized content and campaign strategies.

● Maintained regular website updates, resulting in a 15% rise in traffic and audience interaction. PR & Communication Strategy Leadership

● Spearheaded cross-regional media relations, fostering relationships with key journalists and editors, resulting in a 30% increase in media partnerships and earned coverage across Africa and Europe.

● Developed and executed comprehensive PR and communication strategies, resulting in a 25% rise in media coverage and a 15% increase in brand visibility across diverse markets.

● Crafted communication work plans aligned with organizational goals, reducing response time by 20% and ensuring streamlined communications across internal teams.

● Led internal communications efforts, producing newsletters, intranet content, and team updates that improved internal engagement by 15%.

● Delivered timely updates to key stakeholders, including government agencies and partners, ensuring a 40% reduction in information dissemination time.

● Managed and led a multi-regional communications team, including both in-house staff and consultants. Crisis Communication and Leadership

● Proactively managed crisis communications across diverse regions, reducing response time by 25% while safeguarding organizational reputation during high-risk situations.

● Enhanced executive presentations at key events, resulting in a 20% increase in audience engagement through tailored messaging and crisis preparedness. Stakeholder Relationship Management and Outreach

● Established and sustained strong relationships with media outlets, government officials, industry influencers, and community leaders, ensuring effective information exchange and fostering productive partnerships.

● Collaborated with cross-functional communication teams and external partners to facilitate seamless information flow and alignment of communication goals across geographies.

● Issued strategic press releases and statements, keeping the public and key stakeholders informed on major project developments, contributing to a 20% increase in engagement and positive sentiment. Content Creation and Engagement

● Directed the creation of high-quality content for external communications, including press releases, social media campaigns, and opinion articles, increasing online engagement by 20%.

● Ensured content alignment with organizational goals, reinforcing the company's brand identity and messaging objectives across regions.

Digital Communications & Marketing

● Deployed AI-driven tools for graphic design, content creation, and digital marketing, enhancing visual communication strategies and boosting digital engagement by 25%.

● Increased project visibility and market presence, resulting in a 10% increase in brand recognition and regional partnerships through targeted digital marketing campaigns. Lead Communications & Advocacy Consultant (Part-Time) Mar 2018 - Jan 2022 British Council/EU - Rule of Law & Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Key Achievements

● Designed and implemented communication strategies that enhanced program visibility by 25% and increased stakeholder engagement across Africa and Europe by 30%.

● Collaborated with government authorities to ensure compliance with communication protocols, strengthening cross-regional partnerships and media relations.

● Led FOI Act training for state and non-state actors, improving knowledge by 40%, increasing awareness and utilization, and enhancing transparency & accountability.

● Collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Justice for an FOI Implementation and Compliance Assessment at the federal and state levels, ensuring compliance and effectiveness. Senior Special Assistant, Media & Communications Jun 2019 - Jan 2020 Office of the Governor of Imo State

● Developed and executed public relations strategies that improved media coverage by 30%, supporting government programs and enhancing public awareness by 40%.

● Led crisis communication strategies that mitigated misinformation by 35%, strengthening the government’s public image.

● Effectively managed the Deputy Governor's communication through the implementation of strategic communication activities, resulting in a 20% increase in communication effectiveness.

● Strengthened government-media relations through regular engagements, proactive communication, and a participatory media approach, leading to a 25% improvement in positive media coverage.

● Enhanced the media visibility of the Deputy Governor through timely and strategic use of public relations tools, achieving a 30% increase in media appearances. Misrepresentation and Rumor Management

● Reduced misrepresentation of government activities by 25% through targeted content generation and dissemination.

● Managed rumors and misinformation, decreasing false information circulation by 35% via regular media and citizen engagement sessions.

Engagement and Advocacy

● Established two-way communication between government and citizens through live broadcasts and interactive programs, boosting citizen engagement by 40%.

● Increased program support by 25% through strategic advocacy and proactive communication, minimizing negative publicity.

Public Relations and Media Relations

● Improved public understanding of government initiatives by 30% through media monitoring, interviews, and public presentations.

● Ensured effective message delivery by writing speeches for the Governor and Deputy Governor. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

● Built relationships with media professionals, securing positive coverage and quick information dissemination.

● Increased citizen participation by 54% through key partnerships and public relations strategies. Leadership and Team Management

● Led a 27-member communications team, enhancing productivity and cohesion through effective leadership and training.

● Collaborated with the Deputy Governor, streamlining communication strategies and supporting governance operations.

Media & Communications Consultant Jan 2012 - Apr 2017 British Council - Justice for All

Key Achievements

● Led strategic media relations campaigns across Africa and Europe, boosting program visibility by 80%.

● Organized press briefings, debates, and advocacy campaigns that resulted in a 25% increase in public support and program effectiveness.

Strategic Communication Leadership

● Coordinated media legislative advocacy efforts by developing and implementing strategic communication activities, enhancing programme effectiveness by 30%.

● Led the design, development, and management of public affairs and public awareness communications programmes, achieving a 25% increase in stakeholder engagement and awareness.

● Developed and implemented the Communication Strategy for the J4A Programme, ensuring effective communication planning and execution.

● Improved the capacity of media and civil society stakeholders on anti-corruption and governance initiatives, addressing knowledge gaps and fostering better governance practices.

● Conducted daily media monitoring and response, generating comprehensive reports and ensuring timely information dissemination.

● Coordinated the Media and Publicity Unit of the organisation, managing media campaigns and media engagement activities.

Media and Public Relations

● Organized press briefings, conferences, and anti-corruption public debates, increasing public demand for improved performance and oversight of anti-corruption agencies by 80%.

● Facilitated media coverage of stakeholders' roundtables and legislative retreats, leading to an 80% increase in program visibility.

● Coordinated the production of a monthly "J4A in the Media" report, enhancing programme monitoring and evaluation.

● Cultivated a network of media and communication professionals, securing positive coverage and facilitating quick information dissemination.

● Devised public relations strategies to engage and influence the public, contributing to the achievement of program objectives.

Capacity Building and Training

● Closed knowledge gaps through capacity needs assessment and the delivery of well-researched training content, ensuring a 40% improvement in stakeholder knowledge.

● Collaborated with partners and media organizations to organize periodic media roundtables on relevant national issues, strengthening institutional mechanisms for addressing them. Legislative Impact and Partnerships

● Initiated two key partnerships resulting in the passage of key legislation, advancing program objectives.

● Facilitated monthly media review of anti-corruption-related international cooperation instruments, increasing opportunities for Nigeria's ratification and compliance.

● Improved the program's annual performance appraisal by 50%, demonstrating significant program impact.

● Created multimedia presentations and infographics to enhance stakeholder understanding and engagement.

● Worked closely with the Component 3 team to maintain optimum communication levels for effective program delivery.

Niger Delta Standard Newspaper

Assistant Editor Mar 2006 - Dec 2011

Political Editor Oct 2008 - Dec 2009

Correspondent Mar 2006 - Sept 2008

● Streamlined content development processes and increased publication subject matter by implementing efficient brainstorming and storyboarding, resulting in a 20% expansion in content variety.

● Managed a team of 43 reporters, assigning and overseeing article assignments, and providing concise and constructive editorial feedback, leading to a 15% increase in content quality.

● Collaborated with specialists and creative teams to produce engaging content for multiple platforms, achieving a 25% growth in audience engagement.

● Managed Grievance and Conflict in/with Niger Delta Communities as Ombudsman

● Led partnerships with NGOs and CBOs that deepened community stakeholder engagement, especially, Oil Pipeline Communities in the Niger Delta Region. TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Associate Professor of Mass Communication January 2022 – June 2024 Prime University, Abuja

● Leading teaching and research in mass communication, driving student engagement & research output. Assistant Professor, Communications & Multimedia Design Feb 2020 - Nov 2021 American University of Nigeria (AUN)

● Taught undergraduate and graduate courses in communication, influencing 200+ students annually with a 95% course completion rate.

Lecturer 1, Department of Mass Communication Jan 2017 - Sept 2019 Madonna University

● Revitalized the university's communication studies journal and established a student chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Certifications & Training

● Member, Nigerian Institute of Public

Relations (MNIPR)

● Associate, Advertising Practitioners

Council of Nigeria (APCON)

● Member, Nigeria Union of Journalists

● Innovative Digital Entrepreneurship

Academy (IDEA) – A 2-month

Professional Certificate Course in Digital

Marketing with AI

● Ethics and Integrity at the United

Nations – EN

● United to Respect: Preventing Sexual

Harassment and Other Prohibited

Conduct

● Information Security Awareness -

Foundational & Assessment

● Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and

Abuse

● Records and Information

Management

● I know Gender: an introduction to

Gender Equality for UN Staff

● UN Human Rights Responsibilities

● Preventing Fraud and Corruption at

the United Nations

● Information Security Awareness -

Assessment Certification

● Member, African Council for

Communication Education (ACCE)

● Member, Association of Media and

Communication Researchers of Nigeria

(AMCRON)

● ACCE CoP, 20th National Conference,

Lagos Business School (2018)

● Center for Unity, Conflict Resolution and

Development CoCA (2019)

EDUCATION

● Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Mass Communication, University of Uyo, August 2016

● M.A. in Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, March 2009

● Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication, Imo State University, April 2003

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