Travelling and Reading
Helen Uche Ogbeifun
Senior Public Relations Professional
Kubwa,Abuja
Summary
Offering more than 15 years successful Public Relations, Customer Service, Secretarial and Administrative experience, combined with a Masters Degree in Management, the candidate has a strong background in International Communication, having worked in Diplomatic and multicultural diverse workplaces. The candidate is poised to galvanize efficient and effective Public Relations strategy to produce result-oriented management and enhance organizational capability in compliance with the vision and mission of the organization.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Public Relations Officer
Nigeria-Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA)
04.2014 - Current
- Company Overview: A bilateral, diplomatic and International organization headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, with a goal to explore the Hydrocarbon, Non-Hydrocarbon and other mineral Resources in the Joint Development Zone of the countries of Nigeria and Sao Tome for the economic benefit of both State Parties
- To design, implement, monitor and assess impact-driven Public Relations strategy that include effective positioning, stakeholder engagement and advocacy to leverage communications opportunities
- Developed and executed effective PR and digital communications strategy that promoted and secured high levels of visibility for the organization through ad campaigns and social media platforms
- Identified main client groups and audience, and evolved the best persuasive communication strategy to reach them
- Initiated and maintained effective relationships with key constituencies to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and to strengthen the Joint Development Authority’s overall effectiveness and image, such as Embassies, oil and gas operators, affiliated government ministries and parastatals, other stakeholders and investors
- Arranged and coordinated meetings, workshops, training sessions and other necessary events with the stakeholders
- Managed the various aspects of the Organization’s media relations strategy, including preparation of speech scripts, leaflets, banners, greeting cards, calendars, letters, document for presentation, reporting, handling of media queries, interviews, photograph sessions, Press release and press conferences
- Implemented effective media/public relations and crisis management systems and processes, thereby resolving problems and queries while liaising with NSTPJDA colleagues and other stakeholders as required
- Provided intelligence monitoring of the business environment for competitive analysis, thereby contributing to strengthening result-oriented management and increasing efficiency and effectiveness of programmes
- Ensured strict adherence to defined policies and procedures governing both internal and external information dissemination
- Assisted in monitoring, supervision and post-evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility projects/programmes and complete post-evaluation reports
- A bilateral, diplomatic and International organization headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, with a goal to explore the Hydrocarbon, Non-Hydrocarbon and other mineral Resources in the Joint Development Zone of the countries of Nigeria and Sao Tome for the economic benefit of both State Parties
Confidential Secretary to the Executive Director, Non-Hydrocarbon Resources Department
Nigeria Sao-Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority
02.2007 - 04.2014
- To Provide efficient and effective secretarial and administrative support to the Executive Director, Non-Hydrocarbon Resources Department
- Researched, prioritized and followed up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the ED, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature and determined the appropriate course of action, referral, or response with keen professional judgment
- Handled all incoming and outgoing communications including phone, email and hard copy correspondences as well as managed an extremely busy work calendar of business appointments, travel itinerary, personal commitments, agenda, logistics, events, meetings and his leaves
- Performed secretarial duties using IT, which included typing and production of documents, while ensuring proper documentation of records and data/file management
- Provided a bridge for smooth communication between the ED’S office and the various departments; demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust, and support with senior management staff
- Coordinated the private staff of the ED to facilitate the effective delivery of their set deliverables
- Prioritized conflicting needs; handled matters expeditiously, proactively, and followed through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures
Departmental Trainer
Le Meridien
10.2006 - 02.2007
- Company Overview: A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
- Handled skills and knowledge training for all staff members in the Front Office Department, including Receptionists, Guest Relations Officers, and Telephone operators, Reservations, Bellmen, Porters and Concierge
- A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
Guest Relations Officer
Le Meridien
05.2006 - 02.2007
- Company Overview: A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
- Responsible for welcoming of local and International Guests
- Recognition of Loyal Guests, V.I.P’’s like Royalties, Top Government Officials, Celebrities and tourists
- Handled complaints in the most professional manner and ensuring they are resolved
- A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
Receptionist
Le Meridien
11.2003 - 05.2006
- Company Overview: A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
- Welcomed Guests on arrival
- Check-in and check-out
- Receiving cash (currency and electronic)
- Performed diverse clerical and administrative work
- A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
Switchboard Operator
Le Meridien
11.2003 - 05.2006
- Company Overview: A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
- Received and transferred calls/messages to guests
- A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
Reservation Officer
Le Meridien
11.2003 - 05.2006
- Company Overview: A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
- Responsible for booking of reservation
- A brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc
- A 250 room hotel with over 400 Staff strength
English Teacher
Federal Government Academy, Suleja
01.2002 - 01.2003
Education
Master of Science - Management
University of Leicester
Leicester, UK 01.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Education - English
Abia-State University, Uturu
Uturu, Abia-StateSenior Secondary School Certificate - undefined
Girls Secondary School, Abayi, Umuocham, Aba
Aba, Abia-StateFirst School Leaving Certificate - undefined
67 Infantry Battalion Primary School
Aba, Abia-StateSkills
Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills
Proficient in MS-Word
Proficient in MS-Excel
Proficient in MS-PowerPoint
Proficient in MS-Project
Proficient in MS-DOS
Proficient in MS-Publisher
Proficient in Corel Draw
Excellent organizational skills
Attention to detail
Ability to handle sensitive information
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Focused listener
Articulate verbal communicator
Exceptional written communication skills
Exceptional oral communication skills
Grammar
Proof reading
Editing
Ability to follow schedules
Ability to prioritize
Ability to meet deadlines
Excellent Marketing skill
Team player
Smart learner
Extensive knowledge of communication best practices
Strong business acumen
Self motivated
Ability to lead change management initiatives
Ability to initiate workable ideas
Resourceful
Excellent presentation skills
Positive attitude
Professional demeanor
Problem solving skills
Effective negotiation skills
Ability to work with creativity
Ability to work with flexibility
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Ability to work independently
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to work collaboratively
Ability to create new processes
Sound judgment
Belief in fairness
Belief in equity
Belief in justice
Ability to be diplomatic
Ability to be resourceful
Ability to anticipate challenges
Ability to resolve conflict
Ability to identify opportunities
Ability to inspire
Ability to motivate constituents
Accomplishments
- Committee member/secretary of the Strategic Planning Committee of the Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA) that developed a successful Five (5) years strategic business plan on ‘Sustainable funding for JDA’.
- Monitored, supervised and commissioned an array of NSTPJDA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes worth $5,000,000.00.
- Member/organizer of the NSTPJDA Trade & Investment forum team, attracting international business opportunities.
- Provided technical support for Scholarship assistance programmes worth over US$2,000,000.00.
- Assisted in promoting diplomacy between Nigeria and Sao Tome through organized sporting activities.
- Re-organized and restructured the NSTPJDA conference room for effective communication.
- Handled skills and knowledge training for all staff members in the Front Office Department of Le Meridien Hotel, Abuja.
Knowledge And Expertise
- Public Relations
- Events Management
- Management
- Diplomatic Relations
- Strategic Planning/implementation
- Training/employee development
- Media Relations
- Project Management
- Information Technology/system
- Customer Service
- Leadership development
- Sales & Marketing
- Secretarial/office Administration
Professional Affiliation
Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management (IPDM), Full Member, FM/012/1504, 09/01/12, Nigeria
Training
- Enhanced User Productivity Training for Accounting Software and HR Payroll Software, 09/20/23, 09/25/23
- Effective Government Relations for the Oil & Gas Sector, 11/11/19, 11/15/19
- Work Ethics and Effective Attitude in Workplace, 01/26/16, 01/27/16
- Cost Management, 12/08/14, 12/12/14
- Fisheries Management, 09/30/13, 10/04/13
- Project Management, 10/19/12, 10/24/12
- Report Writing, 10/18/12
- Project Management, 09/10/12, 09/14/12
- Effective Performance Management and target setting skills, 07/12/12, 07/13/12
- Leadership for Administrative Professionals, 10/03/11, 10/07/11
- Interpersonal Communication Skills, 12/19/10, 12/23/10
- Executive Administration – Developing core skills for PA’s, 06/22/09, 07/03/09
- Essentials of Petroleum and Geology, 09/11/09
- International Seabed Authority Nigeria (Sensitization Seminar), 03/24/09, 03/26/09
- Senior Secretaries and Personal Assistants Diploma Course, 2008
- Trainer Skills workshop, 2006
- Commitment to excellence Training, 2003
Affiliations
Associate Member, Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management (IPDM)
Interests
Timeline
Master of Science - Management
University of Leicester
01.2016 - Current
Senior Public Relations Officer
Nigeria-Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA)
04.2014 - Current
Confidential Secretary to the Executive Director, Non-Hydrocarbon Resources Department
Nigeria Sao-Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority
02.2007 - 04.2014
Departmental Trainer
Le Meridien
10.2006 - 02.2007
Guest Relations Officer
Le Meridien
05.2006 - 02.2007
Receptionist
Le Meridien
11.2003 - 05.2006
Switchboard Operator
Le Meridien
11.2003 - 05.2006
Reservation Officer
Le Meridien
11.2003 - 05.2006
English Teacher
Federal Government Academy, Suleja
01.2002 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Education - English
Abia-State University, Uturu
Senior Secondary School Certificate - undefined
Girls Secondary School, Abayi, Umuocham, Aba
First School Leaving Certificate - undefined
67 Infantry Battalion Primary School