SAMAILA MAHAMADOU BALLA
Abuja,Nigeria
Summary
Results-driven Diplomatic Professional with over 3 years of experience at the Embassy of Niger in Nigeria. Specialized in Public Diplomacy, bilingual communication (French/English), and digital marketing strategy. Expert in facilitating official relations through high-level interpretation for Ambassadors and managing complex administrative workflows. Adept at leveraging digital tools to enhance institutional visibility and stakeholder engagement. Seeking to apply my bilingual skills and proven leadership to advance Australia’s diplomatic interests in Nigeria.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Administrative and Protocol Assistant (Bilingual)
Embassy of Niger in Nigeria
Abuja
10.2021 - 01.2026
- Media & Digital Analysis: Conducted daily monitoring of the Nigerian press and provided strategic briefings to the Ambassador to support diplomatic decision-making.
- High-Level Interpretation: Served as the lead French/English interpreter for the Ambassador and the Chargé d’Affaires during meetings with diplomatic missions and Nigerian authorities.
- Protocol Management: Coordinated logistics for official receptions and diplomatic visits, ensuring strict compliance with international protocol standards.
- Executive & Consular Support: Managed official correspondence, assisted the Consular Affairs Secretary, and drafted comprehensive biannual mission reports.
Biometric Enrollment Agent
CENI Niger
Lagos
09.2022 - 10.2022
- Data Management: Conducted biometric registration for the Nigerien diaspora in Nigeria and ensured secure data transcription using specialized kits.
Secretary-General – International Students’ Association (UISA)
University of Ilorin
Ilorin
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Public Diplomacy: Led the 'International Students' Day' project, coordinating cultural exhibitions and digital promotion for a diverse community of 500+ students from various nationalities.
- Institutional Liaison: Acted as the primary point of contact between the international student body and the university administration, facilitating official communications.
- Executive Administration: Organized General Assemblies, managed official records, and drafted detailed meeting reports.
Enumerator
Concern Worldwide
Tahoua
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Field Operations: Performed monitoring and evaluation of vulnerable households and synchronized real-time data using smart devices.
Education
B.A. - History and International Studies
Federal University of Ilorin
Ilorin, Nigeria 01.2018 - 01.2021
First-Year Undergraduate Studies (L1) - Law
Djibo Hamani University of Tahoua
Tahoua, Niger 01.2013 - 01.2016
Skills
- Public Diplomacy: Strategic Event Planning, Stakeholder Relations, Cultural Promotion
- Digital Marketing & Content: Social Media Management, Content Creation (Canva), Digital Outreach, and Community Engagement
- Communication: Bilingual Translation & Interpretation (French/English), Diplomatic Drafting, and Media Monitoring
- Operational Support: Executive Assistance, Protocol Management, Consular Affairs, and Administrative Procedures
- Social Media Management: Experienced in creating and scheduling engaging content for professional platforms, including X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook to enhance institutional visibility
- Content Creation: Proficient in using Canva and CapCut for designing bilingual infographics and short-form video content tailored for diplomatic outreach
- Digital Storytelling: Skilled in drafting compelling narratives in both English and French to promote cultural events and bilateral initiatives
- Community Engagement: Adept at monitoring digital trends and interacting with online communities to foster positive stakeholder relations
- Web & Analytical Tools: Familiar with website content management (CMS) and basic social media analytics to track audience engagement and reach
LANGUAGES & TOOLS
Languages: French (Native/Diplomatic Level), English (Fluent/Working Language), Hausa (Native), Zarma (Basic).
Digital Tools: MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, WhatsApp Business.
Digital Marketing: Self-taught expertise in Social Media Strategy and Institutional Digital Communication.
Timeline
Biometric Enrollment Agent
CENI Niger
09.2022 - 10.2022
Administrative and Protocol Assistant (Bilingual)
Embassy of Niger in Nigeria
10.2021 - 01.2026
Secretary-General – International Students’ Association (UISA)
University of Ilorin
01.2019 - 01.2020
B.A. - History and International Studies
Federal University of Ilorin
01.2018 - 01.2021
Enumerator
Concern Worldwide
01.2014 - 01.2015
First-Year Undergraduate Studies (L1) - Law
Djibo Hamani University of Tahoua
01.2013 - 01.2016