Bernadettah Maria Zimba
Nerima-ku
Summary
Dynamic change leader with over 7 years of international and local experience in driving organizational transformation, stakeholder alignment, and program innovation. Holds dual master's degrees: an MBA in Design and Leadership for Societal Innovation and an MSc in Sustainability Science, along with a bachelor's degree in Education focused on Social Studies. This educational background provides a robust foundation for system-level change, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. Demonstrated success in managing cross-cultural teams and translating complex challenges into impactful, people-centered strategies that enhance operational efficiency. Committed to advancing organizational goals through innovative approaches that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Coordinator: Student Relations
Ashinaga Foundation
11.2022 - Current
- Global lead for international students, with a focus on capacity building and development.
- Designed and facilitated leadership development programs and annual workshops with key African stakeholders.
- Mentored scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa in academic, career, and life planning.
- Supported scholars' transition into professional spaces through facilitation of internship opportunities identification as well as priorities and opportunities synergizing and tradeoff management.
- Led learning events on diversity, financial literacy, and career design, enhancing leadership readiness.
Project & Research Assistant (studentship)
United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Organized and facilitated cross-regional learning workshops.
- Supported project administration, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
District Manager & Project Officer
PROSPER Project – Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD)
04.2019 - 09.2020
- Led district operations and implementation of a resilience project for 7,000 households.
- Coordinated humanitarian seed and food aid with international consortium partners.
- Supported community systems strengthening in access to finance and markets.
Programme Officer: Climate Change
Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA)
11.2017 - 02.2019
- Managed two national-level climate adaptation programs.
- Coordinated policy engagement, participatory planning, MEL, and multi-stakeholder events.
- Contributed to national policy reviews, including the Malawi Resilience Strategy.
Programs and Admin Intern
Leadership for Environment and Development – Southern & Eastern Africa (LEADSEA)
05.2017 - 10.2017
- Managed program budgets, events, and climate documentation projects.
Teacher & Wildlife Club Matron
Zipatso Academy
01.2017 - 04.2017
- I taught geography and mentored over 100 students in environmental sustainability.
Education
MBA - Design and Leadership for Societal Innovation
Shizenkan University
06.2025
MSc - Sustainability Science
United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Tokyo, Japan01.2022
Postgraduate Diploma - Sustainability Science
University of Tokyo
01.2022
Bachelor of Education - Geography
University of Malawi – Chancellor College
01.2017
Skills
- Change management strategy
- Social Innovation and Design Thinking
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Diverse workforce engagement
- Learning Design & Facilitation
- Problem Analysis expertise
- Effective problem resolution
- Capacity building design
- Strategic program execution
- Impact assessment skills
- Negotiation & Advocacy strategy
- Financial analysis
- Strategic decision-making
- Adept at managing discussions and policy coordination
Certification
- Managerial Accounting and Financial Analysis, Coursera (2023)
- Frontiers of Sustainability Science, Sustainability Science Consortium (2022)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Chichewa
Native or Bilingual
Japanese
Elementary
HONORS & AWARDS
Best Contributor Award, Shizenkan University Graduation (2025) Recognized among the top 15% of the class for exemplifying Shizenkan’s philosophy contributing meaningfully to collective learning, shaping a positive organizational culture (“smell of the place”), and supporting classmates’ development as whole-person leaders throughout the MBA program., Best Class Representative, Chancellor College
Hobbies
Nature Photography
Sunset Watching
learning cultural nuances
Mentoring young adults
Timeline
Senior Coordinator: Student Relations
Ashinaga Foundation
11.2022 - Current
Project & Research Assistant (studentship)
United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
01.2021 - 01.2022
District Manager & Project Officer
PROSPER Project – Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD)
04.2019 - 09.2020
Programme Officer: Climate Change
Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA)
11.2017 - 02.2019
Programs and Admin Intern
Leadership for Environment and Development – Southern & Eastern Africa (LEADSEA)
05.2017 - 10.2017
Teacher & Wildlife Club Matron
Zipatso Academy
01.2017 - 04.2017
MSc - Sustainability Science
United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Postgraduate Diploma - Sustainability Science
University of Tokyo
Bachelor of Education - Geography
University of Malawi – Chancellor College
MBA - Design and Leadership for Societal Innovation
Shizenkan University