Strategic national manager with a proven track record in driving community transformation and fostering impactful partnerships. Renowned for relationship building, negotiation, and creating new partnerships that advance organisational goals. Expert in leading teams, managing large-scale campaigns, and mobilising movements towards sustainable development and community resilience. Adept at innovative strategy implementation and cross-sectoral collaboration, inspiring teams to achieve shared visions for environmental sustainability
Hi, I’m
Blaise Itabelo
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
Overview
12
years of professional experience
1
Certificate
Work History
Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia
National Manager- Community Partnerships & Engagement
04.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Spearheaded strategic initiatives to mobilise community engagement nationwide, resulting in over 400 groups committing to our program, showcasing leadership in cultivating diverse and productive partnerships
- Developed and led a comprehensive communication and marketing strategy, enhancing our organization's visibility and influence across key stakeholder groups, including First Nations and governmental entities
- Represented the organisation at major national forums, events, and conferences, effectively advocating for progressive refugee assistance policies, and demonstrating adeptness in communication and stakeholder engagement.
Access Community Services LTD
Community Development and Engagement Manager
02.2019 - 04.2022
Job overview
- Directed a dynamic team to manage and grow 7 key programs across Queensland, demonstrating excellence in leadership and organizational capability building
- Orchestrated multiple stakeholder forums to address local community challenges, facilitating impactful discussions and initiatives, and reinforcing my ability to lead sector-wide convenings and partnerships.
Worldshare Australia
International Partnerships & Programs Director
04.2017 - 02.2019
Job overview
- Managed and enhanced relationships with 10 partner organisations across 8 countries in Asia and Africa, aligning with WorldShare's global outreach goals, mirroring the CRC's mission to develop and implement innovative solutions for environmental and climate challenges
- Initiated and executed strategic programs that fostered collaboration between research organizations and not-for-profits, enhancing organizational reach and impact
- Mentorship and Team Leadership in International Programs: Provided ongoing mentorship and guidance to overseas teams, fostering skill development and enhancing program delivery
- Played a crucial role in ensuring team alignment with WorldShare's mission and the effective execution of international community development projects.
Access Community Services LTD
Case Manager
03.2013 - 04.2017
Job overview
- Championed support initiatives for asylum seekers, leading to breakthroughs in their integration and self-sufficiency, showcasing an ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and improve community well-being.
Access Community Services LTD
Community Development Coordinator
01.2015 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Spearheaded community projects that significantly reduced ethnic tensions in Logan, demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership in enhancing social cohesion
- Formulated and executed a comprehensive community engagement framework and social inclusion strategy, driving organizational change and community development
- Managed and collaborated on over 10 projects with schools, community groups, and councils, directly impacting 1000+ individuals and 200+ community groups annually, showcasing exceptional partnership and engagement skills
- Established the Access Men's Shed, orchestrating major community events like White Ribbon Day Logan, evidencing strong capabilities in event management and community mobilization.
Australia for UNHCR
Senior Fundraising Officer
02.2012 - 02.2013
Job overview
- Exceeded fundraising targets as a face-to-face fundraiser for Australia for UNHCR, consistently achieving and surpassing weekly goals of 5 sign-ups per day, reaching over 15 sign-ups per week
- Successfully raised awareness about refugee causes in high-traffic areas of Brisbane CBD and surrounding malls, engaging effectively with both large and small audiences
- Demonstrated exceptional persuasion and communication skills, inspiring individuals and families to commit as monthly donors and contributing significantly to the charity's cause
- Earned a promotion to Senior Face-to-Face Fundraiser within less than a year, recognizing outstanding performance and dedication to the fundraising goals of Australia for UNHCR.
Access Community Services LTD
Youth Worker and Men Shed Coordinator-Settlement Officer
01.2014
Job overview
- Fostered youth engagement and cultural integration through innovative community programs, contributing to enhanced social inclusion
- Successfully led the Men's Shed project, demonstrating leadership in creating impactful community spaces and events.
Education
Deakin University
Grad. Cert. International and Community Development
01.2019
University Overview
Griffith University
Grad. Cert. Australian Migration Law & Practice
01.2014
University Overview
Institute of Social Work Dar Es Salaam Tanzania
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Relations
01.2011
University Overview
Institut De La Fraternité
Diploma- Math & Physics
01.2006
University Overview
Skills
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Leadership and Communication
- Stakeholder and Relationship Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making and Analytics
- Change and Crisis Management
- Innovation and Creativity
- Performance and Operations Management
- Mentoring, Coaching, and Talent Development
- Cultural Competence and Community Engagement
- Ethical Governance and Accountability
- Partnership Development
- Influencing and negotiating
- Operations Planning
- Budget Administration
- Cross-functional team leadership
Languages
French
Full Professional
Swahili
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1571548)
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Migration Law Student of the Year Award, Migration Institute of Australia 2014
Timeline
National Manager- Community Partnerships & Engagement
Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia
04.2022 - Current
Community Development and Engagement Manager
Access Community Services LTD
02.2019 - 04.2022
International Partnerships & Programs Director
Worldshare Australia
04.2017 - 02.2019
Community Development Coordinator
Access Community Services LTD
01.2015 - 01.2017
Youth Worker and Men Shed Coordinator-Settlement Officer
Access Community Services LTD
01.2014
Case Manager
Access Community Services LTD
03.2013 - 04.2017
Senior Fundraising Officer
Australia for UNHCR
02.2012 - 02.2013
Deakin University
Grad. Cert. International and Community Development
Griffith University
Grad. Cert. Australian Migration Law & Practice
Institute of Social Work Dar Es Salaam Tanzania
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Relations
Institut De La Fraternité
Diploma- Math & Physics
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
Languages
- French
- Swahili
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Experience
- Metro South Health (MSH) Multicultural Reference Committee, Member, 2015, Current
- MSH Executive Quality of Care Committee (EQoCC), Member, 01/2018, 09/2021
- Queensland Government Public Transport Fares Advisory Panel, 01/2018, Current
- BSPHN Community Advisory Council, 01/2019, Current
Languages
Languages
- French
- Swahili
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Experience
- Metro South Health (MSH) Multicultural Reference Committee, Member, 2015, Current
- MSH Executive Quality of Care Committee (EQoCC), Member, 01/2018, 09/2021
- Queensland Government Public Transport Fares Advisory Panel, 01/2018, Current
- BSPHN Community Advisory Council, 01/2019, Current