Vimbainashe Mudzimuirema

Peacebuilding and Development Practitioner | YPS Expert

Harare, ZW.

About

Dedicated Peacebuilding and Development Practitioner with 3+ years of specialized experience in policy-oriented research, program management, and multi-stakeholder engagement. Recognized as a leading expert in the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, Vimbainashe has a proven track record of shaping national policy and representing youth at high-level regional forums. She effectively translates evidence into actionable policy and program strategies to foster democratic governance, peace, and inclusive development.

Work

Southern African Partnerships for the Prevention of Conflict (SAPPC)

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Research Officer & YPS Specialist

Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

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Summary

Leads high-impact, policy-oriented research and analysis to inform regional peace and governance agendas, with a dedicated focus on advancing the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) framework.

Highlights

Led foundational YPS research on youth inclusion in conflict prevention and political processes, authoring strategic policy briefs to guide national and regional advocacy.

Represented Zimbabwe as a principal youth delegate and technical expert in high-level dialogues with SADC, UN agencies, and government ministries, driving YPS domestication.

Co-authored the Zimbabwe National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 2250, integrating evidence-based and youth-prioritized recommendations into national policy.

Authored SAPPC's flagship study, 'The State of Youth in Peace and Security in Zimbabwe,' adopted by multiple national and international partners as a baseline for YPS programming.

Leveraged research to channel youth perspectives into high-level policy discussions, influencing transformative change in governance and conflict prevention.

Association of Women's Clubs (AWC)

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Programmes Officer

Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

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Summary

Designs and executes member-focused programmes to enhance engagement, satisfaction, and organizational growth.

Highlights

Developed and oversaw a calendar of workshops, seminars, and networking events, managing end-to-end logistics and participant engagement.

Implemented strategies and feedback mechanisms, enhancing long-term membership retention and satisfaction.

Established collaborations with external organizations and sponsors, securing resources and expanding programme offerings.

Launched a 'Women in Leadership' mentorship series, increasing active member participation in club activities by 40% within the first quarter.

Secured in-kind sponsorship from three corporate partners for a flagship event, increasing the program budget by 25%.

Zimbabwe Peacebuilding Initiative (ZimPI)

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Volunteer Peacebuilding Officer

Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

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Summary

Supported the implementation of community-level peacebuilding programmes through stakeholder engagement, research, and logistical coordination.

Highlights

Cultivated productive relationships with CSOs and community leaders, fostering coalition-building and expanding programme outreach.

Contributed to conflict analysis, monitoring & evaluation activities, and background research, informing project planning and implementation.

Provided comprehensive logistical and coordination support for community dialogues and peacebuilding workshops.

Facilitated a strategic partnership with a local governance trust, co-designing a community dialogue series engaging over 500 participants.

Co-created and implemented a community-based early warning indicators toolkit, adopted for local conflict monitoring.

Education

Midlands State University

Gweru, Midlands, Zimbabwe
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BSc Honours Degree Peace Studies Grade: 2.1

Languages

English

Shona

Skills

Youth, Peace & Security (YPS)

National Action Plan (NAP) Development, Policy Analysis & Advocacy, High-Level Representation, Youth Mobilisation Strategies, UNSCR 2250/2535 & AU YPS Framework.

Research & Analysis

Qualitative & Quantitative Methodologies, Research Design, Data Collection & Analysis, Policy Briefing, Conflict Analysis, Ethical Research Compliance, SPSS, NVivo.

Programme Management

End-to-End Project Cycle, MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning), Work Plan & Budget Development, Donor Reporting (EU, USAID).

Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement

Civil Society, Policymakers, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Community Leaders, Donor Relations.

Knowledge Management & Communication

Report Writing, Discussion Papers, Publication Oversight, Database Management, Strategic Communication.

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office Suite.

References

Mrs. Nqobile Q. Moyo

Regional Coordinator, Southern African Partnerships for the Prevention of Conflict (SAPPC) | Email: nqobileqmoyo@gmail.com | Phone: +263 772 943 769

Mrs. Sekai Holland

Founder & Chairperson, Zimbabwe Peacebuilding Initiative (ZimPI) | Email: sholland@mango.zw | Phone: +263 775 573 873

Mrs. Catherine Madondo

Director, Association of Women's Clubs (AWC) | Email: director.awc@mango.zw | Phone: +263 772 413 865