Staff

Herbert holds a Master of Science Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Herbert has over 20 years’ experience in environmental management planning, training, research and advocacy. He has worked for various local and international organisations including serving as the African Regional Facilitator for the Southern Voices on Climate Change, a coalition of climate policy networks in the global south. Herbert is the Executive Director at CEPA, responsible for steering the strategic direction and institutional development of the organisation. This includes shaping organisational objectives, leading in programme development, communicating policy positions, human capital development, resource mobilisation and financial accountability. Herbert is committed to addressing systemic governance failures that drive environmental change. To this end, he strives to influence individual and collective values to catalyse positive actions towards sustainable pathways to development.

McDell is a dedicated and result-oriented Finance and Administration Manager with a proven track record of driving CEPA’s financial sustainability and operational excellence. Throughout the 18 years he has been with the organisation, McDell has demonstrated a strong commitment to sound financial stewardship and organisational efficiency. McDell oversees the financial health of CEPA while ensuring seamless administrative operations. McDell believes in fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation within the organisation. McDell holds a Degree in Applied Accounting, Auditing, and Information Systems. McDell is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).McDell holds a Degree in Applied Accounting-Audit and Information Systems from Malawi College of Accountancy. He is an innate leader with a profound enthusiasm for understanding partners’ needs and subsequently creating value adding impact. He has strong analytical skills coupled with ability to recognise and comprehend complex issues and to promptly deflate them into simple manageable concerns. He has extensive experience managing financial resources for programmes and projects under different donors throughout his career. In addition, McDell has led in the development of a number of policies for CEPA.

Alfred holds a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture obtained from the University of Malawi. He has over 18 years’ work experience in food systems and environmental management policy advocacy, training and research. Alfred has previously worked with CARE Malawi and Civil Society Agriculture Network including as a Visiting Research Fellow with Chatham House, a global policy think tank based in London. Alfred joined CEPA in 2020 and is presently the Programmes Manager, responsible for steering CEPA programmes to achieve the institutional strategic plan. Alfred shares the vision of a just and equitable society that promotes sustainable development and a shared prosperous future for all.

Ellen holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Studies from the Catholic University of Malawi, with a focus on vulnerability, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Anthropology, which focused on understanding social behaviours, beliefs, and practices through fieldwork, research, and analysis.  With 7+ years’ experience, Ellen has demonstrated expertise in sustainable development, humanitarian aid, climate adaptation, policy advocacy, child rights and protection, sustainable livelihoods, international development, and governance. Ellen currently works as a Programme Officer (Biodiversity) with CEPA, where she plans, and implements biodiversity projects. She provides valuable policy advocacy support to CEPA implementing partners and mobilises civil society organisations to engage in policy processes. As National Coordinator for the Malawi Agrobiodiversity Network and Publish What You Pay, She facilitates civil society engagement with policymakers and decision-makers in the agrobiodiversity sector. She is passionate about civic engagement and participation for meaningful democratic processes, aiming to contribute to the development of Malawi and the African Continent.

Andrea holds a Bachelor Degree in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador as well as a Master Degree in Management in Non-profit Organisations with focus on International Cooperation and Climate Change from the University  of Applied Sciences Osnabrück in Germany. Andrea has over 7 years of professional experience as an International Development Worker. Her key working areas are Climate Policy, Climate and Disaster Risk Management, Gender and Intersectionality, Networking and Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) with Impact Orientation. Andrea's role at CEPA is to enhance Institutional Development and to grow CEPA's visibility at national and international level, as part of the Cooperation between CEPA and its partner Brot für die Welt from Germany. Andrea is led by curiosity, adaptability and positive mindfulness. Her work's geography spreads out around Africa, Europe and Latin America. She has been an Environmental Activist since 2010, being especially interested in spreading the word about the challenges of Extractives Industries for environmental and social welfare, focusing on the Global Environmental Yasuní-ITT Initiative and #FossilFuelTreaty.

John holds a Bachelor of Accountancy Degree from ExploitsUniversity and is currently pursuing Executive Masters in Business Administration with Malawi College of Accountancy. He has over 10 year’s work experience in the NGO Sector. He has gained vast knowledge and experience in Finance accounting, Finance management, Grants Management and Credit Control Management. He is an intrinsic leader, Innovative strategic planner and analytical thinker in Finance and Administration. At CEPA John is the Senior Finance Officer. He has Excellent team worker and promotes innovation and learning.

Tamala holds a Master of Commerce (Agricultural) Degree in Agribusiness and International Rural Development and a post graduate Diploma in Commerce from Lincoln University, New Zealand. she also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics from Bunda College of Agriculture. Her research background is focused on women's empowerment in Agriculture for Food and Nutrition Security. Tamala is a seasoned program specialist with experience in program development and design. She has experience in delivering Food Systems Transformation policy advocacy. Tamala has 8 years of experience in managing climate smart projects and she is a experienced researcher with knowledge in data collection and analysis. At CEPA, Tamala is responsible for coordinating activities under the Promoting Organic Systems of Soil Improvement to Build a Lasting Economy (POSSIBLE) Project. She is also responsible for conducting policy research and analysis in food systems and the green economy as well as facilitating policy advocacy processes. Tamala is passionate about sustainable development particularly on climate action, zero hunger and no poverty.

Lorraine holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resources. She is an accomplished, self-assured, and professional Administrative Assistant with extensive experience assisting all staff, Management and Board members with consistent clerical support. A friendly, approachable person with a positive attitude and a desire to make a difference. At CEPA, Lorraine is the heart of all processes. Her positive energy in the workplace inspires others to achieve teamwork.

Patrick is an ACCA qualified Certified Public Accountant. He has more than 18 years working experience in financial and management accounting, administration and external auditing. Patrick is a Finance Officer at CEPA. He is a skilled and experienced accounting professional with Strong understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards. He has a comprehensive knowledge of grant management and complex financial reporting skills. He believes in financial prudence in order to achieve long-term financial stability and security.

Cliff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Earth Sciences from the Malawi University of Science and Technology. He has experience in implementing extractive sector projects as well as in communication. Cliff contributes to enhancing CEPA’s communication and visibility and uses his creative writing skills to raise awareness on sustainable environmental management. He is interested in advocating for mineral resource governance that is open, transparent and inclusive. Cliff believes that a country’s natural resources belong to its citizens, as such, citizens including the future generations should benefit from them.

Zeless Chibwe holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and a professional Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning certificate. She has over 5 years of professional experience in project monitoring and evaluation systems and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Zeless is the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at CEPA responsible for leading in setting up and implementation of institutional and projects’ M&E systems. She believes in Results Based Project Management as a promising approach to impactful projects’ interventions.

Peter Sandula holds a Master of Science in Energy Policy from Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences, Algeria. He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Renewable Energy Technology from Mzuzu University, Malawi. He has over 5 years of experience in the areas of research, rural electrification, policy formulation and interpretation, and renewable energy systems design, installation, repair, and maintenance. Peter works as an advocacy and campaigns program officer for CEPA. He has good technical expertise in the energy field, facilitation, coordination, research, and communication skills. He is passionate about promoting electricity access to remote and peri-urban areas.

Asele is a dedicated, hard-working and gentle assistant. His role at CEPA is to take care of the maintenance and hygiene in the offices. Asele is always willing to support any administrative tasks.

Dali holds a Malawi School Certificate of Education, Business Administration Certificate (Communication & Planning), Defensive driving certificate class C1-PG drivers license. He is a hard working, innovative and result oriented person with over 10 yrs driving experience, exceptional driving skills. He takes care of CEPA's property.

Sharon holds the Malawi School Certificate of Education, Cisco Networking Certificate, defensive driving certificate and CE&PGD driver's license. He is a hard working, trustworthy, experienced and gentle person. Sharon has worked as a driver for a number of institutions for the past sixteen years. His role at CEPA is driving CEPA officials on approved trips and ensuring safety features and tools of the vehicle are available and in good working order.