Esnath Chambiwa
Feltre
Profilo professionale
Human rights researcher with experience analysing foreign agent laws, civic-space restrictions and the operating environment of civil society actors in politically sensitive contexts. Skilled in desk-based legal analysis, qualitative research, policy review and structured analytical writing. Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating with international teams across civil society, and academic institutions.
Panoramica
3
3
Languages
7
7
years of professional experience
Esperienza lavorativa
Child Protection Fellow
UNICEF Eastern & Southern Africa Regional Office (Kenya)
Nairobi
2025.01 - 2025.06
- Conducted technical review of regional policy briefs and working papers, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and methodological issues.
- Synthesised Country Office reports into evidence-based regional analyses for advocacy and decision-making.
- Facilitated secure engagement between 50 grassroots organisations and UN monitoring bodies.
- Drafted Terms of Reference for research consultancies, ensuring alignment with UN standards.
- Supported cross-country learning and knowledge dissemination.
Researcher (Academic)
Global Campus of Human Rights EMA Programme – University of Malta
Valletta
2024.01 - 2024.07
- Conducted a comparative case study analysing Georgia’s Foreign Influence Bill, Russia’s Foreign Agents Law, and Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Representatives Law.
- Assessed implications for civil society and democratic participation.
- Reviewed international human rights jurisprudence and regional case law to evaluate legality and proportionality of restrictive measures.
- Produced an analytical report with structured findings, legislative mapping, and civic-space impact assessment.
- Developed contextual knowledge of Russia’s political environment and the effects of foreign agent designation on environmental movements such as Ecodefense, co-founded by Right Livelihood Laureate Vladimir Slivyak.
Regional Coordinator
National Association of NGOs (NANGO), Zimbabwe
Bulawayo
2021.09 - 2023.09
- Conducted field research, interviews, and surveys to analyse civic-space trends and threats to civil society.
- Produced policy briefs, position papers, and newsletters documenting attacks on civic space.
- Provided statutory interpretation and compliance guidance to organisations facing regulatory pressure.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement with government, donors, and partners to a network of 250+ NGOs.
- Monitored project indicators and consolidated learning data into analytical reports.
Programmes Assistant
Justice for Children, Zimbabwe
Bulawayo
2018.10 - 2021.07
- Conducted legal research and gap analysis on child justice systems.
- Documented detention-centre conditions and systemic barriers.
- Drafted legal documents, case summaries, and analytical reports for donors and internal learning.
- Coordinated interviews with justice actors, community advocates, and vulnerable groups.
Istruzione
Master’s - Human Rights & Democratisation (EMA/Global Campus)
University of Padova & University of Malta
2024-09
Certificates - Advanced Human Rights Courses
University of Pretoria
2022-01
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
Northumbria University
2014-01
Competenze
- MS Office
- SharePoint
- Kobo
- Google Forms
- SPSS
- Document review
- Legislative analysis
- Qualitative research tools
LANGUAGES
English (C2)
Principiante
Italian (B1)
Principiante
Shona (Native)
Principiante
CORE RESEARCH COMPETENCIES
- Foreign Agent Law Analysis
- Civic-Space Monitoring
- Legal & Policy Research
- Qualitative Interviews & Evidence Synthesis
- Analytical Writing
- Comparative legislative analysis
- Desk-based research
- Cross-country contextual analysis
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
- Independent research capability
- Strong judgement and analytical discipline
- Clear, structured writing
- Cross-cultural communication
- Experience working with international teams
Cronologia
Child Protection Fellow
UNICEF Eastern & Southern Africa Regional Office (Kenya)
2025.01 - 2025.06
Researcher (Academic)
Global Campus of Human Rights EMA Programme – University of Malta
2024.01 - 2024.07
Regional Coordinator
National Association of NGOs (NANGO), Zimbabwe
2021.09 - 2023.09
Programmes Assistant
Justice for Children, Zimbabwe
2018.10 - 2021.07
Certificates - Advanced Human Rights Courses
University of Pretoria
Master’s - Human Rights & Democratisation (EMA/Global Campus)
University of Padova & University of Malta
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
Northumbria University