FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM PMRC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BERNADETTE DEKA-ZULU

As my tenure of being Executive Director of the Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) comes to an end, I look back at the past eight years with gratitude, satisfaction and nostalgia. My eight years of working at PMRC has been characterised by innovative ideas, strategic thinking and most valuably, worked towards building the credibility and visibility of PMRC locally, regionally and more broadly, in the international space of public policy Think Tanks. Furthermore, I have led?the organization through a move of office from a rented property and now housed at a building under former Ministry of National Development Planning (MNDP) and spearheaded the development of rich evidence based research papers. Through this, I have seen the growth in both engagements and our identity as a public policy Think Tank. The resulting recognition has become an asset to PMRC and the relationships built during my tenure with stakeholders and partners have and will continue to prosper PMRC as it advances its work.?

While ensuring the expansion of this institution, fair employment and adherence to labour laws has been foremost in our priorities. It has been my goal to ensure the wellbeing of the employees both in their professional and personal lives. I have counselled and supported PMRC employees in their academic endeavours as well as facilitated the development of their academic undertakings and continuous professional development through learning tours. I must say, I have built a growing team of young and committed talents within the organization, and provided the necessary support to enhance the quality and impact of their careers.??

It was important during my tenure to establish the organization as a strong public policy Think Tank to enhance public policy discourse. As such, together we fostered strong, positive and mutually beneficial relationships with a range of stakeholders and the Government, distinguishing us as a source of relevant and timely information.?

During my tenure, PMRC has and will?continue to remain resolute to providing policy analysis to complement the Government in the pursuit of prudent macroeconomic policies, to increase the economy’s resilience to shocks and achieve higher and inclusive economic growth. In order to achieve this, the team and I produced and published relevant research outputs on the country’s economic stabilization outlook, together we provided analyses of development plans, economic reports, national budget and debt management strategies and informed parliament through its various committees, on topical policy matters, while being a source of quality and simplified data/information to the general citizenry. This has resulted in the institutional strength and increased relevance in the economic space within the country.

Further, we have improved and cemented confidence in our donors, while building great relationships with our partners and various stakeholders, especially the media. The expansion and continuous development of our communication channels among social media, traditional media (Print, Radio and Television) as well as through public forums and media workshops helped PMRC disseminate various research outputs in different formats..?

I find great comfort in knowing that the strength of PMRC will continue to serve our country Zambia and societal needs both now and in the future. I have confidence that my successor will continue to build on these achievements. As I bid farewell, I look forward to seeing the progress of the institution, the wellbeing of the employees and the country at large.?

I would like to convey my appreciation to the Board of PMRC for the opportunity given to me to lead this institution, and I also extend my heartfelt gratitude towards the staff for their support throughout my tenure. Through team effort, PMRC has flourished and I believe it will continue to complement Government’s efforts in recommending sound economic policies critical to driving the economic transformation agenda of the country.?

Lastly, I wish all PMRC employees the utmost success in their careers. I have been honoured to work alongside a great team of staff, consultants and stakeholder partners who have accepted and responded to the challenges PMRC has faced over the last 7-8 years. Incrementally, I am thankful for the positive and enriching experience??given to me throughout my time as Executive Director.

God bless Zambia

LINK:

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