Joanette Eises joins GIPF as communications practitioner

The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has appointed Joanette Eises as its new communications practitioner. From her first role as a filing clerk at the United Nations in Windhoek to her work in journalism and corporate communications, Eises has built her career on discipline, professionalism and service.

Born in Windhoek and raised in Oranjemund, she says her upbringing taught her humility and the importance of community.

Those values carried into her professional life, first at the UN, then at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), where she reported on political and economic affairs.

She later joined the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI) and spent seven years at the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa), leading communication and stakeholder engagement. 

Eises said the GIPF appointment allows her to contribute to an institution that protects the future of thousands of Namibians. “What excited me most was the opportunity to contribute to an organisation whose purpose has a direct impact on people’s lives," she told Careers.

"Being part of an institution that combines financial stewardship with meaningful public service aligns perfectly with my own values."

Eises said that her love for stories helped her understand that communication is not only about sharing information but also about building trust and guiding people. “Communication is one of the most powerful leadership tools. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, helps organisations navigate change and ultimately drives meaningful impact,” she said.

Valuable lessons 

She said in her new role, she is focused on first listening, learning and building strong connections within the fund while supporting its goals. “My immediate priority is to immerse myself in the organisation, understand the needs of our stakeholders and build strong relationships across the fund,” she said. 

Speaking about challenges in her career, Eises said that she has learnt the importance of staying composed when organisations face pressure. “In communications, there are moments when organisations face intense public scrutiny, misinformation or rapidly evolving situations. I’ve learnt that staying calm, focusing on facts and responding strategically rather than emotionally makes all the difference,” she said. 

She underlined that success takes time and encouraged those aspiring to build a career in the sector to keep working hard even when progress feels slow. “Dream big, but be willing to start small. Success is rarely overnight, it is built through consistency, resilience and perseverance. Keep showing up, keep improving and trust that your time will come."