Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Cindy Nolusindiso Mkaza-Siboto

Project Officer & ProgrammeManager
Cape Town

Summary

Strategic and results-driven Programme Manager with over 15 years of experience in programme management, employer partner engagement, operations, and strategic project execution. I have successfully led multi-stakeholder initiatives, built high-impact partnerships, and managed large-scale projects with a strong focus on data management, quality assurance, and reporting. Adept at building high-performance teams, structuring workflows, and leading cross-functional collaborations. My expertise in project governance, compliance, and strategic planning enables me to drive operational excellence and ensure the successful execution of complex projects.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
4039
4039
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Project Officer

The Learning Trust
06.2022 - Current
  • Lead and manage the wage portion of the Social Employment Fund (SEF), ensuring seamless execution of employer partner engagement, compliance, and operational processes for over 63 implementing partners nationwide
  • I oversee monthly wage administration, data tracking, and quality assurance while managing a budget of over R45 million per round
  • Employer Partner Engagement & Relationship Management: Foster strong partnerships with 63 implementing partners, ensuring alignment, resolving challenges, and providing strategic guidance to enhance employer relations
  • Project Management: Oversee end-to-end execution of SEF’s wage administration process, ensuring alignment with compliance requirements and partner needs
  • Data Management & Reporting: Lead dashboard tracking, payroll processing, financial tracking, and impact measurement, ensuring data-driven decision-making and programme efficiency
  • Quality Assurance & Compliance: Implement robust quality control mechanisms to ensure regulatory adherence and process efficiency
  • People Management & Capacity Building: Manage a team of 38 administrators, overseeing performance management, skills development, and creating a high-performance culture
  • Process Optimisation & Operational Execution: Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency, accountability, and reporting structures

Founder & Managing Director

Emagqabini Education Academy
01.2014 - 01.2022
  • Founded and led an education nonprofit organisation, overseeing strategic leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement
  • Strategic Leadership & Programme Development: Designed and implemented mentorship, academic tutoring, and skills development initiatives, impacting over 600 learners
  • Operational Oversight & Budget Management: Managed programme operations, financial oversight, and compliance, ensuring sustainability and efficiency
  • Stakeholder & Partnerships Engagement: Built strategic partnerships with organisations, funders, and placement partners to drive impact
  • People & Team Development: Led staff and volunteer teams, creating a high-performance and mission-driven culture

Coach

WCED Change Mindset Programme
08.2021 - 12.2021
  • Led leadership and change management training for educators, helping school teams adapt to post-COVID operational changes
  • Provided mentorship and capacity-building support, enhancing educators' ability to manage transitions effectively
  • Delivered engaging, interactive coaching sessions, fostering resilience, collaboration, and confidence in navigating change

Every Word Counts Facilitator Trainer & Coordinator

Philani Maternal, Child Health & Nutrition Trust
08.2017 - 03.2019
  • Designed and delivered capacity-building workshops to enhance operational efficiency and improve programme impact
  • Managed partner relationships and ensured alignment with compliance standards
  • Developed data tracking tools and reporting mechanisms to measure programme effectiveness

Educare Coordinator

Philani Maternal, Child Health & Nutrition Trust
08.2015 - 07.2017
  • Managed a cohort of 35 staff members, ensuring effective team leadership, professional development, and operational excellence
  • Oversaw six ECD centres, ensuring quality education delivery and compliance with programme objectives
  • Developed and implemented structured processes for compliance and reporting
  • Managed stakeholder engagement and partnership development to enhance programme sustainability

Education

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) - African & Gender Studies

University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre and Performance

University of Cape Town

Master Practitioner Certificate - Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Trust Connection
04.2001 - 01.2021

Skills

  • Employer Partner Engagement & Relationship Management

  • Project & Campaign Management

  • Data Management & Reporting

  • Operational Leadership & Process Improvement

  • People Management & Capacity Building

  • Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making

  • Budget Oversight & Compliance

  • Technology & CRM Systems

Timeline

Project Officer

The Learning Trust
06.2022 - Current

Coach

WCED Change Mindset Programme
08.2021 - 12.2021

Every Word Counts Facilitator Trainer & Coordinator

Philani Maternal, Child Health & Nutrition Trust
08.2017 - 03.2019

Educare Coordinator

Philani Maternal, Child Health & Nutrition Trust
08.2015 - 07.2017

Founder & Managing Director

Emagqabini Education Academy
01.2014 - 01.2022

Master Practitioner Certificate - Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Trust Connection
04.2001 - 01.2021

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) - African & Gender Studies

University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre and Performance

University of Cape Town
Cindy Nolusindiso Mkaza-SibotoProject Officer & ProgrammeManager