Erna van der Westhuizen

• Led a multidisciplinary team of researchers, fostering a supportive environment that encouraged growth and learning.
• Reviewed research reports submitted by team members, ensuring consistency, clarity, and comprehensiveness in their presentation of information.
• Developed contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies in response to potential challenges or unforeseen obstacles that could impact research progress or outcomes.
• Optimized data collection methods for improved reliability and validity of results obtained from various sources.
• Published numerous articles in high-impact journals, showcasing expertise in the field and solidifying professional reputation.
• Presented research findings at national conferences, engaging audiences with clear visuals and compelling narratives.
• Translated complex research findings into actionable recommendations for stakeholder implementation, driving positive change within the organization or community served.
• Identified emerging trends in the field by conducting comprehensive literature reviews and staying current with industry news.
• Tailored communication strategies to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences including policymakers, practitioners, colleagues, or funders.

• Managed a diverse portfolio of grants and contracts, ensuring compliance, effective delivery, and measurable impact.
• Provided technical expertise and capacity-building support to grantees, enhancing program quality and sustainability.
• Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
• Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
  Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
• Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows, reducing redundancies and increasing operational efficiency.
• Represented SCAT in national and international forums, building strategic partnerships, and amplifying program visibility.
  Conducted in-depth research and analysis to guide strategic investment decisions, and maximize social impact.
• Implemented feedback system from community, using insights to guide policing strategies and improve public relations.
• Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to inform strategic planning processes and measure progress towards goals.

• Teaching Introduction to Psychology
• Provide research supervision to Honors students in Psychology
• Provide constructive feedback on assignments, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and academic growth.
• Mentored new educators in best practices for teaching, leading to increased confidence and effectiveness within the school community.
• Designed curriculum-aligned assessments to measure student progress and inform instructional decisions.
• Facilitate sessions based on practical experience including story telling, multi-media strategies, case studies and applied adult learning activities

https://tekano.org.za/tekano-fellow/erna-van-der-westhuizen/

• Co-CEO
• Conceptualised & Designed the components of a well-functioning ecosystem for inclusion
• Designed & operationalised intra-disciplinary organisational process flow through change management process
• Conceptualised & operationalised the social impact process & metrics (incl building and maintaining of data flow, visualisation, technical backend, field operations-impact process flow)
• Maintain 200 outcomes & outputs
• Strategic & operational input into the Compass Operations

• Directed, on average, ten simultaneous projects to value of R 5million
• Orchestrated smooth and efficient program development by collaborating across departments
• Monitored the progress of programs, using and applying programming documents,
  program directives and other program material (including design)
• Coached team members on productivity strategies, policy updates, and performance improvement plans to accomplish challenging goals
• Addressed and resolved technical, financial and operational concerns by working with team members and directors
• Monitoring & Evaluation

• South African Development Consultancy: Research project rollout, design & quality control
• Inclusive and Affirming Ministries: Fundraiser and donor liaison
• Social Change Assistance Trust: Screening new grantees
• Baphumelele Children's home Khayelitsha: Workplace mentor and facilitator (Youth and childcare work)
• Student International Positive Psychology Association: Chair Membership & Recruitment

• Hands-on Community Development, facilitation, empowerment, communication, emotional and spiritual mentoring and support, teaching, coaching
• Key areas of work covered: Local economic development, HIV/AIDS, gender, access to justice, refugee rights, fundraising and donor management, governance, and institutional capacity building
• Design and development of training materials
• Service funding relationship between SCAT and Local Development Agencies by ensuring effective project management and optimal utilization of funding allocations through effective monitoring, reporting, support, and capacity building
• Maintaining effective Donor relationship
• Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Compiled budgets by reviewing past budgets, evaluating performance and suggest future funding needs to Programmes manager

• Collaborated with Director to achieve sustained HIV awareness outreach projects
• Oversaw daily operations to ensure high levels of productivity
• Managed on-site outreach clinic evaluations
• Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
• Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents to ensure smooth operations

• Directed on average 10 simultaneous projects to value of R5million
• Orchestrated smooth and efficient program development by collaborating cross- functionally across departments
• Monitored progress of programs, using and applying programming documents, program directives and other program material (including design)
• Coached team members on productivity strategies, policy updates and performance improvement plans to accomplish challenging goals
• Addressed and resolved technical, financial and operational concerns by working with team members and directors
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Project management, Fundraiser

• Establishment of Local Economic Development (LED) desk
• Actively listened to community needs, offered support and referral to funding and business support agencies
• Handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to Municipal Manager
• Raised R1.2Million successfully to implement LED projects, including monitoring & evaluation, reporting, sit visits and project recommendations, See some of my work & collaborations:
• Various reports & other outputs