Felicity Rala
Port Elizabeth
Summary
Professional candidate with significant expertise in overseeing complex projects and ensuring timely delivery. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and risk assessment. Strong focus on team collaboration, fostering results-driven environment, and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability, leadership, and effective communication.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
Dunamis Youth Projects
10.2022 - Current
- Managed 7 successful implementation of youth development programs in Port Elizabeth, involving research, fundraising, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, project administration, and monitoring and evaluation
- Led and motivated 5 project teams to exceed KPIs, while enforcing quality standards and managing risks to ensure successful project delivery
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including sponsors and government officials, to implement strategies for socio-economic development in the community
- Designed and created 11 project branding, policies and procedures, and financial systems, including bookkeeping and accounting, to ensure efficient project management
- Developed strategic partnerships and networking with key stakeholders, including school principals, educators, and learners, to drive engagement and buy-in for youth development programs
- Proven track record of delivering presentations and briefings to senior teams, incorporating feedback into project workflows to ensure successful project delivery
- Demonstrated excellence in building collaborative working relationships with project teams, identifying and addressing capacity and capability needs to ensure future success
- Successfully managed 2500 client expectations through professional, considerate, and well-informed approaches to project delivery
- Oversight of operational aspects of projects, including managing project 5 teams, planning and executing strategies to mitigate risks, and enforcing quality standards to achieve KPIs
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
Skills Development Facilitator
Indlela Mental Health
05.2021 - 10.2022
- Facilitated training and educational programs for 120 intellectually impaired youth, including life skills, literacy, numeracy, and extracurricular activities, while maintaining discipline and a positive learning environment
- Performed bookkeeping duties, conducted research, and designed 5 curriculums for implementation of skills development
- Established and maintained relationships with sponsors, and collaborated with executive leaders to offer strategic direction and enhance learner capabilities
- Fostered leadership and problem-solving skills in learners through interactive sessions and motivational strategies
- Maintained optimal classroom dynamics and addressed learning gaps with innovative teaching aids and motivational strategies
- Managed employee scheduling to optimize revenue and addressed issues promptly to minimize downtime
- Forged relationships with parents and collaborated with them to enhance students' morale and academic performance
- Strengthened students' literacy and comprehension skills through innovative teaching strategies
- Adapted teaching techniques and motivational strategies to cater to the unique needs and learning styles of diverse students
- Developed effective communication and social skills in students through peer interaction and experiential learning activities
- Ensured the safety and well-being of students by monitoring their activities and providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment
- Compiled data and documentation to provide detailed reports to management, effectively measuring student progress and outcomes
- Provided personalized academic, behavioral, and emotional support to students, leading to increased confidence and maximized potential
- Maintained a well-organized and visually appealing classroom environment that encouraged student engagement and learning
- Strictly enforced classroom rules to instill discipline and prevent disruption to learning
Nelson Mandela Bay District Coordinator/ Reactor
SANERELA
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Effectively monitored and reported on healthcare services provided by 5 clinics, ensuring accountability and compliance with standards
- Implemented innovative healthcare campaigns that promoted patient engagement and drove profitable outcomes
- Set and managed budgets for healthcare campaigns, ensuring cost-effectiveness and revenue generation
- Assessed 150 client needs and risk factors to optimize engagement strategies and drive client acquisition, development, and retention
- Led and trained staff to achieve ambitious targets, ensuring high-quality client service
- Coordinated with various teams to ensure timely and efficient support for planned healthcare campaigns
- Monitored and tracked 121 client cases to ensure appropriate referrals and follow-up care
- Assessed and optimized client engagement methods to drive client acquisition, development, and retention
- Utilized multi-channel research strategies to best understand client needs and preferences
- Held government and funders accountable for their healthcare services, advocating for change and driving quality improvements
Research Team Leader Supervisor
Aurum Health Institue
07.2020 - 04.2021
- Led a team of 10 members and supervised data collection and quality control processes for youth HIV/AIDS perception surveys, ensuring compliance with protocol and GCP principles
- Approached 20 key stakeholders such as government officials and community leaders to facilitate research and build support for the study
- Trained 50 field workers on safe equipment operation and monitored workplace safety to prevent health and safety issues
- Coordinated daily research activities and resolved inefficiencies on the field, leading to improved productivity and efficiency of the survey process
- Ensured confidentiality and ethical conduct by maintaining orderly filing of source documents and approval of PIS/ICF
- Conducted and recorded 7 focused group discussions with the target demographic to gather qualitative data and insights
- Defined clear priorities and quality standards for the team to drive project efficiency, resulting in achieving desired results within agreed timelines
- Built consensus among team members, facilitating a smooth workflow and high-quality outputs
- Communicated daily progress, targets and issues to Coordinator, ensuring smooth coordination of research activities
- Delegated tasks and set priorities to motivate team members and achieve project goals and daily quality standards
- Monitored and tracked team productivity and task completion to identify areas for improvement and assistance
- Facilitated effective communication and collaboration among team members, resulting in a positive and supportive work environment
- Managed bookings and schedules to optimise team availability and participant engagement
- Resolved problems and answered questions for participants in multiple languages, ensuring a positive participant experience
- Defused conflicts among team members using conflict management techniques, maintaining a positive and productive team environment
- Escalated major issues to Coordinator, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution
- Achieved service time and quality targets, consistently exceeding project expectations
- Established strong relationships with industry partners to leverage external expertise and resources in support of project goals.
- Ensured compliance with ethical guidelines and regulatory standards throughout all stages of the research process.
Chief Invigilator
Port Elizabeth College and Coega Maths and Science Centre
04.2020 - 07.2020
- Ensured proper examination hall set-up and student seating to ensure compliance with exam rules and procedures
- Supported 7 students with learning disabilities, scribing during exams to provide equal opportunity for all
- Conducted roll call to maintain accurate attendance records and ensure punctuality
- Directed students to assigned seats and informed them about exam schedule and time limits, ensuring organization and clarity
- Enforced exam rules, such as no talking and no use of phones or other gadgets, to maintain a distraction-free environment and maximize student focus
- Managed 450 students during breaks and enforced proper behavior to ensure compliance with the conduct code
- Monitored exam duration to ensure students completed their answers within the allotted time
- Collaborated with27 fellow invigilators to maintain a high standard of professionalism throughout the examination process.
- Streamlined the administration of exams by efficiently organizing testing materials and maintaining detailed records.
- Supported student wellbeing during exams by addressing concerns and providing appropriate guidance as needed.
- Improved exam security by implementing strict invigilation procedures and monitoring student behavior.
- Managed time effectively during 12 exams, enabling students to complete their tests without interruption or stress.
Research Team Leader
Human Science Research Council
11.2018 - 11.2019
- Led a team of 10 fieldworkers, managing logistics and data collection in Eastern Cape for the WHO Sage study on Adult Health and Ageing
- Attended training on data capturing systems to ensure accurate data collection, reporting, and reconciliation
- Facilitated weekly de-brief meetings with the supervisor and team, addressing on-site discrepancies and managing accommodations
- Prioritized team communication and collaboration to develop and implement strategies, ensuring service time and quality targets were met for daily interviews
- Demonstrated hard work and dedication to improve daily operations in the field, actively listening to team members and participants to understand requests and concerns
- Utilized problem-solving and conflict management skills to diffuse challenging situations, promoting teamwork and efficiency
- Went above and beyond, taking on additional tasks to aid team success and achieve project goals
- Ensured compliance with ethical guidelines and regulatory standards throughout all stages of the research process.
Learning Facilitator
Gem Project
01.2016 - 11.2018
- Organized engaging 10 classroom activities to encourage student participation and optimize learning outcomes
- Utilized computer software to register grades and track student progress over time
- Created and maintained a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment that promoted effective learning and minimized disruptions
- Provided 35 personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to students, leading to increased self-confidence and maximized potential
- Adapted teaching techniques to offer additional support in reading and writing, enhancing comprehension and overall academic performance
- Administered regular evaluations to measure student performance and progress, providing feedback and direction for improved outcomes
- Researched and incorporated current teaching practices into instruction to stay up-to-date and improve the learning experience
- Monitored student behaviour and performance in the classroom and during outside activities, ensuring safety and security
- Promoted peer interaction and social skills development in students through group activities and collaborative learning
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
- Planned special activities for program participants based on changing needs, times of year, and availability.
- Planned and facilitated academic workshops in accordance with the organisation curricula, employing varied methods to maximize attendance.
- Monitored field trips and special events to maintain safety and increase attendee retention.
- Facilitated dialogue between participants, family, and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.
Community Liaison Officer
Gem project and Vezokuhle Youth Development Programmes
01.2016 - 10.2018
- Led and implemented 7 youth development programs, including learner recruitment, assessment, learning facilitation, and work readiness programs
- Substituted for absent teachers, maintaining classroom discipline and assisting learners with homework
- Facilitated life skills and sports activities for learners, including school nutrition program administration
- Developed content and strategies for branding and PR initiatives, including social media campaigns, news stories, and stakeholder outreach
- Organized and delivered training for 38 staff on media engagement and advertising, enhancing company reputation and reach
- Made independent decisions to prioritize news delivery in alignment with organizational objectives and time sensitivity
- Cultivated positive relationships with media organizations to support PR objectives and optimize advertising opportunities
- Tracked data on company image and adjusted strategies to improve results and maximize company reputation
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop content for PR initiatives, including stories, images, and videos
- Collaborated with colleagues to identify and promote new business opportunities and increase brand awareness
Language and Writing Consultant
University of Fort Hare
01.2012 - 11.2012
- Provided administrative support, scheduling 30 student consultations and facilitating academic writing workshops
- Provided one-on-one academic writing support to new students daily, achieving service time and 10 quality targets per day
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards, policies, and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment
- Optimized team availability and facilitated effective team communications to improve overall efficiency
- Explored and created new solutions to resolve problems, leading to enhanced team performance and productivity
- Organized and maintained files for student assistance records, enhancing efficiency and traceability
- Demonstrated consistent work ethic and dedication, leading to improved operations and results
- Efficiently planned and coordinated student bookings to meet schedule targets
- Handled student concerns and escalated major issues to the Senior Consultant, using effective communication and problem-solving skills
- Thrived in a fast-paced environment, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the role
- Improved client retention rate through consistent follow-up sessions and progress tracking reports.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of consultation methods using client feedback surveys, making necessary adjustments as needed for continuous improvement.
- Conducted comprehensive research to support clients'' specific writing projects and goals.
- Facilitated group workshops on thesis statements, outlining, paragraph structure; equipping participants with essential tools for successful essay composition.
- Successfully guided students through the entire writing process from brainstorming to final revisions; ultimately improving academic performance.
Researcher
Aspire and University of Fort Hare
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Designed and executed research studies using a range of data collection and analysis techniques, including interviews, surveys, and desktop research
- Presented findings at meetings, conferences, and seminars, effectively communicating research outcomes to diverse audiences
- Project-managed research initiatives, including development of protocols, funding, dissemination, and publication
- Collected and analysed data using various techniques to test hypotheses and develop new research projects
- Wrote concise reports of research findings for dissemination to relevant parties
- Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking to inform research projects, testing hypotheses and proposing new research directions
- Worked with stakeholders to understand project requirements and ensure successful outcomes
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of research activities and findings for internal and external use
- Led day-to-day R&D activities, including project planning and resource allocation
- Planned and directed the schedule of research activities, supporting planned growth, expansion, and process changes
- Participated in training schemes to support team growth and development
- Established and maintained administrative and operational procedures, documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Collaborated with14 team members and resources to achieve project goals, improving project sustainability through strategic materials selection and use
- Managed project budgets effectively to ensure cost control and adherence to financial targets
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
Research Team Supervisor
Stats SA
09.2010 - 11.2010
- Oversee a team of 15 fieldworkers, ensuring ethical conduct and adherence to project protocols
- Provided feedback and constructive guidance to team members, enhancing questionnaire quality and data collection processes
- Led meetings with team members to allocate tasks, assess workloads, and communicate changing priorities
- Trained and supervised 15 team members to meet daily targets for questionnaires and interviews
- Planned employee workloads and delegated tasks strategically to meet daily operations demands in the field
- Maintained positive working relationships with team members, cultivating a supportive and helpful work environment
- Tracked key metrics and identified underperforming team members, providing appropriate support and corrective action
- Ensured that ethical standards and project protocols were adhered to throughout the duration of the project
Education
Masters - Social Science, in Rural Development
University of Fort Hare
East London05-2013
Honours - Group Dynamics
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Port Elizabeth01.2009
BA - Media: Communication and Culture in Public relations
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Port Elizabeth01.2007
Matric - Grade 12
Masibambane Senior Secondary School
Port Elizabeth01.1994
Skills
- Computer Literacy
- Basic counseling
- Project management
- Children and Youth Development
- Programme/curriculum design
- Campaign design and implementation
- Learning facilitation
- Research methodology and instrument design
- Research skills
- Media Relations
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Business Outreach Planning
- Transactional Support
- Relationship Management
- Facilitation
- Presentation
- Programme Design and Implementation
- Applied and Corporate Public Relations and Communication
- Group Structure and Processes
- Data Capturing
- Fundraising
- Trainings
- Project planning
- Project planning and development
- Project scheduling
- Team collaboration
- Staff management
- Stakeholder communications
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Risk management
- Work flow planning
- Coaching and mentoring
- Processes and procedures
- Conflict management
- Project closure
- Purchasing and procurement
- Productivity improvement
- Planning and scheduling
Certification
- Certificate of Excellence: Work for a Living Skills, 2021, Work for a Living Skills Centre - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Training: Project Management, 2020, Sihle Global Solutions - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- GCP Certificate of Completion: Good Clinical Practice, 2018, NIDA Clinical Trials Network - Online
- Assessor Certificate, 2013, Khanyisela College - Newton Park
- Certificate of Appreciation: Academic Writing Consultant, 2012, University of Fort Hare Teaching and Learning Centre - East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Certificate of Completion: Sociological Skills, 2007, Nelson Mandela University - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Certificate: Asset Based Community-Led Development, 2021, Ikhala Trust - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Certificate: Occupational Health & Safety, 2021, SEESA - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Certificate of Attendance: Strategic Planning Workshop, 2022, Beyond Zero - East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Certificate of Attendance: Gender Based Violence (GBV) Lives Workshop, Beyond Zero - East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Certificate of Attendance: Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Training, 2023, Beyond Zero - East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Strategic Planning Workshop, 2022, Beyond Zero, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Implement & Manage Human Resource & Labour Relations Policies & Acts, 2024, Beyond Zero, East London,Eastern Cape, 2024
- Risk Management for CBOs (NQF level 5, SAQA ID120303), 2024, East London, Eastern Cape,South Africa
- Monitoring & Evaluation for CBOs, 2024, ( NQF level 5, SAQA ID 377063), East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- HIV/AIDS, STI & TB Prevention,2024, Unit Standard 11950, 117017, Gubanca Somdaka, East London,Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Programme Management, 2024, Beyond Zero, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Accredited Financial Management for CBOs, 2024, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Timeline
Project Manager
Dunamis Youth Projects
10.2022 - Current
Skills Development Facilitator
Indlela Mental Health
05.2021 - 10.2022
Nelson Mandela Bay District Coordinator/ Reactor
SANERELA
01.2021 - 12.2021
Research Team Leader Supervisor
Aurum Health Institue
07.2020 - 04.2021
Chief Invigilator
Port Elizabeth College and Coega Maths and Science Centre
04.2020 - 07.2020
Research Team Leader
Human Science Research Council
11.2018 - 11.2019
Learning Facilitator
Gem Project
01.2016 - 11.2018
Community Liaison Officer
Gem project and Vezokuhle Youth Development Programmes
01.2016 - 10.2018
Language and Writing Consultant
University of Fort Hare
01.2012 - 11.2012
Researcher
Aspire and University of Fort Hare
01.2011 - 01.2012
Research Team Supervisor
Stats SA
09.2010 - 11.2010
Masters - Social Science, in Rural Development
University of Fort Hare
Honours - Group Dynamics
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
BA - Media: Communication and Culture in Public relations
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Matric - Grade 12
Masibambane Senior Secondary School