Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
References
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Hazel Phatshwane

Program Assistant
Pretoria,GP

Summary

Self-driven individual, with over a decade experience in executive administration, Regional and Country Office procurement analysis, travel management services and logistics in the private sector, US Embassy & its agencies, and NGOs.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
05.2024 - 06.2025


  • Implemented centralized record-keeping system to improve overall data accuracy and accessibility for team members.
  • Strengthened communication between team members by establishing clear channels for information sharing.
  • Managed both digital and physical filing systems and retrieved documents as required.
  • Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Established rapport with clients through exceptional customer service practices, fostering ongoing relationships built on trust and respect.
  • Prepared clearly written and formatted documents and reports.
  • Assisted in development of strategic plans, aligning program goals with organizational objectives.
  • Facilitated training sessions for new staff and volunteers, ensuring high level of program delivery.
  • Coordinate technical visits, travel authorizations, expense reports, payments, and contract agreements to support the implementation of the project in the field.
  • Maintaining a database, shared internal files, and data integrity and security according to quality standards.

Executive Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
12.2022 - 03.2024
  • Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
  • Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
  • Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
  • Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
  • Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
  • Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
  • Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
  • Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.

Program Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
07.2021 - 09.2022
  • Supported the planning and coordination of the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) program and associated activities.
  • Enhanced team productivity by organizing efficient filing systems and workflow procedures.
  • Strengthened relationships with stakeholders through regular, effective communication and timely updates on program progress.
  • Collaborated with external partners to expand program reach and impact.
  • Enhanced program visibility by coordinating community visit campaigns across multiple platforms.
  • Fostered collaborative environment by facilitating team meetings that encouraged open dialogue and shared problem-solving.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date program databases, ensuring easy access to critical information for decision-making.
  • Streamlined administrative processes, significantly reducing paperwork turnaround time.
  • Directed automation of office procedures such as correspondence management, recordkeeping and online communications.

Regional and Country Office Administrative Officer

Family Health International (FHI360)
06.2018 - 11.2020
  • Created, prepared, and delivered reports to various departments.
  • Coordinating office meetings, events, and conferences for both regional and country offices.
  • Contributed to successful projects by providing essential administrative support and resource management.
  • Reduced expenses by negotiating with vendors for cost-effective supply contracts and services.
  • Review and analyze procurement requests for office equipment and telecommunications.
  • Assisting with the development of an appropriate procurement scope of work (SOW).
  • Providing necessary support to the Logistics Officer in overseeing leases and utilities.
  • Maintaining a database of all Purchase Orders (POs) and updating it as required.
  • Liaise with the HR department for onboarding personnel, and prepare the necessary documents.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.

Regional Executive Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
08.2014 - 06.2018
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers, resulting in cost savings for the company without compromising quality.
  • Upheld a high level of professionalism while representing executives at various functions, conferences, or meetings within the region.
  • Boosted team productivity by providing administrative support and managing day-to-day operations.
  • Served as a reliable point of contact for internal staff members, external partners, clients, vendors, and stakeholders alike.
  • Coordinated executive travel itineraries, ensuring seamless transportation and accommodation arrangements for stress-free trips.
  • Ensured timely completion of projects with effective coordination among cross-functional teams.

Executive Assistant

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
06.2013 - 07.2014
  • Provided professional administrative support during board meetings, including agenda preparation and minute-taking duties.
  • Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
  • Delivered exceptional organizational support enabling executive focus on high-level strategic initiatives fostering company growth.
  • Ensured smooth daily operations through consistent maintenance of office equipment, troubleshooting issues when necessary.
  • Supported executives in decision-making processes by conducting research and presenting findings in clear formats.
  • Enhanced productivity by organizing travel arrangements and coordinating accommodations for executives.
  • Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
  • Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
  • Proactively identified areas requiring attention or improvement aligning priorities effectively in line with executive preferences.
  • Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming office staff.
  • Prepared and edited presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.
  • Supported business and hospitality needs of corporate partners and staff during meetings and company events.
  • Improved team communication and collaboration through coordination of weekly meetings and distribution of agendas.
  • Managed complex calendars for senior executives to facilitate efficient scheduling and meeting planning.

Administrative Assistant

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
05.2010 - 06.2013
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
  • Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
  • Improved document organization with thorough file maintenance, archiving outdated records as necessary for efficient retrieval when needed.
  • Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.
  • Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing crucial documents.
  • Assisted with human resources tasks such as updating employee files or submitting time-off requests per company policy guidelines.

Operations Manager

Footprints in Africa
12.2009 - 02.2010
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
  • Increased profit by streamlining operations.

Team Secretary

South African Roads Agency (SANRAL)
05.2009 - 11.2009
  • Monitored budgets for various projects, providing detailed financial reports to executives for informed decisionmaking.
  • Demonstrated adaptability in assuming additional responsibilities during periods of increased workload, ensuring deadlines were met and tasks completed accurately.
  • Contributed to the successful completion of projects by providing administrative support and coordinating resources as needed.
  • Facilitated smooth operations within the team through effective coordination of office supplies, equipment maintenance, and vendor relations.
  • Improved document management by creating a centralized electronic filing system accessible to all team members.
  • Enhanced team communication by maintaining regular correspondence with department heads and other support staff.
  • Facilitated timely delivery of special projects to meet organizational and departmental objectives.

Project Administrator

Letsema Consulting and Advisory
01.2005 - 02.2009
  • Supported senior management in strategic planning activities related to future projects or initiatives within the organization.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project integration and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Monitored project progress closely, promptly addressing any deviations from the plan or schedule.
  • Efficiently managed incoming requests from stakeholders by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and relevance.
  • Organized critical documentation for easy access and retrieval, increasing team productivity.
  • Monitored job progress and performance of employees or contractors to complete projects prior to deadlines.

Travel Agent

STA Travel
01.2004 - 12.2004
  • Arranged travel accommodations for groups, couples, executives, and special needs clients.
  • Increased client satisfaction by creating customized travel itineraries tailored to individual preferences and needs.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues, leading to positive reviews and recommendations from satisfied clients.
  • Managed complex itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances without sacrificing customer satisfaction or incurring unnecessary expenses.
  • Organized group tours, coordinating logistics and accommodations to ensure a smooth experience for all participants.
  • Generated repeat business through proactive follow-up with past clients, soliciting feedback on their experiences and offering tailored recommendations for future trips.
  • Followed up with customers to increase customer service with travel plans.
  • Assisted clients in obtaining necessary visas or other documentation required for international travel, navigating complex regulations efficiently to avoid delays.
  • Supervised payments via credit and debit cards and handled sensitive information with professionalism and discreteness.

Travel Agent/ Front Desk Manager

Backpackers Ritz
08.1999 - 12.2003
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing exclusive deals and discounts for clients.
  • Designed personalized vacation experiences based on thorough understanding of each client''s interests, budget constraints, and desired outcomes.
  • Provided exemplary customer service to new and existing clients, which helped build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
  • Created compelling marketing materials that showcased available travel packages and promotions, generating increased interest from potential clients.
  • Improved overall revenue by upselling additional services such as excursions, insurance, and upgraded accommodations when appropriate.
  • Organized memorable and exquisite travel itineraries and vacations for high-level clients, celebrities, politicians, and business executives.

Travel Agent

Spoornet
05.1999 - 07.1999
  • Provided customers with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Streamlined booking processes for improved efficiency and reduced wait times for customers.
  • Updated and maintained customer databases to increase customer retention.

Education

Diploma - Travel and Tourism

Dumbarton College

Galileo Computer Reservations - undefined

Galileo Southern Africa

Amadeus Conversion Course - undefined

Amadeus

Project Secretaries - undefined

Project Management Ideas (PMI)

Programme in Office Management - undefined

UNISA

Bachelor of Commerce - Project Management

MANCOSA

References

  • Christine, Magezi, Former – Chief of Party & Country Rep – FHI360, cmbabazi@fhi360.org, 064 939 2508, FHI360
  • Mora, Mkhosana, Regional Sub-Award Operations Manager – FHI360, mmkhosana@fhi360.org, 060 564 6219, FHI360

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Procurement and Contracts Training
  • USAID Rules and Regulations: Grants and Cooperative Agreements

Skills

Logistics assistance

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Timeline

Program Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
05.2024 - 06.2025

Executive Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
12.2022 - 03.2024

Program Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
07.2021 - 09.2022

Regional and Country Office Administrative Officer

Family Health International (FHI360)
06.2018 - 11.2020

Regional Executive Assistant

Family Health International (FHI360)
08.2014 - 06.2018

Executive Assistant

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
06.2013 - 07.2014

Administrative Assistant

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
05.2010 - 06.2013

Operations Manager

Footprints in Africa
12.2009 - 02.2010

Team Secretary

South African Roads Agency (SANRAL)
05.2009 - 11.2009

Project Administrator

Letsema Consulting and Advisory
01.2005 - 02.2009

Travel Agent

STA Travel
01.2004 - 12.2004

Travel Agent/ Front Desk Manager

Backpackers Ritz
08.1999 - 12.2003

Travel Agent

Spoornet
05.1999 - 07.1999

Diploma - Travel and Tourism

Dumbarton College

Galileo Computer Reservations - undefined

Galileo Southern Africa

Amadeus Conversion Course - undefined

Amadeus

Project Secretaries - undefined

Project Management Ideas (PMI)

Programme in Office Management - undefined

UNISA

Bachelor of Commerce - Project Management

MANCOSA
Hazel PhatshwaneProgram Assistant