Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
IT and software proficiency
Accomplishments
Publications
References
Timeline
Generic

Katlego Mothapo

Polokwane

Summary

Accomplished Research Operations Manager and GIS Coordinator with a proven track record at DIMAMO PHRC, University of Limpopo. Expert in leveraging spatial data management expertise and strategic planning to enhance project outcomes and efficiency. Excelled in fostering cross-functional collaboration, leading to a 40% increase in research productivity. Skilled in project management and geospatial analysis, demonstrating exceptional leadership and analytical capabilities.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

RESEARCH OPERATIONS MANAGER

DIMAMO PHRC, UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
04.2023 - Current
  • To perform overall day-to-day management of the project; data collection and data processing of the highest quality standards using innovative, efficient and cost-effective systems that are anchored on robust quality assurance and quality control practices
  • Streamlined Research Operations: Implemented efficient processes, reducing inefficiencies and increasing productivity within the research department
  • Budget Optimization: Successfully managed research budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities and maximizing funding utilization
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Fostered effective collaboration between research teams, stakeholders, and external partners, improving communication and project outcomes
  • Project Management Excellence: Oversaw multiple research projects, ensuring timely completion, adherence to quality standards, and successful goal achievement
  • Talent Development: Developed a high-performing team through mentorship, training, and professional development, increasing employee engagement and retention
  • Research and publications
  • Article writing and publication
  • Research protocol development and implementation
  • Ensuring Research ethics compliance
  • Implementation of the project core protocol Data collection systems and progress Manage field data collection
  • Manage telephonic data collection
  • Manage quality control process of data collected
  • Manage fieldwork logistical support
  • Effective management of staff
  • Assigning tasks appropriate to each team and section managers' skills and expertise
  • Oversees projects progress and results
  • Planning, organizing and managing of resources to meet milestone, objectives and deliverables defined by the project sponsor
  • Report on the projects progress and ensuring the project compliance with the research ethics
  • Proposal development and submission for extra funding
  • Develop and maintain a quality assurance programme and quality control activities for data collection and processing
  • Set and maintain quality standards of data collection and processing
  • Ensure study protocol and regulatory requirements are followed
  • Enhance and maximize the quality of fieldwork delivery
  • Develop and maintain a library of Standard Operating Procedures for data collection and processing
  • Develop and implement feedback mechanism on quality to constantly drive improvement
  • Oversee and manage administrative services
  • Purchasing, maintenance and tracking of all project equipment and consumables
  • Expenditure control of the budget
  • Liaise with Occupational Health Office and General Office to ensure the health and safety of data collection and processing staff
  • Mentor, train and manage the performance of data collection and data processing staff
  • Develop and maintain job profiles
  • Develop and maintain performance indicators
  • Manage performance reviews
  • Liaise with Training Office to ensure data collection and processing staff are well trained and skilled for their job requirements
  • Plan and manage human resources effectively
  • Convene and chair data collection and processing meetings

GIS Technician

DIMAMO PHRC, UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
01.2018 - 03.2023
  • Manage geospatial data collection, integration, and analysis, to enable researchers to uncover spatial patterns, relationships, and trends for informed scientific investigations through the creation of maps and generate visual representations that aid in understanding and communicating research findings effectively
  • Geospatial Data Analysis: Conducted in-depth analysis of geospatial data using GIS tools and techniques, providing valuable insights and actionable recommendations for decision-making processes
  • Mapping and Visualization: Created visually appealing and informative maps, effectively communicating complex spatial information to diverse stakeholders, resulting in enhanced understanding and improved decision-making
  • Workflow Optimization: Streamlined GIS workflows and implemented automation solutions, reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency, leading to significant time and cost savings within the organization
  • Data Quality Assurance: Implemented rigorous data quality control measures, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency of geospatial data, enhancing the reliability and trustworthiness of GIS outputs
  • Geospatial Problem Solving: Successfully tackled complex geospatial challenges, such as spatial analysis, modeling, and geodatabase management, resulting in innovative solutions and improved efficiency in project implementation
  • Reviewed data to verify currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality and completeness of documentation.
  • Conducted spatial analysis to identify patterns and trends in data.
  • Created detailed reports based on observations from performing spatial analysis.

RESEARCH PROJECT CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (SRHR)

DIMAMO PHRC, UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
01.2021 - 12.2022
  • Management of the integrity of the design, conduct, and reporting of the research project; and for managing, monitoring, and ensuring the integrity of any collaborative relationships
  • Direction and oversight of compliance, financial, personnel of the research project
  • Preparation for the project start-up
  • Reporting to the sponsor on the progress of the project
  • Obtaining ethics clearance for the project
  • Ensuring compliance with the project protocol and ethics

GIS SPECIALIST (STRIDE PROJECT)

UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
01.2021 - 12.2021
  • Manage geospatial data collection, integration, and analysis, to enable researchers to uncover spatial patterns, relationships, and trends for informed scientific investigations through the creation of maps and generate visual representations that aid in understanding and communicating research findings effectively
  • Managed and planned spatial data collection activities
  • Train field staff on spatial data collection and map reading skills
  • Map creation and workload determination for field team

Education

Master of Science - Environmental and Resource Studies

University of Limpopo
Polokwane, South Africa
04-2024

BSc (HONS) - Environmental and Resource Studies

University of Limpopo
Polokwane, South Africa
12.2018

St Bedes High School
12-2014

Skills

  • Project Management
  • Financial reporting
  • Team leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Negotiations
  • Communication
  • Client relationships
  • Business development
  • Operations management
  • Ethics compliance
  • Innovation management
  • Data analysis
  • Geospatial analysis
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Proposal development
  • International collaboration

IT and software proficiency

  • SPSS - Statistical Package for Social Scientists (Advanced knowledge)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) (Advanced knowledge)
  • ArcGIS
  • QGIS
  • Google Earth Engine
  • Python
  • Pentaho
  • CAD

Accomplishments

  • Health and Socio- demographic surveys
  • Verbal autopsy
  • Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
  • Africa Wits In-depth study of genetic and environmental factors for cardiometabolic risk (AWI-Gen) (Micro-biome, Gene Variant-bio)
  • Strengthening responses to dementia in developing countries (Stride)

Publications

  • Mbombi, M. O., Muthelo, L., Mphekgwane, P., Dhau, I., Tlouyamma, J., Nemuramba, R., ... & Maimela, E., Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Rural Setting: A Case Study of DIMAMO Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Limpopo Province of South Africa., Journal of Respiration, 2, 2, 101-110, 2022
  • Collinson, M. A., Mudzana, T., Mutevedzi, T., Kahn, K., Maimela, E., Gómez-Olivé, F. X., ... & Herbst, K., Cohort Profile: South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN)., International Journal of Epidemiology, 51, 4, e206-e216, 2022
  • Mabila, L. N., Muthelo, L., Mbombi, M. O., Mphekgwana, P. M., Mashaba, R. G., Ntimana, C. B., ... & Maimela, E., Mental health needs among pregnant and parenting adolescent girls and young women in South Africa: A scoping review., African Journal of Reproductive Health, 27, 2, 101-129, 2023
  • Mphekgwana, P. M., Mbombi, M. O., Muthelo, L., Tlouyamma, J., Nemuramba, R., Ntimana, C., ... & Maimela, E., Overweight Prevalence among Rural Adolescents by Household Head Obesity and Socio-Economic Status in Limpopo, South Africa., Children, 9, 11, 1728, 2022
  • Muthelo, L., Mbombi, M. O., Mphekgwana, P., Mabila, L. N., Dhau, I., Tlouyamma, J., ... & Maimela, E., Exploring roles of stakeholders in combating substance abuse in the DIMAMO Surveillance Site, South Africa., Substance abuse: research and treatment, 17, 11782218221147498, 2023

References

  • Prof. Eric Maimela, University of Limpopo (HOD, Director), Eric.Maimela@ul.ac.za, 084 686 5686
  • Prof. Inos Dhau, University of Limpopo (Associate Professor), Inos.dhau@ul.ac.za, 078 712 7178
  • Ms Rathani Nemuramba, Nelson Mandela University (Faculty operations manager), Rathani.nemuramba@nmu.ac.za, 073 423 9121

Timeline

RESEARCH OPERATIONS MANAGER

DIMAMO PHRC, UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
04.2023 - Current

RESEARCH PROJECT CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (SRHR)

DIMAMO PHRC, UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
01.2021 - 12.2022

GIS SPECIALIST (STRIDE PROJECT)

UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
01.2021 - 12.2021

GIS Technician

DIMAMO PHRC, UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
01.2018 - 03.2023

Master of Science - Environmental and Resource Studies

University of Limpopo

BSc (HONS) - Environmental and Resource Studies

University of Limpopo

St Bedes High School

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Katlego Mothapo