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Mamakhaola Selloane Qhobela
Deputy CEO
Botha-Bothe
Summary
I am a teacher, administrator, program coordinator and project manager by training and practice. I lead, coordinate, supervise, manage and lead multi-discipline project teams that work towards transformative and sustainable development projects, public policy analysis, planning and evidence-based advocacy. I am a strong networker, building strategic partnerships; and promoting technological innovations for development with focus on human growth and development. I have over 10 years of experience in leadership, project management work related to health, education and agriculture. I am a committed Christian, good negotiator, team builder and high levels of tact and diplomacy. I have exceptional communication skills -verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills with strong drive for results. My strong organizational and multitasking skills coupled with excellent problem-solving and analytical skills have enabled me to influence policies and position health, education, agriculture development projects at the core of economic growth; focusing on inclusiveness, access, relevance and equity as driving factors.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Project Coordinator for World Bank - Basic Education Strengthening Project (BSEP)
Ministry of Education and Training
07.2023 - 02.2025
- Leading, coordinating and managing the work of the Project Facility Unit (PFU) in areas of procurement, financial management, monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
- Ensuring that financial and physical implementation progress of the Basic Education Strengthening Project (BESP) are attuned to the approved Annual Work Plan and agreed targets.
- Implementing appropriate mitigation measures in case there are operational and other issues hindering a satisfactory physical and financial implementation progress towards achieving the agreed intermediate and final targets as indicated in the Results Framework (RF) appearing in Project Operation Manual.
- Monitoring and ensuring and effective utilization of the funds provided by the World Bank and ensuring good management of the Project’s Designated Account.
- Assist the different implementing entities in the overall management and implementation of all Project activities. As such, maintain an effective working relationship with all the implementation entities.
- Making day-to-day decisions to ensure the implementation of the Project’s approved Annual Work Plan and the achievement of the Project’s results and objectives.
- Ensuring the coordination and articulation of all Project components and subcomponents.
- Coordinating the work and managing the contracts of the consultants that provide technical assistance (TA) technical assistance to the Project.
- With support of and in collaboration with all the implementing entities, ensuring proper supervision and monitoring of project performance, and providing guidance and assistance to ensure conformance of actual results to planned results.
- Maintaining effective internal control procedures as outlined in the Project Operating Manual.
- Ensuring the undertaking of regular meetings with all stakeholders including and the heads of the different implementing entities.
- Ensuring and supporting regular communication with the heads of all the implementing entities for the effective, efficient and timely implementation of Project activities.
- Raising any critical issues that may impede project implementation on timely manner, and follow-on agreed actions.
- Keeping records of the meetings and following up on recommendations made and agreed upon.
- Ensuring that there is a functional grievance redress system up and running.
- Ensuring the appointment of auditors on time as required by the Grant Agreement and the Project Operation Manual.
- Ensuring that appropriate reports and documents are timely ready to be presented to World Bank (donor) Project-related Government authorities, the WB implementation and support supervision missions.
- Liaising with the World Bank and all the Project implementing entities within the government Ministries and other key stakeholders.
- Providing advice on all matters pertaining to the implementation and management of the Project.
- Based on the evidence concerning the Project’s implementation progress, proposing, if required, changes.
- Surpassed targets in all project components for example Component 1: Support for vulnerable children – Target was….. and we achieved….
- Component 2: Support establishment of youth clubs in schools – target was…… and we achieved……. Component 3 : Training of Maths and Science teachers – target was……. We achieved……
- Component 4 : Support training of ECCD teachers - target was……. We achieved……
Agriculture, (Crops and Wool and Mohair) Consultant
Lesotho Millennium Development Agency (LMDA)
01.2021 - 01.2023
- I ensured that the Lesotho Millennium Development Agency (LMDA) vision and National Economic Transformation Initiative strategic approach are translated into a series of realizable and realistic national reform in the areas of agriculture crops, wool and mohair, range management, wetlands as well as climate change sectors with the following key performance areas.
- Project lead and management– I led project conceptualization, planning, implementation and management of agriculture projects i.e crops, wool and mohair range and wetland project.
- Prepare progress reports and reviews - I prepared progress reports, on agriculture projects ie crops, wool and mohair range and wetland project and present before LMDA Management for review and approval. I conduct joint supervision feasibility study for the projects and produce supervision reports for use by LMDA Management.
- Technical Backstop – I provided technical backstop, leadership and oversight over all agriculture – related activities such as agriculture crops, wool and mohair range and wetland project.
- Technical Advice - I provided technical advice to LMDA on best models for private sector led agriculture investment activities to improve the contribution of agriculture i. e crops, wool and mohair range and wetland project to national economic growth.
- Partnership and Coordination – I coordinated agriculture projects i.e crops, wool and mohair range and wetland project. I organize meeting, chair and produce a report for presentation to LMDA Management.
- Create Linkages with communities, global and regional value chains: I worked with other team members to ensure that proposed projects interventions in the agriculture crops, wool and mohair processing sector will reach economic and financial sustainability during the period of the pilot test to ensure a widespread social buy in from the target beneficiaries.
- Alignment with integrated infrastructure and spatial development plans: I ensured that proposed wool and mohair processing interventions and programmes are aligned with the proposed integrated infrastructure and national spatial development plans.
- Concept Note on Agriculture, crops, wool and mohair in Lesotho.
- Project design for Agriculture crops, wool and mohair in Lesotho.
- Draft Strategic approaches for improvement of Agriculture – crops, wool and mohair in Lesotho.
Principal Secretary
Ministry of Social Development
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Project Strategic Leadership and Management.
- Facilitate for conceptualisation planning and defining of projects scope.
- Set projects targets in line with the vision, mission, policies and strategies of the Ministry of Social Development.
- Facilitated and set projects strategic directions, objectives, in line with Lesotho government frameworks and donor guidelines.
- Guided planning and implementation of the project activities.
- Coordinated project staff teams and multi-stakeholder groups.
- Organised workshops, generated reports, presented the results and share by way of presentations.
- Developed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with other partners for smooth implementation project activities.
- Project Controls and Risk Management.
- Developed controls and risk management strategy to determine occurrence of problems and ensure compliance.
- Developed and implemented risk management tool according to procedure.
- Conducted regular review of controls and risk management policy and strategy.
- Manage Project Human and Capital Resources.
- Facilitated staff recruitment, coaching and mentorship to improve professionalism and performance.
- Guided development of the training plan for all staff and project beneficiaries to empower, motivate and better their performance.
- Planned, organised, directed and controlled all financial activities such as procurement of goods and services.
- Supported staff on periodic financial review of the programs activities.
- Established linkages and synergies between program staff and finance staff to ensure proper expenditure and adherence to procedures.
- Manage Project Implementation Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation.
- Facilitated the implementation of Child Grants, School Bursary and Social Assistance Projects funded by European Union (EU), World Bank and The Government of Lesotho respectively under the Ministry of Social Development.
- Coordinated project activities to ensure that they were implemented according to scope, cost, time and yielded expected outcomes.
- Developed guidelines for mapping, identification and selection of project beneficiaries.
- Supervised and mentored staff to translate project documents into practical operational plans.
- Tracked expenditure and facilitated for generation and production of timely narrative and financial reports.
- Provided support and oversight to operational teams in project implementation unit (PIU), helping teams to ensure operations achieve maximum impact on the ground, and meet the highest quality standards through: mentoring, supervision, guidance and supporting staff and partner organisations to ensure accountability, citizen engagement, social inclusion, to avoid conflict and violence in their operations.
- Conducted training to project staff to ensure growth and development as well as compliance to donor demands and specifications.
- Coordinating donors, implementing partners and stakeholders to ensure compliance to project appraisal manual and policy issues.
- Facilitating joint review and planning between the Ministry of Social Development and partner organisations to avoid duplication and ensure adherence to project design.
- Ensure quality assurance by making follow up visits to project site to monitor implementation process and progress.
- In close collaboration with relevant stakeholders prepare narrative and financial reports and submit to the donor according to project reporting format and schedule.
- Guided project evaluation process to document results and share success stories for replication.
- Established of National Information System for Social Assistance (NISSA) to guide targeting, to avoid duplication, maximise efforts so as to ensure maximum impact of Cash Transfer and other Social Assistance services to children in Lesotho.
- Expansion of Child Grants Project from 3 districts to entire country.
- Extension of School Bursary Scheme for OVC from primary to high school.
- Transfer of School Bursary from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Social Development.
- Successfully hosted and led negotiation on housing of the office of The African Committee of Experts on The Rights and Welfare of The Child (ACERWC) in Lesotho.
- Led the mapping of OVC service providers for ease of regulation.
- Launched Ending Child Marriage Campaign in Lesotho.
- Led formulation and production of OVC Minimum Standards Package.
- Formed Social Protection strategic committees to oversee the implementation of social protection activities to ensure inclusion and transparency for equitable service delivery.
- Documented Child Grants impact results which yielded a book called: “From Evidence to Action”.
- Institutionalised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to manage partnerships.
Area Development Projects Manager
World Vision Lesotho
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Projects Leadership, Administration & Strategic Direction.
- Led the management team in participative planning process for World Vision Strategic Plan to enable them to link projects plans to organisational strategy.
- Used projects logical frameworks to support the World Vision team to achieve projects outcomes.
- Reviewed project plans, budget and reprogram with submission of no-cost extension where necessary.
- Ran capacity building program to ensure that staff capacity; organisational structures and programme approaches are fit for purpose.
- Projects Financial Management & Accountability.
- Prepared project budget, ensured optimal use of financial resources; and further ensured that they are managed in a transparent and accountable manner.
- Established systems to respond to any suspicions or reports of fraud, code of conduct abuse or other offenses, and adhering to World Vision`s projects policy and procedures on investigations; as well as all other relevant national legal and administrative requirements.
- Projects Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation and Reporting.
- Provided leadership to Cash Transfer (Sponsorship), HIV and AIDS, Food Security, Nutrition and Youth and Adolescents Education Projects.
- Conducted baseline surveys to enable development of tailor-made projects to suit the needs of the beneficiaries.
- Conducted capacity building program to support the programme officers to ensure all projects are implemented, in line with World Vision policies, incorporating a results-based management approach.
- Ensured proper utilisation of project resources and reporting to donors.
- Facilitated for timely preparation of annual and operational plans as well as monitoring and evaluation tools and indicators.
- Ensured that information on all World Vision projects is collected, analysed and shared widely to promote continuous and effective learning, sharing and improvement of programme quality as well as policy review.
- Human Resource Management and Communication.
- Supported and guided the Human Resource office to ensure timely recruitment of competent staff and continuous on the job training programs to empower human resources personnel.
- Ensured a good working environment and team spirit among staff at all levels.
- Ensured that World Vision`s information technology systems provide efficient and effective communication and data management for linking with World Vision systems.
- 20 youth groups established with clear action plans.
- 70% improved livelihood of the household with established and running agriculture Income Generating Activities.
- 80% improved school attendance, performance (test scores), retention of children in the projects areas.
- 80% improved adherence to medication by HIV and AIDS patients.
- 80% improved spirituality in the project areas
- 90% income generating activities
- 90% youth clubs established
Part-Lecturer
National University of Lesotho
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Responsible for training and research in: Communication skills for Rural Development.
- Entrepreneurship and Community Development and; Entrepreneurship and Information Technology in Rural Development.
- I produced over one thousand graduates in the field of agricultural extension and community development entrepreneurship skills.
Food Security Project Coordinator
World Vision Lesotho
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Project Administration, Financial Management, Partnerships, Human Resource, Problem Solving, Coordination, Quality Control, Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation: To ensure that deliverables were produced throughout the project cycle, I facilitated development of policies, work plan and provided oversight for their execution as follows: Human Resource: Mentoring, coaching and capacity building of World Vision staff and key stakeholders of World Vision to improve impact. I performed project staff appraisals.
- Problem Solving: I conducted frequent monitoring and evaluation of project activities. This helped me to identify and anticipate problems and developed solutions to promote success of the project.
- Coordination and Stakeholder Management: I brought together schedules and expectations of different stakeholders working with OVC issues to ensure coherence and conformity to donor expectations. I ensured timely dissemination of records and implementation of resolutions. I convened stakeholders to plan, budget, review and report according to donor timelines.
- Quality Assurance: I planned frequent follow up to ensure that the project is being implemented as planned. I facilitated project audit and provided mentoring and coaching to project staff to ensure sufficient technical input to meet the quality standards.
- Effective communication: I communicated project schedules to all stakeholders and facilitated for project communication strategy to ensure smooth communication between and among different project stakeholders.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting: In close consultation with all project stakeholders, I provided day to day of the project to improve systems and expanded evidence-based approach for effective interventions and outcomes. I generated information, compiled it and prepared quarterly and annual reports for sharing and presentation to all stakeholders.
- 90% of OVC under World Vision Programme registered in the civil register and access essential services.
- 80% improved household income obtained from agriculture income generating activities in schools and households surrounding project schools.
- 90% improved food security among schools and households surrounding project schools.
Project Coordinator for Food Security Project
CARE – Lesotho- South Africa
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Project Administration: I facilitated for the development of staff annual work plan and individual operational work plans with clear priorities and targets. I facilitated for monitoring and evaluation to check on work progress. I followed up staff work plans to ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards as stated in the project logical framework.
- Project Development, Planning, Monitoring and Quality Control: I provided technical guidance and operational support to promote conservation agriculture methodologies. I planned, and collaborated with staff and partners for joint monitoring and evaluation visits to establish benchmarks, performance indicators and other project indicators. I assessed and strengthened performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results on health, education, food security for vulnerable children in schools and out of schools. I participated in monitoring and evaluation exercises, annual reviews with government and all stakeholders to assess progress and to engage stakeholders to take required action and interventions to achieve results.
- Human Resource Management: I managed project resources (human, material and financial) and Sub-grantees. I ensured that staff recruitment is done and completed in timely manner. I developed comprehensive performance appraisals and training for staff development and ensured that resources are allocated.
- Budget Preparation and Execution: I developed the project annual budget for the project, and working in close liaison with the Country Director and Finance Unit to ensure that all budgetary guidelines/ parameters are followed/ are observed by all stakeholders (Subgrantees and Project staff). I managed the project budget and ensured that it was periodically reviewed with Finance Manager and relevant donor to ensure an effective cash-flow for project implementation. I prepared and consolidated financial reports and submitted on time to donors following agreed donor reporting formats.
- Networking, advisory services and technical support: Participated in strategic discussions to influence policy and agenda setting for combating all forms of discrimination against children by advising on and advocating strategies and approaches to promote universal access to equitable and inclusive services such as education, health, food security and registration for children in the country. I provided technical advice to key government officials, NGO, UN system and other development partners in Lesotho on strategies and best practices to influence approaches and policies in Lesotho.
- Coordination, Collaboration and Partnership: I developed a partnership strategy for the project and shared it to ensure that the strategy is understood by the project implementation team as well as Sub-grantees and other stakeholders. I explored possibilities for new partnership with private and public institutions as and when necessary and ensured that partnership arrangements are formalized through agreements or Memoranda of Understanding; (MoU). I conducted regular progress project review meetings with Sub-grantees and other partners to share information and decision making on project implementation issues. I promoted participatory and collective decision on policy and programme issues important for the success of the project as well as to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of programmes and projects with CARE Strategic plans and priorities, donors’ development strategies and policies, national, regional and international priorities.
- Analytical: Through innovation, knowledge management and empowerment of stakeholders I promoted critical thinking, innovative approaches and good practices for sustainable education. I facilitated for impact evaluation research to document and disseminate best practices. I organized, planned and implemented capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results.
- Prioritization: Based on the needs of the project needs, team capabilities and donor expectations. I determined which tasks were essential and guided their completion according to the agreed schedules.
- Risk Management: I analyzed risks associated with each decision and prepared a mitigation plan
- Reactivation of 30 school gardens.
- 100% follow up of cash disbursements to vulnerable households.
- 70% Improved nutrition due to improved food intake by children in the project areas.
- Successful introduction of savings and loans schemes 70% in the project areas.
- 80% Improved income of households due to successful establishment of saving loan schemes for income generating activities.
In-service Training Lecturer
Lesotho College of Education
01.1993 - 01.2005
- I prepared work plans, lecture and review agriculture training curricula. I designed and developed training materials/modules in agriculture for distant learners. I prepared guidelines for the supervision of the training programs, organised and conducted meetings and training workshops for teachers. I planned and prepared for the assessment and evaluation of the training program. I followed-up teacher trainee in schools to mentor and guide them. I prepared assessment tools and administered them to assess trainee performance. I conducted research to inform college training programmes. I participated in curriculum reviews.
- Reviewed the Primary Teacher Training Curriculum.
- Pioneered Distance Teacher Education Programme.
- Developed training agriculture training modules and guidelines for agriculture for three years.
- Conducted research, and documented the research finding on: Determination of the Quality and Quantity of Forestry curriculum in Lesotho Schools – Funded by FAO.
- The Influence of Distance and Full-Time Training Approaches on the Professional and Attitudinal Development of Teacher Trainees in Lesotho - Lesotho College of Education.
Head of Department
St. Agnes High School
01.1985 - 01.1989
- I taught agriculture education; I organised departmental meetings to scheme and plan for agriculture lessons. I prepared the scheme of work and lesson plans for agriculture and presented lessons I checked agriculture staff weekly plans and records. I prepared, administered, invigilated midterm and end of year examinations. I coordinated agriculture radio lessons under Basic Non-Formal Education (BANFES). I graded student’s marks and keep an accurate record of their performance I prepared mark sheets and presented to the head teacher. I supervised agriculture projects.
Education
MSc. - Agriculture Extension
University of Pretoria
01.2002 - 01.2005
BSc. - Agriculture
National University Lesotho
01.1995 - 01.1998
Diploma in Agriculture - Agriculture Education
National University Lesotho
01.1989 - 01.1992
Certificate in Education - Development Studies
Teacher Training College
01.1982 - 01.1985
Skills
Commitment to work
Multi-tasking
Strong drive for results
Attention to detail
Embrace diversity
Integrity
Self-awareness
Self-regulation
Excellent interpersonal skills
Writing skills
Communication skills
Team Work
Human resource management
Strong relationship builder
Tact
Technical knowledge
Planning and organising
Training skills
Multi sector projects leadership
Management
Organizing and facilitating training workshops
Community mobilisation
Sensitisation
Verbal communication skills
Report writing
Presentation skills
Computer literacy
MS Word
Outlook
Excel
Power Point
Statistical Package for Social Sciences
Harvard Graphics
Telephone - Mobile
+26658038783
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 04/28/64
- Marital Status: Married
Voluntary Services
- Community Development Services Offered, 01/01/05, Developed and planned a training programme in agriculture.
- Khubelu Community and Habitat for Humanity Lesotho, 01/01/05, Developed and planned training programme in agriculture for youth and women.
- Lesotho Work camp Association, 01/01/05, Developed and planned training programme for youth both boys and girls.
Software
Timeline
Project Coordinator for World Bank - Basic Education Strengthening Project (BSEP)
Ministry of Education and Training
07.2023 - 02.2025
Agriculture, (Crops and Wool and Mohair) Consultant
Lesotho Millennium Development Agency (LMDA)
01.2021 - 01.2023
Principal Secretary
Ministry of Social Development
01.2016 - 01.2017
Area Development Projects Manager
World Vision Lesotho
01.2008 - 01.2010
Part-Lecturer
National University of Lesotho
01.2007 - 01.2010
Food Security Project Coordinator
World Vision Lesotho
01.2007 - 01.2009
Project Coordinator for Food Security Project
CARE – Lesotho- South Africa
01.2005 - 01.2007
MSc. - Agriculture Extension
University of Pretoria
01.2002 - 01.2005
BSc. - Agriculture
National University Lesotho
01.1995 - 01.1998
In-service Training Lecturer
Lesotho College of Education
01.1993 - 01.2005
Diploma in Agriculture - Agriculture Education
National University Lesotho
01.1989 - 01.1992
Head of Department
St. Agnes High School
01.1985 - 01.1989
Certificate in Education - Development Studies
Teacher Training College
01.1982 - 01.1985