Accomplished education and leadership professional with experience across TVET and private education sectors. Strong background in education management, human resource development, curriculum quality assurance, and capacity building. Currently serving within the Department of Higher Education and Training, with proven strategic leadership stakeholder engagement, and institutional performance improvement.
Hi, I’m
Nelena Naidoo
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Pinetown
Summary
Overview
23
years of professional experience
4
Certifications
2
Languages
Work History
Department of higher education and training
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
01.2009 - Current
Job overview
- Design & implement learning development programs.
- Facilitator, Assessor & moderator (nationally).
- Student liaison, WIL, Quality assurance
- Registration of learners
- National Assessor
- Developed curriculum materials that aligned with state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of required content.
- Increased participation and concentration while reinforcing classroom discipline by modeling acceptable behavior and respect for others.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by regularly assessing student progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, adapting instructional approaches to meet their unique learning requirements.
- Attended professional educational and developmental meetings to support accreditation and grant writing.
- Built relationships with external stakeholders, community organizations and donors to increase program scope.
- Developed community education programming events and other activities designed to increase and improve educational outcomes.
EDUCOR
MANAGER / HR SPECIALIST
01.2003 - 03.2009
Job overview
- Registration, marketing, Recruitment, Staff induction
- Conducted training needs analysis, ensured compliance to SAQA, CHE, QCTO, SETAS
- Assisted with labour legislation, HRD policies
- Training & development staff, students, compilation of Learning material & operational issues of campus
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
- Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, cutting operational costs while maintaining quality of service.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Monitored employee attendance and performance, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with department managers to identify staffing needs and create strategic recruiting plans.
- Facilitated smooth onboarding processes for new hires, leading to faster integration into the workplace culture.
- Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
- Implemented employee recognition programs, fostering a positive work environment and increased retention rates.
- Coordinated employee training programs to boost skills development and improve overall performance.
- Streamlined recruitment processes, expediting the hiring of qualified candidates.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions, equipping staff with necessary skills for optimal performance.
Education
UNISA
Master of Arts from Education
04.2001
University Overview
UNISA
Honors from Educational Leadership And Management
04.2001
University Overview
UNISA
Post Graduate Certificate In Education
01-2017
University Overview
UNISA
Human Resources NQF 6
01-2009
University Overview
UNISA
Bachelor of Arts
04.2001
University Overview
Skills
WIL, Community Engagement
Problem-Solving
Research, data analysis & monitoring
Management and leadership
WSP
Strategic planning
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Certification
Assessor
Timeline
SACE
01-2017
Moderator
01-2011
Facilitator
01-2010
Assessor
01-2009
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Department of higher education and training
01.2009 - Current
MANAGER / HR SPECIALIST
EDUCOR
01.2003 - 03.2009
UNISA
Master of Arts from Education
04.2001
UNISA
Honors from Educational Leadership And Management
04.2001
UNISA
Bachelor of Arts
04.2001
UNISA
Post Graduate Certificate In Education
UNISA
Human Resources NQF 6