Nolwandle Made
Durban
Summary
Versatile Water Resources Manager with background successfully executing diverse project tasks to meet deadlines. Highly skilled at communicating with colleagues, monitoring status and achieving key milestones. Enthusiastic problem solver and talented team player with superior planning and decision-making skills. Passionate about good food security outcomes through productive water use. Proven expertise in policy development, community engagement, and applied research within the water, land, food sectors. Highly skilled in Water Resources Management, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder management. Proficient in combining analytical insights with practical solutions for sustainable development, research data management, qualitative and quantitative data management. Meticulous and analytical Researcher with over 20 years of educational and hands-on experience in Water Resources Management. Experienced at identifying and using new technologies and resources. Works effectively and collaboratively with teams and individuals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Project Coordinator
Stellenbosch University, Law Faculty, Centre for Social Justice
1 2021 - 2 2024
- Conducting research to ensure that government policies align with constitutional principles, promote social justice and reduce inequalities
- Collecting disaggregated data for socio-economic analysis to ensure policies are purpose-built and not one-size-fits-all with unintended consequences that often affect the poor
- Monitoring and evaluating COVID-19 lockdown regulations and write policy briefs to alert government of any unintended consequences
- Leading a team to explore the combination of gaming and virtual tools for policy impact prediction
- Coordinating collaboration with South African and Swedish Universities through SASUF
- Played an active role in brainstorming sessions held for the purpose of generating innovative ideas/solutions which could potentially be incorporated into existing/new projects being undertaken by the Centre to advance social justice
- Collaborated with stakeholders (including Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF-SA), TUT, NRF, SALGA) to define clear project goals, leading to consistent alignment with expectations throughout the process
- Streamlined project management processes by implementing new organisational tools and data survey software
- Identified potential risks and developed mitigation strategies to minimise disruptions to project timelines
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve seamless collaboration in achieving project objectives
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment for increased productivity
- Maintained accurate documentation of all projects, facilitating efficient audits and future reference
- Facilitated frequent progress reports and presentations to keep management informed about ongoing activities within their respective domains
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring resource allocation was optimized for maximum project success
- Elevated overall quality of completed projects by consistently monitoring progress and addressing issues proactively.
Research Associate (Research Collaboration)
University of Johannesburg, Institute for Pan African Thought & Conversation
11.2023 - 11.2026
- Focused on the Water Energy Food Nexus and Gender research in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Collaboration in research projects, publications, and grant applications
- Spearheading efforts towards publication and presentation of research findings, ensuring timely dissemination of the team’s contributions to the scientific community
- Authoring multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, establishing expertise in the field.
Global Development Consultant (limited hours per week)
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Project: Increasing water productivity for nutrition-sensitive agriculture and improved food security and nutrition
- Tasks: Country Project Reports Review, Manuscripts Development
- Evaluated existing policies within organizations to provide recommendations for improvements aligned with best practices in international development
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of market trends, competitor activities, and global development issues relevant to client industries-informing strategic decision-making processes accordingly
- Provided expert advice on best practices in sustainable development, contributing to long-term client success
- Established monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure project performance and inform future initiatives.
Water Resources Management Consultant
EPF Systems (Pty) Ltd
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Water resources management, sanitation management, aligning products with legislation
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress
- Delivered high-quality presentations to stakeholders, effectively communicating project objectives and results
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for client decision-making
- Identified areas of improvement for clients' operations, implementing targeted solutions to increase productivity
- Prepared presentations to explain revisions, enhancements and process improvements of organization's systems and programs.
Project Manager
Nazobusika (Pty) Ltd
07.2013 - 08.2014
- Water Use license evaluation
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution
- Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
Project Manager
Gabsie's Business Solutions/ Insika Foundation
05.2006 - 06.2013
- Capacity building (providing local government support on water and sanitation issues)
- Project management (various projects in water management)
- Community development (Sustainable Livelihood Development)
- Water resources policy review (Water Use Classification including strategic water and its source areas)
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results
- Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of the projects
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution
- Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle
- Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team's ability to deliver results
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives
- Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
Water sector consultant
Thelani Consulting
05.2004 - 04.2006
- Development planning, capacity building, stakeholder engagement
- Established trusted partnerships with key industry influencers, expanding the company's network of resources and contacts
- Identified areas of improvement for clients' operations, implementing targeted solutions to increase productivity
- Advised clients on change management strategies to ensure smooth transitions during periods of organizational transformation
- Facilitated workshops with stakeholder groups to gain consensus on priorities and approaches for tackling identified issues or opportunities
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress
- Prepared presentations to explain revisions, enhancements and process improvements of organization's systems and programs
- Managed multiple deadlines across several businesses to meet dynamic needs of multiple clients.
Community Development Officer
Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation
03.2002 - 04.2004
- Community development, institutional development (establishment of Catchment Management Agencies and Water User Associations), public participation
- Facilitated capacity-building workshops to empower residents with leadership skills and knowledge of available resources
- Contributed to strategic planning processes to support long-term goals for sustainable community development
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations while managing programs or projects aimed at improving quality of life for residents
- Enhanced community partnerships through regular communication and coordination with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design comprehensive solutions addressing multidimensional challenges faced by communities
- Improved community engagement by organizing outreach events and collaborating with local organizations
- Created educational materials to convey important information to service recipients
- Educated young people about strategies for driving discussions and promoting social changes.
Auxiliary Service Officer (Hydrology)
Department Of Water And Sanitation
11.1999 - 02.2002
- Played a critical role in retaining valuable customers through proactive relationship management efforts
- Coordinated closely with other departments to resolve complex client issues while maintaining professionalism at all times
- Assisted in the successful launch of new products/services through effective support strategies
- Improved overall workflow efficiency by implementing standardized procedures across the department.
Education
MSc, Rurality, Livelihoods and Gender, Sustainable Natural Resources Management, Conflict, Democracy and Facilitation, Global Food Systems and Food Security, The Process and Context of Research I: Methods and Theories, The Process and Context of Research II: Methods and Theories, The Process of Research: Qualitative Method, Data Analysis and Academic Writing, Master's Thesis - Rural Development and Natural Resources Management
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
04.2019 -
Post Graduate Diploma, Principles of Project Management, Project Scope and Time Management, Project Communication and Risk Management, Project Management Leadership, Project Quality Management, Project Applied Technology, Project Resource Management, Project Financial Management - Project Management
Management University of South Africa
04.2016 - undefined
BSc - Hydrology
University of Zululand
04.2001 - undefined
Skills
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
MS Projects
Policy development and review
Communication
Strategic Thinking
Possession of a driver's license
Team Management
Self-Directed
Problem Resolution
Cultural Awareness
Supervision and leadership
Multitasking Abilities
Interpersonal Communication
Social Perceptiveness
Publications
AMBIO Springer Link, 02/17/21, Under Review, Link to Publication
References
- Linley Chiwona Karltun, Associate Professor in Rural Development (Supervisor: FAO Project), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Urban & Rural Development, Ullsväg 27, Uppsala, SE-750 07, +46 18 67 27 57, +46 73 951 6424, Linley.chiwona.karltun@slu.se
- Prof. Thulisile Madonsela, Director: Centre for Social Justice (Current Supervisor), Stellenbosch University, Law Faculty, Stellenbosch, South Africa, +27 21 808 3186, +27 82 525 5229, tmadonsela@sun.ac.za
Timeline
Research Associate (Research Collaboration)
University of Johannesburg, Institute for Pan African Thought & Conversation
11.2023 - 11.2026
Global Development Consultant (limited hours per week)
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Water Resources Management Consultant
EPF Systems (Pty) Ltd
06.2020 - 12.2020
MSc, Rurality, Livelihoods and Gender, Sustainable Natural Resources Management, Conflict, Democracy and Facilitation, Global Food Systems and Food Security, The Process and Context of Research I: Methods and Theories, The Process and Context of Research II: Methods and Theories, The Process of Research: Qualitative Method, Data Analysis and Academic Writing, Master's Thesis - Rural Development and Natural Resources Management
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
04.2019 -
Post Graduate Diploma, Principles of Project Management, Project Scope and Time Management, Project Communication and Risk Management, Project Management Leadership, Project Quality Management, Project Applied Technology, Project Resource Management, Project Financial Management - Project Management
Management University of South Africa
04.2016 - undefined
Project Manager
Nazobusika (Pty) Ltd
07.2013 - 08.2014
Project Manager
Gabsie's Business Solutions/ Insika Foundation
05.2006 - 06.2013
Water sector consultant
Thelani Consulting
05.2004 - 04.2006
Community Development Officer
Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation
03.2002 - 04.2004
BSc - Hydrology
University of Zululand
04.2001 - undefined
Auxiliary Service Officer (Hydrology)
Department Of Water And Sanitation
11.1999 - 02.2002
Project Coordinator
Stellenbosch University, Law Faculty, Centre for Social Justice
1 2021 - 2 2024
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