Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Software
Timeline
Generic

Thulani Kunene

Project Coordinator/administrator
Johannesburg

Summary

Enthusiastic problem solver and talented team player with superior planning and decision-making skills. Background in successfully executing diverse project tasks to meet deadlines. Highly skilled at communicating with colleagues, monitoring status and achieving key milestones. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Education Assistant

Department of Basic Education: Dinga Combined School
Mpuluzi, Mpumalanga
12.2020 - 03.2021
  • Took attendance, graded assignments, and maintained student records to assist teachers with administrative tasks and maintain smooth daily operations.
  • Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
  • Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Distributed learning materials such as worksheets, textbooks and group assignments.
  • Offered after-school tutoring sessions for struggling students, leading to improved grades and increased understanding of material.
  • Supervised students in common areas such as cafeteria, library and playground.
  • Supported teachers in maintaining a safe learning environment by monitoring student behavior during class transitions and extracurricular activities.
  • Assisted teachers in developing comprehensive lesson plans that catered to diverse learning needs.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
  • Engaged students in learning through effective classroom management techniques that promoted active participation and collaboration.
  • Improved classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and clear expectations.

Project Coordinator

South African Revenue Service
Pretoria
06.2015 - 08.2018
  • Managed time sheets for external vendors and ensured payments are processed timeously.
  • Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans, outlining scopes, timelines, deliverables, and milestones.
  • Supervised multiple projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of all projects, facilitating efficient audits and future reference.
  • Prepared meeting agendas and minutes for distribution and record keeping.
  • Created job files for each project and maintained current data in each file.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment for increased productivity.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve seamless collaboration in achieving project objectives.
  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring resource allocation was optimized for maximum project success.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms for cost-effective procurement of resources needed for each project''s success.
  • Tracked hours and expenses to keep project on task and within budgetary parameters.
  • Improved client satisfaction with timely updates and transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Facilitated frequent progress reports and presentations to keep management informed about ongoing activities within their respective domains.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to define clear project goals, leading to consistent alignment with expectations throughout the process.
  • Elevated overall quality of completed projects by consistently monitoring progress and addressing issues proactively.
  • Managed competing demands and professionally adapted to frequent change, delays and unexpected events.
  • Maintained database and spreadsheets with accurate inventory and status.
  • 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 company.
  • Decreased project completion times by efficiently prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities to team members.
  • Kept corporate and client information confidential, adhering to data safety measures.
  • Identified potential risks and developed mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions to project timelines.
  • Assisted with onboarding newly hired staff members and coached on task prioritization.
  • Established rapport and engaged with stakeholders to build lasting professional relationships.
  • Liaised between departments to facilitate communication and keep appropriate parties updated on project developments.
  • Photocopied, distributed and emailed documents to project managers.
  • Streamlined project management processes by implementing new organizational tools and software.
  • Ensured prompt resolution of any conflicts or obstacles encountered during the course of a project''s execution phase, helping maintain smooth workflow across departments involved in its completion process.
  • Arranged travel and accommodation for team members and project partners.
  • Provided input and feedback on departmental initiatives, directives and strategies to contribute to project success.
  • Responded to requests for information on materials to inquiring parties.
  • Assisted in developing training materials and organized workshops aimed at enhancing skill sets among staff members working under various capacities on different projects within the organization.
  • Implemented change management processes that minimized disruptions while maintaining forward momentum on projects.
  • Conducted thorough post-project evaluations to identify areas for improvement in future initiatives.
  • Coordinated venue and catering arrangements, speaker and attendee liaison and material distribution for meetings and events.
  • Assembled manuals for team usage from vendor-supplied product data sheets and submittal information.
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
  • Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
  • Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
  • Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
  • Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
  • Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
  • Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
  • Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
  • Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.

Customs Inspector

South African Revenue Service
Port Elizabeth
08.2008 - 05.2015
  • Streamlined inspection processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness in detecting contraband items.
  • Prevented unauthorized entry of restricted products by diligently enforcing import regulations and guidelines.
  • Contributed to overall national security efforts by identifying potential threats or illegal items before entry into the country.
  • Conducted detailed examinations of high-risk shipments, identifying potential threats or illegal items before entry into the country.
  • Supported trade facilitation initiatives by expediting clearance procedures for compliant shipments while focusing resources on higher risk consignments.
  • Maintained accurate records, documenting inspection findings and actions taken to address violations.
  • Assisted in training new Customs Inspectors, ensuring consistent application of inspection procedures and regulatory compliance.
  • Promoted fair trade practices by accurately assessing duties and taxes on imported goods, ensuring compliance with trade agreements.
  • Applied critical thinking skills to analyze complex situations during inspections, leading to successful identification of noncompliant shipments.
  • Provided excellent customer service, addressing concerns from importers/exporters while maintaining professional demeanor during inspections.
  • Worked simple measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, dial indicator and other measuring device or gauges.
  • Used randomized approach to inspect at least 76% of containers.
  • Enhanced border security by thoroughly inspecting goods and vehicles entering the country.
  • Performed incoming inspection on raw materials and finished goods.
  • Developed expertise in various types of commodities, enabling accurate assessment of applicable duties and taxes on imported goods.
  • Upheld a high standard of integrity by consistently applying customs regulations and guidelines impartially during inspections.
  • Collaborated with other agencies for intelligence sharing, improving overall customs operations and border security measures.
  • Improved interagency cooperation through effective communication with partner organizations such as law enforcement agencies and transportation companies.
  • Reduced smuggling attempts through vigilant monitoring and enforcement of customs regulations.
  • Demonstrated strong attention to detail while reviewing import documentation for accuracy, ensuring proper classification and valuation of imported goods.
  • Contributed to a safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols when handling hazardous materials or dangerous goods during inspections.
  • Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and changes in customs practices.
  • Utilized advanced technology tools in the inspection process, increasing accuracy and reducing time spent on manual searches.
  • Compiled and submitted data and reporting to higher authorities to promote accuracy and authenticity.
  • Implemented strong internal control systems to support process monitoring and adherence.
  • Validated immigration documents, asked questions and reported discrepancies to authorities for further review.
  • Developed, planned and participated in tactical operations.
  • Interacted with carriers, agencies and foreign entities to provide guidance on admissibility and compliance.
  • Supported law enforcement agencies by providing accurate and timely data regarding illegal activity and testimony to facts related to cases.
  • Identified contraband items and seized according to customs laws.
  • Explained laws and regulations to travelers and distributors and promoted comprehension to foster adherence to requirements.
  • Initiated civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperated with law enforcement agencies in investigation and prosecution of persons in violation of immigration or customs laws.
  • Completed investigations of applications for refunds of duties or mitigation of assessed penalties.
  • Evaluated shipments to determine duty and taxes due, completed applicable paperwork and informed individuals of expected liabilities.
  • Reported seized contraband or attempts to illegally transport goods to proper authorities and documented observations and evidence for future actions.
  • Detailed persons violating duly established laws and followed orders for further processing.
  • Prevented illegal trafficking of people and narcotics.
  • Examined baggage and personal items upon entering or leaving country to verify adherence to customs requirements and identify suspected violations.
  • Conducted K-9 inspections to detect drugs, explosives and cash.
  • Identified and seized contraband, undeclared merchandise and vehicles or boats containing such merchandise.
  • Summoned law enforcement to detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal actions.
  • Collected samples of import merchandise for additional testing, examination and appraisal.

Trainee

South African National Defence Force
01.2006 - 12.2007
  • Received training in discipline, drill, shooting, and protecting South Africans and its borders.

Education

Advanced Diploma In Project Management - Project Management

Cranefield College of Project and Programme Management
Johannesburg, Gauteng
09.2018

Matric certificate -

Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary School
Piet Retief, Mpumalanga
12.2004

COBIT5 foundation Examination certificate - Project Governance

APMG International
Pretoria, Gauteng
01.2016

Foundations of project management - Project Management

Google
04.2022

Skills

Document oversight Project Administration

Presentation ability Schedule Management

Problem-Solving Excellent Communication

Decision-Making Teamwork and Collaboration Planning and Coordination

Organization and Time Management

Flexible and Adaptable Self-Motivated

Active Listening Team building

Multitasking Abilities Written Communication

Critical Thinking Interpersonal Communication Dependable and Responsible

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Training and Development

Microsoft office Software Proficiency

Good Telephone Etiquette

Educational assistance

Student Supervision

Mentoring students

Certification

Code 10(C1)

Software

Microsoft office

Timeline

Education Assistant

Department of Basic Education: Dinga Combined School
12.2020 - 03.2021

Project Coordinator

South African Revenue Service
06.2015 - 08.2018

Customs Inspector

South African Revenue Service
08.2008 - 05.2015

Trainee

South African National Defence Force
01.2006 - 12.2007

Advanced Diploma In Project Management - Project Management

Cranefield College of Project and Programme Management

Matric certificate -

Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary School

COBIT5 foundation Examination certificate - Project Governance

APMG International

Foundations of project management - Project Management

Google
Thulani KuneneProject Coordinator/administrator