Trisha Rajendrakumar
Johannesburg
Summary
I am an initiative-taking and dedicated professional with extensive experience in social development, specializing in migration and community upliftment. With over a decade of experience in the City of Johannesburg's Social Development Department, I focus on coordinating regional efforts across vulnerable wards. My work involves building partnerships, managing projects, and addressing social challenges, including human trafficking, migration and inequalities. I engage with a wide range of community members, from youth to pensioners, ensuring the delivery of essential services and fostering social cohesion.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
REGIONAL COORDINATOR: MIGRATION SUB - UNIT
City of Johannesburg - Social Development Department
Johannesburg
09.2007 - Current
- Budget Management: Expertly managing the budget of the business unit, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across multiple programs and projects while maintaining financial oversight and adherence to fiscal policies.
- Strategic Planning and Program Implementation: Lead the planning, development, and execution of projects and programs across 18 wards, setting clear guidelines and objectives to ensure alignment with the department's overall mission and community needs.
- Forum Facilitation and Stakeholder Engagement: Cohesively facilitate the formation of developmental forums, bringing together stakeholders to address social challenges, foster collaboration, and create strategies for sustainable community development.
- Research and Data Analysis: Conduct in-depth research through community surveys to identify social needs, analyze data, and implement targeted programs that effectively address high-risk factors and improve community well-being.
- Holistic Problem Solving: Identify and address social problems using a holistic approach, working with internal and external departments to ensure a systematic and comprehensive response to the community's needs.
- Effective Communication and Reporting: Prepare detailed reports, proposals, and budget motivations to ensure successful project completion within stipulated timeframes and financial constraints. Promote effective communication between stakeholders to enhance project outcomes.
- Community Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: Conduct information sessions and community outreach initiatives to raise awareness and encourage participation in council-led programs and facilities. Developed and implemented a city-wide awareness campaign on human trafficking.
- Social Support and Safety Net Programs: Plan, organize, and manage programs aimed at improving access to social support mechanisms and safety nets for vulnerable households, with a special focus on marginalized communities.
- Equality and Rights Advocacy: Initiate and execute programs to address social inequalities by championing the rights of children, youth, women, and people with disabilities. Promote equal access to resources and opportunities for all community members.
- Partnership Building and Collaborative Leadership: Build and maintain mutually supportive partnerships with civil society organizations, driving collaborative interventions across all areas of human development. Lead dialogues and seminars on child and human rights to improve social cohesion in Johannesburg.
- Program Monitoring and Social Cohesion: Oversee the execution of key initiatives by working with partner organizations and departments to enhance social cohesion and community resilience, promoting inclusivity and rights-based approaches.
CHILD CARE PRACTITIONER
City of Johannesburg - Community Development Department
Johannesburg
02.2006 - 08.2007
- Needs Assessment: Conduct visits to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, identifying and assessing both general and specific needs to improve childcare services.
- Training and Compliance: Train staff on health by-law requirements and ensure regulatory compliance, leveraging expertise in creating safe and compliant childcare environments.
- Child Development: Promote children's emotional, mental, social, and physical development through structured, relevant programs designed to enhance overall well-being.
- Program Facilitation: Train childcare givers on key stimulation and nutrition programs, ensuring they have the tools to support children's growth and development.
- Stakeholder Networking: Facilitate effective networking with stakeholders and resource providers, fostering partnerships that enhance access to essential services.
- Information Systems Management: Establish and maintain resource and information systems within childcare services, ensuring streamlined operations and access to key resources.
- Staff Development: Identify and implement staff development initiatives, including first aid and fire safety training, ensuring childcare staff are well-equipped to handle emergencies and promote safety.
YOUTH COORDINATOR
City of Johannesburg - Human Development Department
Johannesburg
09.2004 - 01.2006
- Youth Program Development: Support the establishment and development of programs targeting youth aged 14-34, fostering growth and opportunities for young people across various regions.
- Operational Management: Oversee the operational management and promotion of youth initiatives, ensuring they are impactful and aligned with community needs.
- Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic leadership to staff and volunteers, guiding them in the effective execution of youth programs and ensuring cohesive teamwork.
- Budgeting and Financial Oversight: Develop and manage budgets for youth programs, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and financial goals are met.
- Program Management: Understand and manage youth programs conducted across different regions, tailoring initiatives to meet local needs while ensuring consistency in delivery.
- Youth Training: Train youth and other groups in peacebuilding, social cohesion, leadership, and career guidance, equipping them with essential life skills and pathways for personal development.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Link with stakeholders involved in Provincial Alcohol Harms Reduction and Afterschool Gamechangers to enhance the impact of youth programs and secure external support.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of youth programs at centers, using data-driven insights to improve and optimize initiatives.
Education
Nyukela Public Service SMS Programme - Senior Management
National School of Government
Johannesburg, South Africa 02-2025
BA - Public Management and Governance
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2021
Advanced Certificate - Municipal Management and Governance
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2019
Higher Certificate - Municipal Management and Governance
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2018
National Diploma - Child and Youth Development
DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Durban, South Africa 01.2005
National Senior Certificate -
SHAKASKRAAL SECONDARY SCHOOL
KZN, South Africa01.1999
Skills
- Project and Program Management
- Migration and Social Cohesion Initiatives
- Stakeholder Coordination and Community Engagement
- Human Trafficking Awareness
- Workshop Facilitation
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Training and Development
- Report Writing and Data Analysis
- Conflict Resolution and Diversity Management
References
1. Ms. Jillian January
Director NDCS, Social Development
081 417 8514
JillianJ@joburg.org.za
2. Mr. Robinson Sathekge
Sub-Unit Head, Migration
076 503 9730
RobinsonS@joburg.org.za
3. Ms. Dorah Mashita
Regional Manager, Social Development
068 172 7979
DorahM@joburg.org.za
Timeline
REGIONAL COORDINATOR: MIGRATION SUB - UNIT
City of Johannesburg - Social Development Department
09.2007 - Current
CHILD CARE PRACTITIONER
City of Johannesburg - Community Development Department
02.2006 - 08.2007
YOUTH COORDINATOR
City of Johannesburg - Human Development Department
09.2004 - 01.2006
Nyukela Public Service SMS Programme - Senior Management
National School of Government
BA - Public Management and Governance
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Advanced Certificate - Municipal Management and Governance
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Higher Certificate - Municipal Management and Governance
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
National Diploma - Child and Youth Development
DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
National Senior Certificate -
SHAKASKRAAL SECONDARY SCHOOL
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