Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Consultancyexperience
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Naison Bhunhu

Harare,HA

Summary

I am an accomplished development professional with more than 18 years of experience specialized in program and policy research with extensive experience in the public sector, policy governance and institutional development in Zimbabwe and the Southern Africa region especially in early childhood development, education and education for sustainable development. Highly skilled in proposal writing, strategic planning, capacity building, and multi-million-dollar budget oversight experienced as an NGO leader and with financial support from European Union multi-basket funding, USAID, Global Partnership for Education and Kellogg Foundation. Experienced in engaging stakeholders at all levels, strengthening networks, and advancing sustainable development goals. Proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. Focused on supporting team success and achieving positive results in programming outcomes for education health and environment development issues. Experienced professional with a strong background in technology-related roles. Skilled in problem-solving and optimizing performance. Capable of managing projects and collaborating effectively with teams shown when leading and coordinating a multi-country foundation learning project to improve policy and legal provisions in early childhood development in Southern Africa. Committed to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends to contribute to organizational success as shown by several research oversight in ECDE when Regional Lead at ZINECDA. Results-oriented individual with a passion for continuous learning and innovation. Known for leveraging analytical thinking and creativity to solve problems and deliver high-impact solutions in fast-paced environments. Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals. Experienced in fast-paced environments and adaptable to last-minute changes. Thrives under pressure and consistently earns high marks for work quality and speed. Results-driven individual with a solid track record in delivering quality work. Known for excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with a commitment to achieving company goals and delivering exceptional service. Passionate about continuous learning and professional development. Customer-focused individual with a passion for delivering exceptional service. Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for effectively addressing concerns. Committed to improving customer satisfaction and driving positive outcomes.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

UNICEF
09.2024 - 11.2024
  • Assessment of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Lesotho, 1

Preparation and Workshop Facilitation

Africa Early Childhood Network
Maseru, Lesotho
05.2024 - 11.2024
  • Presented instructional material in an engaging manner to promote learning and understanding.
  • Encouraged active participation among workshop attendees through open dialogue, interactive activities, and role-playing exercises.
  • Monitored the progress of participants during workshops and offered individualized support when needed.
  • Collaborated with other facilitators or instructors on developing new curriculum for upcoming sessions.
  • Developed and implemented fundraising approaches to raise money for cause.
  • Facilitated group discussions and activities to ensure successful outcomes.

Consultant

Africa Early Childhood Network, AfECN
10.2024 - 09.2024
  • Planning, preparing, facilitating and reporting on the ECD Networks Meeting Held at the Southern Africa ECD Conference 4th November 2024, Maseru, Lesotho.

Regional Lead TRANAC

ZINECDA
07.2021 - 03.2024
  • Established the regional Transnational Capacity Strengthening of Civil Society organisations to demand transparency and accountability on early childhood legislation, systems, policies and programmes from Southern Africa governments
  • Co-Chaired the National Coalition of Eastern and Southern Africa ECD Network (NECESA)
  • Facilitated the formation of Southern Africa Network of Early Childhood Development (SANECD) in through the GPE funded TRANAC project
  • Influenced the increase of ECDE funding from less than 1% to about 2%
  • Strengthened the ECDE networks leading to stronger, stable and sustainable networks with national, subregional and regional visibility
  • Contributed to regional and global processes for ECDE through the AU CSEA Policy and Communication subgroup, UNESCO’s transforming education systems processes, Global Partnership for Education (GPE)’s Education Out Loud advocacy processes, and World Forum Foundation for ECDE (WFF).

11.2011 - 01.2023
  • CBNRM Forum rapporteuring
  • Rapporteuring and producing a report on capacitating community based organisations (CBOs) and community based enterprises (CBEs) with marketing principles and ability to write fundraising proposal, 6
  • Action Institute for Environment, Health and Communication Development
  • Strategic Plan

National Coordinator

ZINECDA
01.2016 - 06.2021
  • As the head of the Zimbabwe Network of Early Childhood Development Actors (ZINECDA) led the national and regional programming, strategy coordination and reporting

Curriculum Developer and Writer

Curriculum Development Unit, Ministry of Education and Culture
04.2016 - 10.2017
  • Carried out research on children’s understanding of topics in the syllabus
  • Wrote and edited materials on environmental science for primary schools
  • Revised the Environmental and Agricultural Science syllabus through a participatory approach which was the first in the ministry.

Consultant

Action IEHDC
03.2008 - 09.2016
  • Developed fundable project proposals for several organizations such as Action IEHDC, and DemCof
  • Conducted capacity building workshops for urban councilors to improve the efficiency and understanding of the urban councils Act

01.2012 - 01.2016
  • Action Institute for Environment, Health and Communication Development
  • Proposal Development and Resource Mobilization strategy

Dzivarasekwa Environment Conservation Trust
01.2003 - 05.2012
  • Proposals development on Mushroom Project

01.2004 - 01.2012
  • CBNRM Forum
  • Facilitating a workshop on capacitating community based organisations(CBOs) and community based enterprises (CBEs) with marketing principles and ability to write fundraising proposal

Zimbabwe Trust – Action and Community
10.1994 - 01.2012
  • Fund
  • End of program evaluation: Meeting basic educational needs of learners (Community Fund supported)

02.2011 - 11.2011
  • Institute for Democracy in Africa – Zimbabwe (IDAZIM)
  • Training and Induction of elected councilors in local governments
  • UNDP/ Ministry of Energy
  • Editing white paper titled: Energy resource assessment study

Rossing Foundation
11.2002 - 01.2011
  • Training of trainers in Environment Education - Okavango

Executive Director

Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe
06.2006 - 02.2008
  • Responsible for mobilization and allocation of resources, governance issues, staff recruitment and motivation, strategic management, programmes management and reporting, donor relations, budget and expenditure overseeing, and monitoring and evaluation of programme issues

09.2007 - 11.2007
  • Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho (NECDOL)
  • Planning, Preparing, Coordinating and Facilitating Southern Africa ECD Conference

08.2007 - 10.2007
  • Environment Liaison Forum (ELF)
  • Facilitating a workshop and producing a five year Strategic Plan

Director

Action
12.2001 - 01.2005
  • Formulated, updated and revised institutional policies
  • Refocused the organization’s mission, vision and objectives
  • Managed to fundraise for the organization especially by being a regional partner in the Health and Development project coordinated by Soul City
  • Managed big donor funded portfolios ranging from $500000 to $3000000 a year with donors such as the EU, USAID, CIDA, SIDA, and Community Fund

Ministry of Education
01.1991 - 01.2002
  • And Culture and DSE
  • A case study of 16 primary schools in teaching Environmental and Agricultural Science

Ministry of Education, Culture and DSE
06.2001 - 07.2001
  • An evaluation of the Primary Science Subject

Action Head of Training and Research

01.1999 - 01.2001
  • Established and strengthened the Training and Research team
  • Forged strong links with the ministries of education and local government to strengthen the science exhibition and the natural resources management education and training programmes in four provinces of the country

Action Training Officer

01.1992 - 01.1999
  • Successfully established the training department to strengthen the production of Action materials
  • Promoted the use and distribution of Action magazines in schools
  • Researched on perception, misconceptions and gaps in knowledge of topical issues to be developed as materials.

Consultant

TRANAC - NECDOL
Maseru
01.2024
  • Planning, preparing, facilitating and reporting on the SADC Early Childhood Development and Education CONFERENCE: 5-8 November 2024, Avani Hotel

06.2012
  • Two by Two Waste Recovery Conservation Trust
  • Proposals development on Tree Nursery Project

Education

Postgraduate Diploma - Management for the Executives

University of Zimbabwe
01.2007

Masters - Environment, Policy and Planning

University of Zimbabwe
01.2001

Certificate - Management Techniques

Zimbabwe Institute of Management
01.2000

Certificate - Environmental Education

University of Strathclyde Glasgow
01.1992

Bachelors - Education Honours

University of Nottingham
01.1989

Certificate - Education

Mkoba Teacher’s College
Gweru
01.1980

Skills

  • Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Program and Policy Development
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
  • Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Donor Relations and Fundraising
  • Capacity Building and Training
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Problem-solving
  • Networking
  • Organization and time management
  • Analytical thinking
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Team building
  • Interpersonal communication

References

  • Dr Patrick Makokoro, Executive Director, Nhaka Foundation and ZINECDA Chair, patrick@nhakafoundation.org, +17783508713
  • Richard Olong, Programme Manager, Oxfam ODK, rol@oxfam.dk, +256702622362
  • Pyke Chari, Manager Action, pyke@action.co.zw, P O Box GT1274 Granisteside, Harare, +263 4 747213/7
  • Mirika Manyati, Consultant, mmanyati@gmail.com, 7 Elephant Close, Borrowdale West, Harare, MP1325, +263 772 527 382 or +263 712 207 218
  • Toendepi Shonhe, Senior Lecturer, Marondera University of Agriculture, toned.shone2@gmail.com, +263 777 676 424

Consultancyexperience

  • UNICEF, Assessment of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Lesotho, 09/01/24 - 11/30/24
  • Africa Early Childhood Network (AFECN), Planning, Preparing and Facilitating National Networks Workshop on ECD in Southern Africa, 09/01/24 - 11/07/24
  • Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho (NECDOL), Planning, Preparing, Coordinating and Facilitating Southern Africa ECD Conference, 05/01/24 - 11/30/24
  • Two by Two Waste Recovery Conservation Trust, Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy for the Waste and Recycling Project, 06/01/12
  • Two by Two Waste Recovery Conservation Trust, Proposals development on Tree Nursery Project, 05/01/12
  • Dzivarasekwa Environment Conservation Trust (DZECT), Proposals development on Mushroom Project, 01/01/12
  • CBNRM Forum, Facilitating a workshop on capacitating community based organisations(CBOs) and community based enterprises (CBEs) with marketing principles and ability to write fundraising proposal, 11/23/11 - 11/25/11
  • CBNRM Forum, Rapporteuring and producing a report on capacitating community based organisations (CBOs) and community based enterprises (CBEs) with marketing principles and ability to write fundraising proposal, 11/23/11 - 11/30/11
  • Action Institute for Environment, Health and Communication Development, Strategic Plan 2012-2016, 09/01/11 - 10/31/11
  • Action Institute for Environment, Health and Communication Development, Proposal Development and Resource Mobilization strategy, 02/01/11 - 11/30/11
  • Institute for Democracy in Africa – Zimbabwe (IDAZIM), Training and Induction of elected councilors in local governments
  • UNDP/ Ministry of Energy, Editing white paper titled: Energy resource assessment study, 08/01/07 - 10/31/07
  • Environment Liaison Forum (ELF), Facilitating a workshop and producing a five year Strategic Plan, 11/01/02
  • Rossing Foundation - Namibia, Training of trainers in Environment Education - Okavango, 10/01/94
  • Zimbabwe Trust – Action and Community Fund, End of program evaluation: Meeting basic educational needs of learners (Community Fund supported), 06/01/01 - 07/31/01
  • Ministry of Education and Culture and DSE, An evaluation of the Primary Science Subject, 01/01/91
  • Ministry of Education and Culture and DSE, A case study of 16 primary schools in teaching Environmental and Agricultural Science, 01/01/91 - 12/31/92

Languages

Shona
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1

Timeline

Consultant

Africa Early Childhood Network, AfECN
10.2024 - 09.2024

UNICEF
09.2024 - 11.2024

Preparation and Workshop Facilitation

Africa Early Childhood Network
05.2024 - 11.2024

Consultant

TRANAC - NECDOL
01.2024

Regional Lead TRANAC

ZINECDA
07.2021 - 03.2024

Curriculum Developer and Writer

Curriculum Development Unit, Ministry of Education and Culture
04.2016 - 10.2017

National Coordinator

ZINECDA
01.2016 - 06.2021

06.2012

01.2012 - 01.2016

11.2011 - 01.2023

02.2011 - 11.2011

Consultant

Action IEHDC
03.2008 - 09.2016

09.2007 - 11.2007

08.2007 - 10.2007

Executive Director

Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe
06.2006 - 02.2008

01.2004 - 01.2012

Dzivarasekwa Environment Conservation Trust
01.2003 - 05.2012

Rossing Foundation
11.2002 - 01.2011

Director

Action
12.2001 - 01.2005

Ministry of Education, Culture and DSE
06.2001 - 07.2001

Action Head of Training and Research

01.1999 - 01.2001

Zimbabwe Trust – Action and Community
10.1994 - 01.2012

Action Training Officer

01.1992 - 01.1999

Ministry of Education
01.1991 - 01.2002

Postgraduate Diploma - Management for the Executives

University of Zimbabwe

Masters - Environment, Policy and Planning

University of Zimbabwe

Certificate - Management Techniques

Zimbabwe Institute of Management

Certificate - Environmental Education

University of Strathclyde Glasgow

Bachelors - Education Honours

University of Nottingham

Certificate - Education

Mkoba Teacher’s College
Naison Bhunhu