Nelson Mhlanga

I am a highly driven and organized individual, who holds an MSc in Biodiversity,Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford, England and a Bachelor of Environmental Science Honors degree, attained with a first-class pass. Having experience in the environmental research and project management in Europe, conservation and livelihoods development in East Africa and sustainability and stakeholder engagement in Southern Africa, I am a capable individual with a demonstrable history of excellence in the timely delivery of high-quality outputs and processes. My interests lie in sustainable development, project management, and stakeholder engagement. With a background in effectively managing stakeholder expectations, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team. My prior experiences in past international postings, consultancy, internship and academic roles have enhanced my capabilities and exposed me to a range of skills that meet the expectations of the role. Coupled with my knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to business - sustainability issues , global environmental issues and debates, stakeholder engagement and conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis gained from the University of Oxford's, School of Environment and Geography, the University’s Department of Zoology and the Blavatnik School of Government, I believe, my prior experiences and passion for the environment and conservation make me the right candidate for this position. I am an innovative individual who has a good sense of humour, excellent research skills, an ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues, who can work long hours when required. I have strong project research, tracking, data analysis and report writing skills skills gained from research assistantship roles within the University of Oxford’s various departments including as a Public Policy research assistant in the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, and as a Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation research assistant with the University of Oxford’s Department of Zoology where I worked on Sustainable Consumption projects for the Oxford Long-Term Ecology, Biodiversity Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship Technologies Lab. These experiences resulted in the publishing of reports and peer review articles and assisted in policy development, through review and analysis of biodiversity governance issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation, survey initiatives reviews, analysis and interpretation of responses, identifying issues and preparation of conclusions Under my role as a Sustainability Practitioner - Environment Officer, I coordinated all environmental management issues and projects for the organization. I also developed conservation procedures, managed environmental strategies for the organization, planned facilitating workshops through interactive sessions and assisted in developing action plans for departments to implement their sustainability obligations. I was responsible for environmental and conservation issues supervision, management, monitoring and reporting and implemented various interdisciplinary environmental projects which involved practical field work and organizing and updating project documentation and were completed within budget and on time showing excellent organizational and time management skills. I also edited and distributed an environmental communication bulletin titled the ‘The Green News’ to over 1500 employees monthly to raise environmental awareness and consciousness amongst employees and coordinated environmental trainings, awareness and education sessions showing initiative and flexibility regarding the tasks given. I was also responsible for GRI sustainability reporting for the organization, a task which required accuracy, reliability, efficient database designing and management and data analysis skills. In this role I was the focal liaison person with various government departments and ministries, business/corporate partners and making partnerships with other stakeholders with regards to environmental issues. I also represented the organization in the Business Council on Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) meetings, coordinated air quality monitoring issues, developed and led environmental management strategies for the organization. I was promoted within one year into the job as I proved my dedication and ability to work independently and as part of a wider team. I believe I am the person that you are looking for, for this position as the person description describes me in entirety. I am confident that I would be an asset to your organization and would therefore relish the opportunity to discuss how I best I may and will contribute to your organization in an interview