Paul R. Gonsalves

Career objective & Motivation

To be a catalyst for growth and positive change. To grow personally and professionally and establish healthy
lasting relationships. To make an impact, to be successful, to learn, to teach and make an impact.

Strengths include: strong administrative, leadership & project management skills. I function at optimum level under pressure and know the true value and lasting benefits of consistent customer satisfaction.  

Experience

[ 2000- 2003 ]NICRO Joburg

Project Manager for Level 3 Diversion Intervention Program for Gauteng known as ‘The Journey’

1. Responsibilities involved management of all aspects of the program including :

•  Communications and liaisons with project managers at all branches in Gauteng province
• Program Design and Content Development
• Administration including Policy Development and Reporting
• Budget Controls
• Facilitation

[ 2003-2005] Maziya Trainers & Consultants-Joburg 

Managing Director & Partner

Responsibilities involved managing Soft Skills Portfolio of 36 different training programmes. Responsibilities included:

• Project Management
• Program Design and Content Development
• Facilitation, Ongoing Consultation and Support
• Establishing new business contracts and liaising with Clients
• Facilitator training and staff development
• Managing Targets and Budget Controls  

[2005-present] African Pearl Training

Managing Director

I managed, designed and facilitated over 70 projects  and  workshops over a 15 year period. Below is a summary of a few of these projects:

1. EU Project-Public Participation Dialogues: Project Director: Organisation of nine provincial dialogues on behalf of the European Union (EU) for the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). Over 1800 attendees in total nationally with an average attendance of 200 delegates per session
2. EU Project- Best Ward Committee Award System Dialogues: Project Director: Organisation of Provincial & National events for the Conceptual Development of a Best Performing Ward Committee Award Process for CoGTA. Over 1800 attendees in total nationally with an average attendance of 200 delegates per session
3. GDE Tshwane South District: Consultation and Facilitation of Strategic Planning Workshop between the GDE and School Principals. Workshop included teambuilding and conflict resolution due to mounting tensions that existed between the GDE & School Principals. Evaluations reflected that  all objectives were achieved. Report available. 
4. GDE Head Office-Gauteng: Financial and Business Planning Management and Facilitation with all District HOD’s. 
5. GDE District 7: Facilitation of Worklife Balance Workshop. Contact: Connie Mohlakoana. Tel: 011746 8095
6. Sedibeng District Municipality: Change Management and Teambuilding Workshop with Treasury Department : Dept.of Social Development: Comprehensive 3 week Community and Organisational Development Workshop including 3 month ongoing mentorship and coaching. 
7. Soul City National and Provincial Conferences:  Projector Director for the Annual National and some Provincial SoulBuddyz Conferences. Conference elements include indoor and outdoor life-skills components, evening programmes which include a concert & gala dinner. Ave attendants: 300-600 learners, 100-200 educators and officials, Ave Duration:4 days. 
8. Management of 50 Cooperatives: Project Director for the recruitment of 500 youth who were mobilised and registered into a business cooperative. These youths were incubated into a mentorship and support programme which included market linkages via existing businesses. Duration of the Programme: 3 years. 
9. Learner Support Agency Programme: Project Director and Chief Programme Designer of Learnership programme for the National Department of Education which involved recruiting 500 youth in Gauteng to be part of a multiphase programme which includes:
   1. Training in youth development qualification
   2. Developing youth as mentors for Primary and High School Learners
   3. Placing youth in various NGO’s across the Gauteng Province as part of an incubator programme. The above programme was nominated for the Gauteng Premiers Award. Duration:3years. 
10. Team Based Development Programme: Project Director and Chief Project Architect of a highly innovative team based action learning programme aimed at improving capabilities across various government departments. Projects included:
    1. Working in various health clinics to shorten waiting time as well as improve file management. Project was nominated for the Gauteng Premier’s Award.
    2. Assisting the GDE Fleet Management Sub-Directorate in Migrating from a manual to a digital fleet booking process
    3. Assisting the Department of Agriculture finalise an inland waste management programme
    4. Assisting the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) with improving three capabilities within their organisation.
11. Peer Education: Facilitating, Programme Design and Project Management of over 50 different Peer Education Camps and programmes with both Primary and Secondary youth:  Average attendees per camp: 300 Duration: 1 year

Education

1. Bachelor of Arts-Psychology Major-Wits University
2. Accredited Assessor- Unit Standard: Conduct outcomes-based assessment (115753)
3. -Project Management- Unit Standard 120372 and 120379
4. -Peer Education Accredited Assessor
5. Computer skills:
   1. - MS Office -Good
   2. Mind -Mapping- Good
   3. Accounting Software- Sage One & Xero -Good

Skill Set

• Project Management Fundamentals; Facilitation Skills; Leadership Development; Management and Supervisory Skills; Conflict Management & Resolution Skills; Team Dynamics, Communication Skills; Report Writing and Note taking; Peer Education.
   
• Experienced conference and small groups facilitator
• Expertise in content design and development
• Expertise in project management/consulting.
• Project Manager- 12 years

Awards

1. Ruth First Prize Award for best 3rd Year Research Project (Sociology)-Wits University
2. Outstanding Achievement Award –Community Psychology-Wits University
3. Designed, managed and implemented 3 projects that were each nominated for the Gauteng Premiers Award