ALEXANDER SHIKONGO
Outapi
Summary
Dynamic Wildlife Volunteer Coordinator at Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary with expertise in volunteer management and training program development. Proven ability to enhance program effectiveness through strategic oversight and interpersonal communication. Skilled in ecological research and database management, fostering impactful volunteer experiences while ensuring organizational goals are met. Passionate volunteer coordinator offering several years of dedicated community service. Goal-oriented leader adept at overseeing volunteer operations and sourcing successful, lasting volunteers. Motivated volunteer coordinator proficient in the needs and operational practices of organizations. Bringing first-rate skills in program planning and problem solving. Successful history of implementing frameworks, establishing roles, and filling positions for diverse organizations. Take-charge professional delivering executive support and team leadership to business operations. Dependable and detail-oriented to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Broad experience includes office management, accounting, accounts receivable, invoicing, dispatching, database management, vendor negotiations and contract management. Recognized for exemplary customer service and team collaboration.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife Volunteer Coordinator
Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
Windhoek, Namibia
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Organized training programs for volunteers.
- Maintained records of volunteering hours worked by each individual.
- Conducted periodic reviews of existing programs to identify areas of improvement.
- Coordinated onboarding and orientation for new volunteers.
- Set up weekly meetings with volunteers to discuss their progress and challenges.
- Managed a database of volunteer information.
- Provided guidance on how to best utilize available resources in order to maximize the impact of volunteer work.
- Conducted orientations for new volunteers to introduce them to the organization's mission, values, and operations.
Field Guide
Al AIBA Rock Painting Lodge
Omaruru, Namibia
12.2023 - 11.2024
- Inspected vehicles before each trip departure in order to ensure they were safe for use during the tour.
- Adhered to company policies and procedures when dealing with guest complaints or inquiries.
- Followed safety protocols at all times while guiding guests through the tour areas.
- Worked closely with colleagues in order to provide a high level of service throughout the duration of the tour.
- Greeted visitors upon arrival, answered questions regarding tours, travel plans or local area attractions.
- Maintained knowledge of current events related to tourist locations in order to better inform visitors prior to their arrival.
- Ensured visitors had an enjoyable experience by providing interesting facts and stories related to tour sites.
Horse Racing Guide | Nature Guide | Caretaker
Waterberg Game Guest Farm
Waterberg, Namibia
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Activities included horse riding guiding, conducting bush walks, game drives, bush camping, and conservation practices.
- Worked closely with volunteers who assisted with guiding activities.
- Developed new tour routes to keep things fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
- Maintained order during large groups' visits, ensuring that everyone was able to enjoy their time at the museum.
- Developed guest relationships to achieve high level of satisfaction.
Trainee Horse Riding and Wildlife Guide
Kambaku Wildlife Reserve
Otjiwarongo, Namibia
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Determined consumer needs to provide products and services appealing to larger market.
- Worked closely with volunteers who assisted with guiding activities.
Botanist | Plant Ecologist Field Assistant (Part-time)
Namib Waterberg Region
Otjiwarongo, Namibia
03.2023 - 03.2023
- Assisted with a multi-national project (Namib) involving the University of Bonn, UNAM, and NUST.
- Supported research on combating and reversing desertification in the Waterberg region. Gained skills in grass and forbs identification.
- Evaluated existing land management practices from an ecological perspective.
- Assisted with the design of sampling protocols for long-term monitoring projects.
- Created maps using geographic information system software to analyze spatial relationships between various components of an ecosystem.
- Conducted field surveys to collect data on species composition, abundance, distribution and phenology of plants and animals.
Project Assistant Intern
Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA)
Damaraland, Namibia
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Guided school and family groups in building elephant protection walls and dams. Led tracking and nature walk guiding activities.
- Prepared food stock lists and handled cooking duties. Ensured overall health and wellbeing of participants.
- Compiled documents related to project activities into a single source file.
- Contributed ideas toward improving current methods used in managing projects.
- Provided administrative support in preparing presentations and materials.
Entomology Intern
National Museum of Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Maintained accurate records of all activities performed throughout internship period.
- Assisted with event planning, support and execution of virtual and in-person engagements.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
Education
Bachelor of Nature Resources Management - Nature Conservaon
Namibia University of Science And Technology
Windhoek10-2020
Namibia Senior Secondary Cerficate - Grade 12
Negumbo Secondary School
11-2016
Skills
- Grass and forbs identification
- Nature Guiding
- Client relationship management
- Ecological Research
- Horse Guiding
- Volunteer management
- Training program development
- Database management
- Project coordination
- Customer service
- Team building
- Field research
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Program oversight
- Department management
- Marketing and advertising
- Verbal and written communication
References
- Mrs Lindy Van Den Bosh, Big-Sky Lodges, Co-Owner, +264 (0)61 239 199
- Dr Maaike, Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Vet Manager, +264 (0)81 6354 544
- Dr Mark Bilton, Bilton Environmental Resources, Founder, 081 281 9896
Projects
Ecological Research | Cactus Clean-up Project, Participated in ecological research, including Bachelor's thesis and the Cactus Clean-up project. Assisted Mr. Francois Becker with his PhD research on Barking Geckos across Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Active member of the Namibia Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS).
Training
Kambaku Safari Lodge, 01/01/21, 12/31/23, Vocational Eco-training - FGASA Apprenticeship
Languages
English, Proficient
Personal Information
- ID Number: 950102 0026 0
- Health Status: Good
- Criminal Record: None
- Nationality: Namibian
- Driving License: Code C1
Timeline
Wildlife Volunteer Coordinator
Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
12.2024 - 05.2025
Field Guide
Al AIBA Rock Painting Lodge
12.2023 - 11.2024
Horse Racing Guide | Nature Guide | Caretaker
Waterberg Game Guest Farm
06.2023 - 11.2023
Botanist | Plant Ecologist Field Assistant (Part-time)
Namib Waterberg Region
03.2023 - 03.2023
Trainee Horse Riding and Wildlife Guide
Kambaku Wildlife Reserve
06.2022 - 06.2023
Project Assistant Intern
Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA)
06.2021 - 12.2021
Entomology Intern
National Museum of Namibia
01.2020 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Nature Resources Management - Nature Conservaon
Namibia University of Science And Technology
Namibia Senior Secondary Cerficate - Grade 12
Negumbo Secondary School
Similar Profiles
Kirrah HigginsKirrah Higgins
Animal Sanctuary Volunteer at Naankuse Wildlife SanctuaryAnimal Sanctuary Volunteer at Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
Christylee TonkinChristylee Tonkin
Team Leader/Intern coordinator at Rescate Wildlife SanctuaryTeam Leader/Intern coordinator at Rescate Wildlife Sanctuary
Kara VidulichKara Vidulich
Volunteer at The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife SanctuaryVolunteer at The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jona NdinoshihoJona Ndinoshiho
SEO: Regional Examination Officer at Ministry Of Education, Arts & CultureSEO: Regional Examination Officer at Ministry Of Education, Arts & Culture
HILENI EPAFRASHILENI EPAFRAS
Data Entry Clerk at Project Hope NamibiaData Entry Clerk at Project Hope Namibia