Viktoria Ndapandula Hango
Oshakati
Summary
Dynamic Project Manager with a proven track record at the Environmental Investment Fund, specializing in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management. Expert in stakeholder engagement and risk management, I successfully implemented innovative agroforestry techniques, enhancing food security for vulnerable communities while fostering resilience against climate change. Committed to impactful project outcomes and community empowerment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Environmental Investment Fund
07.2023 - 12.2025
- Project Coordinator for the IREMA project, I aim to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Sesfontein, Fransfontein, and Warmquelle areas through an integrated, holistic approach to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.
- This initiative addresses the challenges posed by climate change by promoting best practices in agriculture, agroforestry, ecosystem management, water resources, small stock management, and rangeland restoration.
- SAP001 IREMA Project
- Key Objectives:
- Sustainable Agriculture: Implement sustainable agricultural practices to improve crop yields and soil health, ensuring food security for local communities.
- Agroforestry: Integrate agroforestry techniques to diversify farming systems, enhance biodiversity, and provide additional sources of income.
- Ecosystem Management: Promote ecosystem management practices to maintain and restore ecological balance, supporting long-term sustainability.
- Water Management: Develop effective water management strategies to optimize the use of available water resources, crucial under climate change conditions.
- Small Stock Management: Improve the management of small livestock, enhancing productivity and resilience to climatic variations.
- Rangeland Restoration: Restore degraded rangelands to improve their productivity and ecological function, benefiting both livestock and wildlife.
Senior Environmental Technical Officer
Namibia Biomass Industry
Windhoek
07.2022 - 06.2023
- The Steam Bio project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Namibian Biomass Industry Group in Windhoek, aims to address the issue of bush encroachment in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
- This project focuses on testing a cutting-edge tariffication technology to convert invasive bush biomass into a clean and sustainable fuel source for industrial applications.
- The Steam Bio project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Namibian Biomass Industry Group in Windhoek, aims to address the issue of bush encroachment in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
- Key Components:
- Bush Encroachment Mitigation: Tackling the spread of invasive bush species that threaten ecosystems and agricultural productivity in the region.
- Tariffication Technology: Testing and evaluating innovative tariffication technology to efficiently convert bush biomass into high-quality, clean fuel.
- Sustainable Fuel Production: Producing a renewable and sustainable fuel source that can be used for various industrial applications, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Environmental Impact: Promoting environmental sustainability by reducing bush encroachment and turning it into an opportunity for clean energy production.
Regional Project Coordinator
Environmental Investment Funds
08.2018 - 06.2022
- The Climate Resilient Agriculture for Vulnerable Extreme Northern Crop-Growing Regions (CRAVE) project focuses on increasing climate resilience and reducing food insecurity among subsistence farmers in Namibia's northern regions, including Zambezi, Kavango East, and Kavango West.
- Funded by the Green Climate Fund, the project aimed to address the climate-related challenges faced by small-scale farming communities, such as drought and high temperatures, which lead to reduced crop yields and ecosystem degradation.
- SPF23 CRAVE Project
- Key Components:
- Smart Agriculture Technologies: Implementing advanced agricultural technologies to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Conservation Agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and water retention, such as conservation agriculture and micro-drip irrigation.
- Integrated Agroforestry: Combining agriculture and forestry practices to create more resilient and sustainable farming systems.
- Research and Development: Establishing the Mashare Climate Resilient Agriculture Centre of Excellence (MCRACE) to conduct research, demonstration pilots, and trials, including fertilizer mixing, organic manure, and guano.
- Mind-Shifting Innovations: Introducing innovative approaches to change traditional farming mindsets and practices, enabling farmers to adopt climate-resilient agricultural techniques.
Project Liaison Officer
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
07.2015 - 09.2017
- NAFOLA stands for the sustainable Management of Namibia’s Forested Lands, a Global Environment Fund (GEF) funded project, and its objective is to reduce pressure on forest resources by facilitating the gazettement of Community Forests, and increasing the capacity for the uptake of agriculture, livestock and forestry management practices in the community forest areas.
- NAFOLA Project
- Achievements:
- Participated in the exchange and sharing of experiences and lessons learned with local communities and stakeholders.
- Assisted members of Ongandjera Community Forest in achieving 10 milestones necessary for government gazette recognition.
- Facilitated the establishment of 3 community forest management plans.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and strong work ethic.
- Improved operations through consistent hard work, dedication, and coordination between relevant stakeholders.
- Prepared a variety of written communications, reports, and documents.
- Monitored inventory to maintain updated stock levels and databases.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Regional Disaster Risk Management Officer
Namibia Red Cross Society
01.2013 - 05.2014
- Restoration of Family Links (RFL) is part of the National Society’s social services.
- The National Society establishes Community Based Disaster Risk Management Committees (CDRMCs) and capacitates them in aspects related to disaster risk reduction at community level.
- Responsibilities:
- Defined partnerships for strengthened Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRR/M) at the local level.
- Established conditions for project implementation in the most drought-affected agro-pastoral communities.
- Conducted community appraisals to assess needs and resources.
- Developed strategic partnership modalities to support project goals.
- Conducted feasibility analysis of Agro Pastoral Field Schools and Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management initiatives.
- Implemented project activities and prepared regular progress reports.
- Coordinated and collaborated with stakeholders to ensure effective project execution.
- Reported monthly to the Disaster Manager and donors on project progress.
- Reviewed existing early warning systems and communication procedures.
- Trained Disaster Response teams and assisted farmers in the north central regions to improve livestock quality through the regeneration of palatable pasture, under assignment by Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).
Project Assistant
United Nations Development Programme
07.2009 - 03.2012
- The CPP NAM CCA Project has been designed to assist the Republic of Namibia to devise and implement adaptation strategies to cope with predicted effects of climate change in 12 Constituencies of Omusati Region.
- The objective of the project is to improve livelihoods and food security among the most vulnerable communities in the region.
- The project was implemented as part of the Namibia’s Country Pilot Partnership for Integrated Sustainable Land Management (CPP ISLM) which sought to enhance the adaptive capacities of subsistence farmers and natural resource managers to climate change in agricultural and pastoral systems.
- The Evaluation results were obtained from interviews with project beneficiaries, implementers and other stakeholders.
- Additional information was obtained from project documentation including the Project Document, minutes of meetings, project reports and other materials.
- CCA Project
- Scope of Responsibilities:
- Coordinated project activities and ensured their effective implementation.
- Provided training on climate change mitigation techniques to community members.
- Compiled budgets and developed annual work plans.
- Implemented project procurement plans to ensure timely and efficient resource allocation.
- Coordinated pilot testing of climate change coping mechanisms to evaluate their effectiveness and scalability.
Technical Assistant
Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry
09.2008 - 03.2009
- Community Forest, Community Forest Namibia
- Responsibilities:
- Educated the community in forest management
- Disseminated information on forest management in the community
- Coordinated the administration and financial management of the project
Education
MBA - Natural Resource management
NBS- UNAM
Namibia04.2024
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
Namibia Business School -UNAM
Namibia09.2021
Diploma - Strategic Management for Senior Mangers
Namibia Business School -UNAM
Namibia09.2021
National Diploma - Forestry
UNAM/ Ogongo Agriculture College
Namibia04.2006
Skills
- Project management, project coordination
- Project scope analysis
- Risk management processes and analysis
- Quality Risk Management Planning
- Risk management policies
- Ecosystem management
- Water resource management
- Agroforestry techniques
- Climate change adaptation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Financial administration
References
- Ms. Martha Naanda, Director: CBNRM Governance and Responsible Stewardship Programme, WWF Namibia, +264811500993, mnaanda@wwf.na
- Mr. Benedict Libanda, Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Investment Fund Namibia, +264811491944, benedict@eif.com
Timeline
Project Manager
Environmental Investment Fund
07.2023 - 12.2025
Senior Environmental Technical Officer
Namibia Biomass Industry
07.2022 - 06.2023
Regional Project Coordinator
Environmental Investment Funds
08.2018 - 06.2022
Project Liaison Officer
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
07.2015 - 09.2017
Regional Disaster Risk Management Officer
Namibia Red Cross Society
01.2013 - 05.2014
Project Assistant
United Nations Development Programme
07.2009 - 03.2012
Technical Assistant
Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry
09.2008 - 03.2009
MBA - Natural Resource management
NBS- UNAM
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
Namibia Business School -UNAM
Diploma - Strategic Management for Senior Mangers
Namibia Business School -UNAM
National Diploma - Forestry
UNAM/ Ogongo Agriculture College