Zinhle Ntombela is a Senior Scientist working for the Institute of Natural Resources NPC (INR). She has a BSc. Agricultural Plant sciences majoring in Crop Science, an MSc. Agric (Crop Science) both obtained from the University of KwaZulu Natal. Zinhle has more than 11 years’ work experience which began in the private sector (seed industry); crop science research (Agricultural Research Council) and applied research within the INR.

Zinhle has a good understanding of smallholder agricultural systems and community socio-economic dynamics. Zinhle’s work has mainly focused on impact projects that empower disadvantaged communities in the context of food security, climate change adaption, natural resources management (restoration and rehabilitation of landscapes); capacity building and some degree short term job creation. Zinhle has experience in engaging high-level stakeholders such as the national government officials and the private sector as well as engaging stakeholders at the grassroots level such as communities, traditional leadership and local government. Additionally, Zinhle also facilitates workshops/meetings and convene multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Zinhle’s key competencies are:

• Project lead and management
• Stakeholder engagement at all levels. 
• Leading Action Research implementation
• Good human relation
• Client liaison
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Microsoft (Emails; Teams) and Zoom meetings.
• Planning, presentation, facilitation and scientific report writing
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Analytical reasoning and listening skills
• Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Efficient team player with excellent capacity to learn