Hi, I’m
Shepherd Urenje
Uppsala
Summary
International strategic educational change maker and project manager. Extensive experience from intergovernmental organisations in Scandinavia, Africa and Asia. Specialist in providing technical assistance on capacity development in quality education including Early Childhood Education. Highly skilled in supporting equality education for an ever-changing world. Committed to developing effective learning cultures for increased knowledge in line with the sustainable development goals.
Skilled Education Specialist focused on maximizing application success through effective use of disruptive innovation, co-creation and critical thinking abilities. Top-notch communicator with excellent time management, administrative and customer service skills.
Forward-thinking Operations Specialist bringing over 20 years of expertise in quality education for ministries of education and private institutions. Cultivates rapport with individuals to optimize project goals and output, resolve complex problems and deliver innovative improvement strategies. Proficient in most technical software and Artificial Intelligence.
Forward-thinking Operations Specialist bringing over 20 years of expertise in quality education for ministries of education. Cultivates rapport with individuals to optimize project goals and output, resolve complex problems and deliver innovative improvement strategies. Proficient in technical software and artificial intelligence.
Overview
42
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
SWEDESD
Senior Programme Specialist in Education and Learning
09.2010 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Company Overview: Swedish International Centre of Education for Sustainable Development
- Preparing educational organisations for uncertain future(s)
- Supporting change projects in early childhood education, sustainability education, child health and well-being efforts focusing on reducing barriers to learning for change
- Designing, developing, delivering and evaluating teaching and learning support materials
- Working with UNESCO education projects and other partners in Europe, Africa and Asia
- Partnered UNESCO as the global coordinator of the Global Action Programme
- Developing the capacity of 60 Higher Education Institutions for teachers
- Supported change projects in early childhood education; to achieve gender equality and empowerment
- Training Programme Director of the Baltic University Programme in the Baltic Sea region
- Bridging the gap in Central Asia for implementing sustainability development research
- Implemented a capacity development programme for leaders in governments, NGOs and universities
- Used the Change Project Approach to co-create sustainable solutions with government and stakeholders
- Swedish International Centre of Education for Sustainable Development
Edexcel
Principal Examiner – EDEXEL Environment and Sustainability Studies
01.2009 - 01.2010
Job overview
- Company Overview: UK's largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications and training to schools, colleges, employers and people from other places of learning in the UK and internationally
- Produced appropriate assessment materials, including question papers and mark schemes, and responsible for the standardisation of exam session to deliver against key milestones
- Provided advice on appointment, training and reappointment of Assistant Principal Examiners
- Conducted standardisation of assessment, moderation, marking and grade awarding activities
- Supervised teams of examiners and moderators
- UK's largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications and training to schools, colleges, employers and people from other places of learning in the UK and internationally
Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)
Programme Manager
01.2004 - 01.2009
Job overview
- Serving as the primary point of contact for both the Education and Innovation teams to craft strategy, advance regional and global partnerships and responsible for providing a wide range of administrative, operational, and financial duties
- Coordinated and successfully established education change projects in East and Southern Africa
- Mobilised financial support for education and sustainability for 14 SADC countries
- Successfully developed and implemented a new institutional capacity development programme for leaders in education — now used in 14 countries in Southern and East Africa
- Directed the development and implementation of new methods/approaches for capacity development — presently adopted by 42 institutions of Teacher Education in South-East Africa and Sweden
Ministry of Education – Zimbabwe
School Teacher and Teacher Educator – Early Childhood Education
01.1983 - 01.2004
Job overview
- Developing, coordinating, and implementing educational programs and curriculum for schools and teacher education, ensuring that educational activities align with institutional goals and educational standards
- I taught students the importance of conserving resources and avoiding waste
- I engaged students in recycling programs at home and school
- Prepared teacher students to teach about sustainability and future-oriented projects
- Trainer of Trainers – supported leaders to implement sustainability transitions within teams and organisations
- I supported policy leaders in creating tangible change in organisations
- Co-created solutions on how to manage and grow a sustainable institution or business
Education
University College of London
Doctorate from International Education
01.2012
University Overview
- I investigated the role played by International Training Programmes in organizational change and leadership in Southern Africa. Findings include functionality of education to society and the future through leadership development and training.
- I explored many ways on how learning occurs for individuals and teams in workplace settings.
- I examined effective strategies for facilitating organizational learning and change.
Rhodes University
Master’s Degree from Education
01.2005
University Overview
- I investigated teaching and learning for a sustainable future.
- I learnt evaluating the risks and opportunities associated with learning for the future.
London Chamber of Commerce
Group Diploma from Marketing and Public Relations
01.1996
University Overview
- I learnt techniques and strategies related to managing institutional information.
- I acquired skills for implementing and managing the shift required for ongoing sustainability integration.
University of Zimbabwe
Diploma from Education
01.1982
University Overview
I qualified as primary school teacher.
Skills
- Leading and empowering others
- Team Building & Communication Skills
- Leadership and strategic planning
- Data analysis and Documentation
- Capacity development
- Business intelligence
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Futures thinking
- Time management and Organization
- Creativity and innovation
- Building partnerships
- Driving and managing change
Certification
- 2004, Certificate for Research Design and Implementation, Rhodes University, South Africa
- 2002, Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Development, Uppsala University, Sweden
- 2001, International Computer Driver’s Licence, Computer Society of Zimbabwe
- 1997, Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Education, Rhodes University, South Africa
Languages
Shona
English
Swedish
Timeline
Senior Programme Specialist in Education and Learning
SWEDESD
09.2010 - 12.2024
Principal Examiner – EDEXEL Environment and Sustainability Studies
Edexcel
01.2009 - 01.2010
Programme Manager
Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)
01.2004 - 01.2009
School Teacher and Teacher Educator – Early Childhood Education
Ministry of Education – Zimbabwe
01.1983 - 01.2004
Rhodes University
Master’s Degree from Education
London Chamber of Commerce
Group Diploma from Marketing and Public Relations
University of Zimbabwe
Diploma from Education
University College of London
Doctorate from International Education
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