Ntombizhle Tshabalala worked as a Portfolio Management Support Coordinator for 4 years under Antoinette Smith at BOCE. Her responsibilities included collating reports, monitoring project processes and metrics, conducting research on best practices, compiling reports, and managing documentation. She performed excellently in her technical responsibilities due to her knowledge of project management methodologies and toolsets. While her performance was above standard, developing her leadership skills could help her progress further. Her personal strengths include being proactive, persistent, professional, and eager to learn. Smith would rehire Tshabalala and views her as the best resource to have on a team.

1. REFERENCE
Referee Details
Candidate’s Name: Ntombizhle Tshabalala
Date: 24 October 2014
Referee: Antoinette Smith
Designation: PMO Manager
Contact Telephone: 0832005386
Candidates’ Details
Candidates’ Position: Portfolio Management Support Coordinator
Did he/she report directly to you? Yes
Length of Service with the candidate: 4 yrs
Reason for Leaving: Candidate still currently employed
Quality of Work Produced: Excellent
What were the main responsibilities of the candidate’s position?
Programme Management Delivery Support
 Collate report and monitor implementation of project management standard processes, procedures and
guidelines across the portfolio of projects managed by BOCE. Escalate non-compliance situations.
 Collate report and monitor implementation of key performance metrics methodologies across the portfolio
of projects managed by BOCE. Escalate non-compliance situations
 Conduct research on programme management support international best practices
 Collate information from the functions to prepare and consolidate information to Project Specific Forums
and Committees
 Compile and deliver project and project forum related reports and provide support to PMO manager in what
concerns all preparation of reports with portfolio, programme and project information, status, timesheets
and financial data, etc.
 Identify, communicate insights gained from reports and develop interventions to act on these insights
 Identify and communicate training needs to the PMO Manager relating to project management
methodologies to increase project delivery quality
 Assist in compiling and reviewing training materials to ensure programme management toolsets, software
and methodologies are assimilated by the organisation
 Train, coach or conduct on-the-job skill transfer of programme management toolsets, software and
methodologies
 Plan the implementation of the chosen training action in terms of activities, resources, timelines, follow-up
dates, etc
 Collate, report and audit the data and use of the programme management toolsets, , software and
methodologies


2. Document and information management
 Implement improvements, control and maintain the project document management system
 Collate, maintain, store and back up all project information and documentation to ensure and secure know-
how at MTN
 Ensure that relevant documentation is retrievable (according to procedure) to ensure learning share
 Manage, maintain, check and report on repositories to ensure sharing of project lessons learned, benefits
tracking, management of knowledge and retention of intellectual capital (intranet portal and others as
defined and introduced)
 Coordinate the publication of relevant documents as required
 Ensure confidentiality and the safe-keeping of project documentation
 Ensure document management policies, processes and procedures are effective and adhered to, including
version control
 Maintain soft copies of signed documentation in data repositories Manage and collate reporting on monthly
health checks and quarterly audits to ensure completeness and availability of mandatory project documents
and alignment to ISO.
 Collate Monthly Document Management reporting to view the status of information on the Document
Management System.
Programme Management Toolset Operational Support
 Receive and process BOCE PMO requests on the toolset
 Own and support the frontend of the company implemented Programme Management Toolsets
 Develop, implement and manage processes for Change Management with the other MTN PMO’s, Project
Accounting and IS Technical Support around the Operational and Support Function of the Toolsets
 Analyse and request technical changes to the Technical System Support, test and roll out implemented changes
 Analyse impact, make recommendation, test and implement changes to the Programme Management Toolsets
 Troubleshoot, investigate and correct errors
 Support the various PMO’s, transfer and share knowledge
 Channel technical issues to IS, follow up and feedback progress
 Give input into and review training materials to ensure programme management toolsets are assimilated by the
organisation
 Assist as SME in training, coach or conduct on-the-job skill transfer of programme management toolsets
 Produce Programme reporting and ad hoc reporting to view the status of information for stakeholders and
management
 Identify and communicate insights gained from reports
Process and Procedure Effectiveness
 Assist in updating procedures for the PMO Team; introducing project standards and methodologies
 Continually improve existing processes and procedures to enhance effectiveness, efficiency and performance
 Maintain and update the PMO Governance ManualMaintain and update the frontend PMO Technical Manual
 Maintain and continually make recommendations to enhance procedures for maintaining project documentation,
as demands arise
 Implement project knowledge management processes and systems to centrally maintain the company’s project
knowledge and lessons learnt Maintain company’s document management policies, procedures and processes
and project governance and lifecycle processes
 Improve and mature the company's document management processes, procedures, and specifications to ensure
accurate records of all Project official documentation generated
How was the candidate able to perform in terms of these requirements? (Comment on his technical
strengths)
Knowledge of Project management methodologies, effective Stakeholder management and knowledge of Portfolio
Management and Project management toolsets were key in Zinhle’s supporting of projects, programmes and
portfolios.

3. How was the candidate able to perform in terms of these requirements? (Comment on his technical
development areas / Weakness)
Zinhle performance was above standard and she is very proactive. A focus area for her would be leadership in
order to progress to the next level.
What personal qualities does the candidate possess that has contributed to his/her success in the
position? (Comment on the candidates’ personal strengths and weaknesses)
Proactiveness, persistence, professionalism, good customer service, good relationships, eagerness to learn new
things.
Rating of attributes:
 Team Work Excellent
 Leadership Good
 Conflict Management Good
 Working under pressure Excellent
 Knowledge Development & Sharing Excellent
What is the best way to work with the candidate to maximise his/her skills?
Works independently, likes to solve problems.
Do you have any additional comments you want to give about the candidate?
The best resource to have on your team.
Would you rehire the candidate?
I would re-employ her anytime.