Technical and interpersonal skills Skills Where / how acquired Research Identifying research / study needs and defining appropriate approaches. Putting it into context: assessing feasibility and practicability. Study design and preparation. Implementation, setting goals and targets, resourcefulness and hands-on problem-solving. Data management, validation and analysis. Analysis of results using mathematical and statistical techniques. Interpretation and effective presentation of results (e.g. speaking at conferences). Writing scientific papers for publication. Various research projects, from undergraduate to postdoctoral level. I have undertaken field study projects in Egypt, Mozambique, the UK and New Zealand, for which I wrote the study proposals, performed the study design and successfully applied for funding. The successful outcome of these projects was by necessity dependent on a high degree of self-sufficiency. Management Project leadership, organization and coordination of tasks. Managing individuals and groups. Delegating responsibility. Enforcing policies. Meeting goals. Initiating new ideas, and promoting change. Decision making and implementation of decisions. Financial accountancy, supervision of bookkeeping and budgeting. Evaluation strategies; impact assessment; identifying constraints. Conceptualization of future needs and solutions for meeting those needs. Preparation and submission of project proposals and applications. My work with DIO / VSF-Europa gave me some experience with organisational management. Project management for VETAID in Mozambique was instrumental in developing these skills. I have a successful track record of securing funding for development projects. In Mozambique, activities were dependent on a succession of short-term funding contracts; my input was instrumental in prolonging and extending the project from six months to two years and laying the foundations for a subsequent, five-year programme. My current role draws heavily on this management experience. Computer / IT Extensive experience with many end-user packages, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher), Corel (WordPerfect, CorelDraw and Presentations), and many other popular utilities and software (e.g. Adobe, EndNote, antivirus, other PC security and maintenance applications, etc.). Advanced level of use of LaTeX typesetting software, for document preparation, posters and presentations. Web development: application of web design principles and building of websites, including expertise of HTML programming (using an appropriate editor); some knowledge of client-side (JavaScript) and server-side (PHP) scripting languages; utilization of web servers such as Apache; scripting for Common Gateway Interface (CGI) applications; utilisation of content-management systems (CMS), including Moodle; hosting and maintenance issues. A limited measure of competency at computer programming (languages: Python, Perl, C++, Visual Basic, StarLogo). Working experience with several specialist epidemiological and statistical software packages (R, S-Plus, SPSS, Minitab, EpiInfo, Berkeley Madonna). Hardware: upgrading and installing computer components. The only way: in front of (or opening) a computer, and doing it! I have used many versions of many packages over the years. Of the typical office suite applications, I am particularly adept at spreadsheets and database programmes. I obviously also use word processing and presentations programmes frequently. I have been involved with the development of several websites and have acquired expertise on different facets of web development myself (e.g. this site!). I frequently use statistical and mathematical software. Communication Presentation of facts, analysis and results; expression of ideas. Establishing contacts and communications with organisations, colleagues and other relevant individuals. Leading, facilitating or participating in discussion, with individuals or groups. Training and teaching. Work with DIO / VSF-Europa, development projects work with VETAID, PhD research, operational scientific research. I have been closely involved with training of community-based animal health workers. I have lectured and tutored veterinary students at various levels (field, undergraduate and postgraduate). Language skills Speaking Understanding Reading Writing English fluent excellent excellent excellent Dutch fluent excellent excellent excellent Portuguese good good good moderate French basic basic basic basic Afrikaans moderate good good moderate