Dr Rashieda Davids

Energetic high-achiever and go-getter. Love to push boundaries and take on challenges for change. Over 18 years of experience in the environmental sector - leading the charge in private consulting, academic and government spheres.

Fearless in my pursuit of sustainability for a brighter tomorrow. Dedicated author, published in high-impact journals. Enjoy working with people, creating and facilitating transdisciplinary international collaborations for impact.

Passionate about helping organisations reach sustainability targets for environmental, social and governance ESG gains.

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) / Environmental & Sustainability Project Management Consultant - EnviroHeart Consulting; Enviroworks; Arcus GIBB; The Environmental Partnership - Bloemfontein; Johannesburg & Durban; Cape Town

(2005)

• Managing Director, EnviroHeart Consulting - 8 years
• General Manager & EAP, Enviroworks, Bloemfontein – 2 years
• Senior EAP, Arcus GIBB, Johannesburg & Durban – 4 years
• EAP, The Environmental Partnership, Cape Town, – 2 years
• Incorporated Sustainability Strategy & Change Development, Science-Based Sustainability Targets, Public Sustainability Reporting, GRI & CDP Reporting as a service offering to EnviroHeart Consulting.
• Consistently ensured excellent environmental project management and produced high-quality environmental reports.
• Delivered multiple environmental and strategic impact assessments to completion, on time and within budget.
• Highly proficient in scientific writing, efficiently delivering project reports in line with legislative requirements.
• Effectively compiled multiple proposals and won proposals of millions of rands.
• Successfully analysed risks to businesses, reviewed operations in terms of international standards and effectively prepared and delivered training material to clients on implementing sustainability and risk management plans.
• Successfully implemented research, assessment and development of operations for improved sustainability and human well-being outcomes for civic ecology programmes.
• I always keep communication open and facilitate continuous feedback with authorities, clients, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
• I have a solid understanding of legislation and its application and have strong networks for advice and support.

Post-Doctoral Researcher - University of Pretoria, in partnership with Standford University and Stockholm Resilience Centre

(2023-05)

• Research titled, ‘Accounting for the complex interdependencies of nature and human development.’

Research Programme Manager, Researcher, Learning Organization Lead, International Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems Programme - University of KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with London School of Hygeine and Tropical Medicine

(2017-11 - 2023-04)

• Compiled and implemented the SHEFS 4-Year Work Plan that facilitated the project's success and ensured the project was on track by reviewing quarterly progress against the work plan, including budget management.
• Coordinated ongoing collaboration and research across three countries (SA, UK & India) of the International research team (>70 academics, government and private stakeholders).
• Energetically planned and hosted annual and bi-annual in-person and virtual conferences and have written peer-reviewed publications and popular articles on the process of SHEFS. I also designed, organised and hosted policy actor panels and systems workshops to identify key policy issues and obtain feedback from policymakers on SHEFS research.
• Have identified innovative research ideas for improving people's lives through sustainability and have successfully published my work (nine published and three more under production).

Ecologist and Senior Environmental Technician: Biodiversity Planning - eThekwini Municipality Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department - Durban

(2011 - 2014)

• I was nicknamed 'the bumblebee transformer' by Prof Debra Roberts for my adaptability and proficiency in delivering a diversity of innovative actions for change.
• Established landowner relationships to manage conservation land, facilitated conservation rezoning and implemented the first-ever landowner fire management workshop.
• Undertook annual municipal nursery/parks invasive alien plant audits, reporting and produced eradication plans.
• Selected to showcase the Departments' projects to international guests during the COP17 held in Durban.
• Part of establishing the Biodiversity stewardship programme in line with the Protected Areas Act No.57 of 2003.

Doctor of Philosophy - Environmental Science - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Master of Science - Geography - University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Environmental and Geographical Science - University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Science - Environmental & Geographical Science and Ocean & Atmosphere Science (2nd Major) - University of Cape Town