Session on Stakeholder Engagement & Management: How to Build Productive Relationships with External Actors

Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: Berlin (UTC+1) 9:00–10:30 AM | Pretoria (UTC+2) 10:00-11:30 AM | Nairobi (UTC+3) 11:00 AM–12:30 PM | Beijing (UTC+8) 04:00–05:30 PM
Target Audience: Researchers and Research Managers

1. Welcome by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A short introduction and overview of the session’s objectives and its relevance for WAITRO members.

2. Interactive Training Session
By Zaheeda Hoosen (North-West University)

As the Contact Point of the WAITRO Regional Focal Point at North-West University, Mrs. Zaheeda Hoosen focuses on developing effective engagement and collaboration strategies with key stakeholders involved in international research and innovation projects. Participants learn about:

• strategies on how to identify relevant partners and build trustful and long-term relationships
• techniques and tools for stakeholder mapping and categorizing as well as interest alignment
• Principles and best practices for building and maintaining partnerships
• Strategies for handling conflict and managing challenging stakeholders

3. Closing by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A brief summary of the session followed by concluding reflections and key takeaways.

Zaheeda Hoosen: Key Accounts Manager at North-West University, Zaheeda Hoosen is driving strategic partnerships, industry collaborations, and innovation-led funding initiatives within the Faculty of Engineering. With over 20 years in learning and development, she focuses on fostering impactful research, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth across the region. As a Business Analyst with specialty in statistical reporting, she delivers exceptional management programmes, enhancing the skills of individuals across various sectors.

Mrs Hoosen is the Contact Point at our Regional Focal Point (RFP) North-West University and a close partner for all matters related to the African region. Together with WAITRO, she helps us tailor our strategies and activities to the needs and interests of our members in the region and supports researchers in their daily work.