Ellen

Ellen Chivanga has been with Royal HaskoningDHV for nearly 15 years, each of which, she says, have been remarkable. 

Having joined as a civil engineer and eager to be an asset to the company, Ellen set her sights on professional growth. Soon, she had a master’s degree in Engineering Project Management under her belt and professional registrations for both degrees.

“I believe in continuous development and I've achieved where I am today because the company promotes that. I've had a lot of training and learning through mentorship programmes, formal studying, and from the team."

While experienced in geometrics design, stormwater management, and construction supervision, Ellen currently serves as a project manager in the Smart Mobility Advisory Group, the output of which, she says, is the most rewarding. “Starting a project from inception, through  design to construction – then actually driving on that road, it’s quite fulfilling.”

“The challenges with any project,” says Ellen, “is balancing what we call the Iron Triangle: cost, quality, and time.” Due to the competitive nature of the industry, efficiency is the name of the game. “Sometimes you need to change the way you work – you need to adapt. You need to change your mindset, focus on development, and use technology to remain profitable.”

Favourite memory:

“It’s tricky to say which is my favourite! But when I was young, the managers had the confidence to give me an assignment to do on my own. It was about them seeing my potential and giving me something that might look bigger than me. You realise that someone has trusted and believed in you. And you grow from that project.”

It’s not all about the bottom line, however. Ellen feels that Royal HaskoningDHV fundamentally believes in doing good. “I've been involved in great projects, from massive ones, like the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, to small municipality projects where we get involved in high-density communities and Enhance Society Together. Those are the things that I enjoy doing; I like that we’re affecting the environment – the society – in a positive way.”

That’s not the only positive thing about the company, says Ellen. They’re all about flexibility, work/life balance, and promoting an environment where you can study and grow.

“When you look at the work ethics, business integrity, information availability, transparency, working relationships in teams; I've always worked with good people. Royal Haskoning is family to me. And when it comes to transformation and inclusivity, I've seen many changes in the company as well, in terms of promoting women. There is a lot of effort for management to improve – not only personnel but the way we work, the way we do things in accommodating everyone.”

On making it to 100 years, Ellen says that she believes it is due to how the company treats its employees. “The company is steadfast on principles, reputation, integrity, and taking care of employees. “Management is always engaging employees to say, ‘What do you think is the way forward? How should we progress?’ And then your opinion is heard. Whatever they do, they make a decision with due consideration of the employees’ comments. One feels involved in the decision-making.”