Padmatha Varadharaj
Auckland,New Lynn
Summary
Environmental Science professional with hands-on experience in climate action, sustainability, and waste managementprojects across community, corporate, and NGO sectors. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, project management, and behaviour change communication to drive low-carbon lifestyles and community-led sustainability. Adept at translating technical environmental information into accessible insights, with a strong commitment to supporting Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and advancing climate resilience in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospitality Professional
Victoria Terminus
07.2024 - Current
- Strengthened communication and facilitation skills through client engagement in a dynamic, multicultural environment.
- Trained and mentored staff, building collaborative team culture.
External Consultant
Dakshin Foundation
06.2023 - 01.2024
- Designed and implemented stakeholder engagement frameworks and hotspot baseline maps to guide low-carbon and conservation planning.
- Delivered community climate action programmes, fostering adoption of sustainable waste management and resilience strategies.
- Applied behaviour change insights via community radio shows to increase household participation in low-carbon practices.
- Facilitated collaboration between internal teams, government, NGOs, and local communities to co-deliver climate initiatives.
- Developed and evaluated training workshops on coastal conservation, waste management, and sustainable livelihoods.
Project Coordinator
Saahas Waste Management Pvt. Ltd.
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed large-scale sustainability projects for clients (Accenture, Shell, Infosys, Monsanto), ensuring compliance with low-carbon waste policies.
- Conducted waste audits and introduced process changes that reduced landfill waste by 37%, boosting recycling and carbon reduction.
- Co-authored a DIY Waste Management Guidebook with GIZ, including practical biogas technology solutions for households, published on the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 portal.
- Planned and delivered awareness workshops and communication campaigns to influence sustainable behaviour across corporate stakeholders.
- Produced detailed climate impact reports and emissions reduction metrics for senior stakeholders.
Internship
Saahas Waste Management Pvt. Ltd.
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Conducted plastic waste analysis and developed action plans for reduction.
- Evaluated composting and organic waste initiatives, recommending improvements for emissions reduction.
- Created public education materials on sustainable waste segregation.
Education
Master of Environmental Science - Environmental Impact Assessment, Waste Management
University of Auckland
Auckland, AUK01.2025
B.Sc. - Advanced Zoology & Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Biotechnology
Stella Maris College
Chennai, India01.2021
Skills
- Climate Action Project Design, Delivery & Evaluation
- Community Engagement & Behaviour Change Initiatives
- Low-Carbon & Waste Reduction Solutions
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management
- Project Management & Contractor Coordination
- Carbon Emissions Analysis (Household & Community)
- Environmental Communication & Public Outreach
- Report Writing, Data Collection & Analysis
- Sustainable Energy & Waste Solutions
Accomplishments
- Rapid Learner Recognition: Recognized for quickly mastering job responsibilities and contributing to team goals.
- Best Newcomer Award: Received for demonstrating exceptional skills, enthusiasm, and impact as a new joiner.
Timeline
Hospitality Professional
Victoria Terminus
07.2024 - Current
External Consultant
Dakshin Foundation
06.2023 - 01.2024
Project Coordinator
Saahas Waste Management Pvt. Ltd.
01.2022 - 05.2023
Internship
Saahas Waste Management Pvt. Ltd.
10.2021 - 01.2022
Master of Environmental Science - Environmental Impact Assessment, Waste Management
University of Auckland
B.Sc. - Advanced Zoology & Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Biotechnology
Stella Maris College
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