Deborah Jalakasi
Technology And Digital Solution Manager
Lilongwe
Summary
Deborah Mwaona Jalakasi is a dynamic and seasoned technology executive with over 15 years of experience leading transformative initiatives in the information technology sector. Proven track record in driving organizational effectiveness through strategic technology implementation, stakeholder engagement, and fostering a culture of innovation. Adept at managing international teams, developing technology roadmaps, and ensuring robust cyber security measures. Committed to leveraging technology to address complex global challenges and drive sustainable impact.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Technology and Digital Solutions Manager
Technology and Digital Solutions Manager
Lilongwe
03.2023 - Current
- Led the development and implementation of comprehensive information technology strategies, policies, and procedures to align with organizational goals and objectives
- Managed the technology budget and team to ensure the delivery of world-class digital experiences for personnel, stakeholders, and clients
- Spearheaded the development of a technology roadmap to maximize organizational impact within the climate finance value chain, leveraging emerging technologies where applicable
- Established frameworks and processes for data utilization and analytics, driving operating excellence and informed decision-making
- Oversaw infrastructure, platforms, and networks, ensuring seamless operations and compliance with cyber security standards
- Evaluated and implemented AI-based solutions to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness while mitigating potential risks
- Fostered a culture of innovation within the technology function and across the organization, promoting collaboration and professional growth
- Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measurable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations
- Coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities
- Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance
- Effective and timely management of poor performance
- Documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements / work plans
- Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making processes, guiding the development of informed strategies.
- Enhanced team productivity by streamlining project management processes.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and efficiency across projects.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
- Transformed business requirements into technical specifications to guide development team.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to ensure project alignment with business goals.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective services and products, reducing project expenses.
- Drove adoption of agile methodologies, enhancing project flexibility and team responsiveness.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify new business opportunities, leading to revenue growth.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on new software and technologies, boosting team capabilities.
- Reduced operational costs by identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing cost-saving measures where appropriate.
- Established effective communication channels between team members, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Provided comprehensive training to team members, resulting in improved performance and skill development.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for successful project completion, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
- Improved product functionality with introduction of user-feedback mechanisms.
- Regularly reviewed project outcomes against initial objectives to ensure alignment with client expectations and deliver consistent results.
- Conducted risk assessments to proactively address potential issues, safeguarding project success.
Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)
Management Sciences for Health
Lilongwe
08.2017 - 09.2022
- Develop, track, and control the information technology annual operating and capital budgets
- Set objectives and strategies for the IT department
- Develop, formulate, implement and monitor ICT policies, procedures and strategies
- Spear head information and technology related research and development and implementation of new ICT solutions
- Ensure that disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place for all digital services and that these are routinely tested, weaknesses identified, and appropriate improvement plans developed and implemented
- Direct and organize IT-related projects
- Manage knowledge and motivate IT staff
- Plan the implementation of new systems and provide guidance to IT professionals and other staff within the organization
- Serves as primary liaison with Home Office IT staff
- Develop technical specifications and tender documents, and manage contracts with service providers, to facilitate procurement of ICT equipment and services at minimum cost
- Timely replacement of equipment and computers in line with estimated longevity of spare parts and the Computer Retirement Policy
- Provide advice to Management Science for Health Management as required on IT issues, including the identification of specifications and participation in procurement processes
- Work closely with the Procurement officer to ensure all equipment in the office is properly maintained and functioning well
- Participate in vendor contract negotiations for all software and hardware purchased for the company and ensure all acquisition and maintenance contracts are favorable to the company
- Analyze the costs, value and risks of information technology to advise management and suggest actions
- Develops and implements appropriate IT networking infrastructure to support effective and efficient implementation of the organization
- Test and evaluate new software and hardware, and ensure that all installations are in accordance with Management Science for Health standards and manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations
- Ensures Internet in office is operational, an appropriate Internet solution is implemented to ensure adequate speeds, and liaises with vendor regarding all Internet equipment and systems issues
- Sets up and configures end user desktops and laptop computers
- Select and implement suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits
- Oversees all help desk activities for MSH Malawi
- Responds to escalated help desk issues
- Oversees the administration and maintenance of all software and networks
- Interacts with internal clients to help resolve IT-related issues; provides answers in a timely manner
- Manage all IT assets including troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of systems, software and hardware equipment
- Ensure necessary training for users and ICT staff to effectively meet the emerging changes in MSH Malawi IT infrastructure
Senior ICT4D Coordinator
Plan International
Lilongwe
01.2004 - 12.2017
- Provide technical advice in the incorporation of IT4D frameworks in the design and implementation of IT4D technologies for upcoming and ongoing projects
- Evaluate user needs and system functionality to ensure that IT4D devices meet required needs
- Ensure timely and quality service delivery, technical support, and advice to user requests for IT4D devices
- Communicate effectively the IT4D vision and strategic direction to all stakeholders
- Help develop and lead an Information and Communication Technology for development (IT4D) strategy in the agency
- Ensure all IT4D devices are well accounted for at inception, during implementation and at closeout of all projects and phaseout
- Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and make recommendations for their deployment
- Provides first line support, advice and solutions to ICT users in relation to application, data and business process issue, ensuring all issues are resolved in timely fashion
- Providing technical support in all Plan International offices making sure that all Plan International Offices have good internet connectivity
- Advise executive management on current and leading technology and the potential organizational benefits
- Assist in, or lead the design of, new technology applications and their associated models
- Co-design and co-implement technical solutions with field teams, program design teams, and proposal developers
- Provide remote implementation kick-off and ongoing support to field teams for straightforward projects
- Providing hands-on in-the-field implementation support for complex projects
- Manage reporting process for completed and in-progress pilot projects in the field
- Troubleshooting hardware and software related problems
- Managing Local Area Network (LAN) and Installation of new software and any other upgrade
- Provide advice to Plan International Management as required on IT issues, including the identification of specifications and participation in procurement processes
- Provide In-house training through Individual IT Gap Analysis
- Conducting of risk analysis in all Plan Malawi offices, analyse their probability of occurrence and provide counter measures to address them
Computer Room Supervisor
Gestetner Ltd
Lilongwe
01.2001 - 12.2004
- Supervising data entry clerks
- Systems Analysis, Designing and then Implementing the System with support from Management
- (Database Management)
- Managing LAN (local Area Network) and Windows 2003
- Implemented cross-training initiatives to improve staff versatility in handling diverse tasks across different departments when necessary.
- Assisted in budgeting preparation, monitoring expenses closely to stay within allocated resources for labor and supplies costs.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless communication and coordination for guest requests.
- Conducted regular inspections of rooms, ensuring adherence to quality standards and hotel guidelines.
- Boosted staff morale and performance through recognition programs and ongoing feedback sessions.
Course Manager
Xerographics Computer Training College
01.1999 - 12.2001
- Manage the College network infrastructure, servers and workstations
- Responsible for supervision of all ICT Staff in the College
- Develop hardware, software and the network solutions throughout the school, to meet Semester and administrative needs
- Maintaining Computer Lab
- Produce reports on ICT use and costs
Education
Master - Business Administration
ESAMI
Malawi, LilongweBSC (Honours) - Business Information Technology
University of Greenwich
International Advanced Diploma - Computing
NACIT
International Diploma - Computer Studies
NACIT
Diploma - Computer Systems Design
NACIT
Malawi School Certificate - Education
Chipasula Secondary School
Malawi, LilongweSkills
Leadership and Team Management
Timeline
Technology and Digital Solutions Manager
Technology and Digital Solutions Manager
03.2023 - Current
Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)
Management Sciences for Health
08.2017 - 09.2022
Senior ICT4D Coordinator
Plan International
01.2004 - 12.2017
Computer Room Supervisor
Gestetner Ltd
01.2001 - 12.2004
Course Manager
Xerographics Computer Training College
01.1999 - 12.2001
Master - Business Administration
ESAMI
BSC (Honours) - Business Information Technology
University of Greenwich
International Advanced Diploma - Computing
NACIT
International Diploma - Computer Studies
NACIT
Diploma - Computer Systems Design
NACIT
Malawi School Certificate - Education
Chipasula Secondary School
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