Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic

Ralston Jean Africa

Unit 713 Bergendal Country Villas, Paarl , Carolina Rd , 7646

Summary

IT support professional with strong background in managing and resolving technical issues. Skilled in troubleshooting, system optimization, and providing top-notch customer support. Focused on team collaboration and adaptable to changing needs, ensuring reliable and efficient IT operations.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior IT Support Engineer

Avenutech
09.2020 - 12.2024

Senior IT Support Engineer

September 2020– December 2024

Objective:
To efficiently manage IT infrastructure and support services, utilizing Microsoft Intune, Jamf, Azure AD, Docker, and email security configurations while overseeing software purchases, equipment

ordering, and application management.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Microsoft Intune: Manage app deployments, configure conditional access policies, and create Group Policy Objects (GPO) for device management.
  • Jamf: Automate and manage Apple devices, ensuring efficient configuration and security compliance.
  • Jira Service Desk: Responsible for managing and resolving tickets, ensuring quick and effective incident resolution.
  • Manage Exchange and Google Services, including DNS registration, DMARC, and SPF for secure email configurations.
  • Deploy and manage Docker containers for application development and deployment.
  • Use Azure AD to create users, manage relevant groups, and sync with Intune for seamless device management.
  • Set up and manage applications on Azure, including third-party tools like Dynamics 365 for Finance.
  • Responsible for software tool purchases and ordering IT equipment to meet company needs.
  • Leverage Bash and PowerShell scripts for automation and system maintenance.

Information Technology Support Specialist

Impact
06.2018 - 09.2020

Objective:
To provide efficient first-line and second-line IT support, ensuring seamless operation of IT systems and products. Leverage expertise in Meraki, Google G Suite, Backupify, and Trend Antivirus to offer proactive troubleshooting, maintenance, and user support.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide first-line IT support by assisting end-users with issues related to Meraki, Google G Suite, Backupify, and Trend Antivirus.
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software issues, escalating complex problems to second-line support.
  • Assist in managing cloud backup solutions via Backupify to ensure data integrity and recovery.
  • Ensure the smooth operation of Meraki network devices and troubleshoot connectivity problems.
  • Implement, monitor, and maintain Trend Antivirus for enhanced network security.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues efficiently and provide timely resolutions.
  • Document and maintain technical procedures and FAQs to help users resolve common IT issues.

Second Line Remote Desktop Support Engineer

Computacenter
06.2017 - 05.2018

Objective:
To provide effective 2nd line desktop support, troubleshooting technical issues across multiple customers, and ensuring seamless IT operations through efficient use of remote tools, ticketing systems, and proactive problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide 2nd line support for Windows issues, client applications (Microsoft Office, Adobe, VPN), and proprietary software, using remote control technologies like SCCM.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve Anti-Virus issues (e.g., Symantec), ensuring up-to-date definitions and scanning for malware/viruses.
  • Address local and network printer issues and network connectivity problems (LAN & wireless).
  • Manage incident queues using ServiceNow, ensuring tickets are updated and resolved within SLA/OLA.
  • Lead customer meetings, collaborating with Service Managers to address issues and enhance inter-departmental communication.
  • Conduct technical training sessions for team members and other departments.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to new engineers.
  • Review and create technical documentation, manuals, and knowledge-sharing materials.
  • Assist with project work during new service/customer integrations and address post-project technical issues.

Information Technology Support Specialist

Impact
02.2017 - 05.2017

Objective:
To deliver efficient IT support, manage network systems, and streamline onboarding processes while ensuring quick resolution of incidents and maintaining system functionality.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide IT support for Backupify, G Suite, Meraki Systems Manager, and Trend Antivirus.
  • Manage internal network operations using Meraki Systems Manager.
  • Support both Mac OS and Windows environments on a daily basis.
  • Manage incident queues using JIRA, ensuring timely resolution within SLA/OLA.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation and training materials via Confluence.
  • Develop onboarding processes for new hires, including training on internal systems and tools.

Client Success Specialist

Impactradius
04.2016 - 02.2017

Objective:
To provide efficient internal and external support, resolve client queries promptly, and manage incident tickets to ensure smooth service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide internal and external support via email and chat to resolve client queries using Zendesk.
  • Submit internal tickets to Engineering, BI, and Finance departments to address client issues.
  • Manage ticket queues in Zendesk, ensuring incidents are resolved within SLA/OLA.
  • Train new clients on the Impact Radius platform.

Senior first line analyst

Computacenter
02.2015 - 03.2016

Objective:
To provide prompt and effective 1st line desktop support, troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring smooth user experiences across multiple customers.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide 1st line support for Windows issues, client applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe, VPNs), and proprietary software.
  • Use SCCM and remote tools to troubleshoot and resolve issues such as corrupt Windows profiles.

Desktop Support Engineer

Dimension Data
08.2015 - 02.2016

Objective:
To provide efficient 2nd line desktop support, troubleshoot technical issues across multiple customers, and ensure smooth operations through quick issue resolution.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide 2nd line support using SCCM for remote troubleshooting.
  • Resolve Windows issues, including corrupt profiles and client applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe, VPNs).
  • Troubleshoot local and network printer issues and network connectivity (LAN & wireless).
  • Investigate and resolve issues with proprietary customer software.

Senior Point of Sale Analyst

Stowe Holdings PTY Ltd
12.2010 - 07.2014

Date – Present

Objective:
To provide efficient 1st line support for customers in the oil and fuel industry, ensuring quick resolution of technical issues and seamless operation of Point of Sale systems.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide 1st line support for BP, CALTEX, PUMA, and SASOL customers.
  • Troubleshoot Point of Sale issues, including fuel pumps connecting to forecourt computers and EFT machine problems.
  • Resolve issues with proprietary software, local and network printers, and network connectivity (LAN & wireless).
  • Assist dealers with fuel price changes and other related tasks.
  • Assessed risks associated with new business opportunities through detailed analysis.

Printer Sales Associate

Itec Innovate
06.2010 - 12.2010

Objective:
To leverage in-depth knowledge of printers and related products to drive sales and provide exceptional customer service, ensuring customer satisfaction and meeting sales targets.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist customers in selecting the best printers and printing solutions based on their needs.
  • Demonstrate product features, benefits, and technical specifications to customers.
  • Process sales transactions and manage customer inquiries efficiently.
  • Work closely with the sales team to meet individual and team sales targets.

Education

Computer Literacy, Relation Database Modelling, Software Engineering, Introduction to Linux, SQL Databasing, C # Development

CTI Education Group ( Eduvos )
Durbanville, South Africa
01.2008

Gr. 12 - Afrikaans Home Language - HG, English Second Language - HG, Mathematics - SG, Biology - SG, History - HG, Science - SG

Vredendal High
Vredendal, South Africa
01.2006

Skills

  • Home Automation: Experience with Docker Compose for automating the deployment of home automation systems
  • Microsoft Intune: Proficient in managing mobile devices, app deployments, and security policies
  • Google Workspace: Knowledgeable in administering and supporting Google Services (Drive, Docs, GMail, etc)
  • Exchange Management: Experience managing Exchange mail servers, including configurations and troubleshooting
  • Customer Service: Strong ability to communicate technical details to customers in an easy-to-understand manner
  • Problem Solving: Effective at diagnosing issues and providing tailored solutions for customers

Languages

Afrikaans
English

References

  • Kevin Crous | Techops Mangager | Avenutech | +27 72 023 6324
  • Adriaan Engelbrecht | Senior Systems Engineer | Impact | +27 79 745 6195
  • Timothy De Villiers | Java Team Leader | Avenutech | +27 83 275 8999
  • Kevin Moche | Operations Manager | Computacenter | + 27 76 183 9982

Personal Information

  • ID Number: 8807315184085
  • Dependents: No
  • Date of birth: 07/31/88
  • Nationality: South African

Timeline

Senior IT Support Engineer

Avenutech
09.2020 - 12.2024

Information Technology Support Specialist

Impact
06.2018 - 09.2020

Second Line Remote Desktop Support Engineer

Computacenter
06.2017 - 05.2018

Information Technology Support Specialist

Impact
02.2017 - 05.2017

Client Success Specialist

Impactradius
04.2016 - 02.2017

Desktop Support Engineer

Dimension Data
08.2015 - 02.2016

Senior first line analyst

Computacenter
02.2015 - 03.2016

Senior Point of Sale Analyst

Stowe Holdings PTY Ltd
12.2010 - 07.2014

Printer Sales Associate

Itec Innovate
06.2010 - 12.2010

Computer Literacy, Relation Database Modelling, Software Engineering, Introduction to Linux, SQL Databasing, C # Development

CTI Education Group ( Eduvos )

Gr. 12 - Afrikaans Home Language - HG, English Second Language - HG, Mathematics - SG, Biology - SG, History - HG, Science - SG

Vredendal High
Ralston Jean Africa