Deputy Director General, Director, ICT, Head, ICT and Senior Planning

AMARA KARGBO

B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., MBA, M.Sc.

The University of Bradford, The Green, Bradford, BD7, 1BD, UK

Cell: +447*********

Email: *******@*****.***, ***********@*******.***

Professional Summary

An accomplished and results-oriented administrative and IT professional with demonstrated history of accomplishment of over 20 years of experience. Proven track record of producing quality outcomes and consistently, meeting targets through dynamic team leadership abilities and motivational techniques. Strong background in IT, research and econometric techniques and familiar with the recent technological trends, practices and their applicability; record of efficiently interpreting and analyzing complex, high-volume statistical data. Capability of managing complex, high-visibility technical projects and a focused professional with excellent problem-solving, organizational and decision-making abilities and dedicated to company growth and improvements. Highly, motivated with a proven ability to develop and strengthen management teams to maximize the company’s efficiency and contribute to it at both strategic and operational level. Utilize effective communication skills, excellent administrative and management skills. Provide executive leadership in strategic and operational planning in achieving business goals by fostering innovations and prioritizing complex IT initiatives across the organization. Remains calm and focused even under pressure. Looking for a position with a progressive organization and desire to apply expertise to new role with the organization to enhance efficiency and lead teams to bring further success and achieve exceptional results.

WORK EXPERIENCE

National Social Security and Insurance Trust, NASSIT, Sierra Leone

-20th February 2016 - 21st June 2019:- Deputy Director General, in-charge of Information, Communications and Technology, Research, Planning and Actuarial Science, Investments and Finance, Administration and Human Resources, Public and Corporate Affairs Divisions and the procurement department. Supervised the directors of the various divisions.

A multi-skilled administrator, statistical analyst and IT professional with good all-round supervisory and technical expertise; experienced in monitoring and controlling data security within guidelines to ensure compliance and recommended possible improvements; extensive administrative and management experience with exceptional skills in time management, people management and service coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities

-Provide leadership in aligning the activities of the various divisions to the overall mandate, role and functions of the organization.

-Direct and give guidance on the research and planning activities within the organization

-Management of the finances and investments portfolio of the company

-Collect and analyze vast amount of data from myriad of sectors of the economy by using software, statistics and mathematical models and sampling techniques to interpret patterns and trends in complex data sets for diagnosis and prediction

-In-direct supervision of approximately 28-30 administrative staff, including performance evaluation, staff hiring, training and professional growth of employees within the organization

-Drive the vision for the organization-wide ICT activities including planning, budgeting, acquisition, allocation of computer services and communication services.

-Mentor, build careers and lead cross functional teams of 350 administrative and IT professionals.

-Provide technical and managerial oversight to all aspects of the organization’s engagements.

-Measuring, modeling, and predicting outcomes based on the application of statistical models to economic data.

-Provide advisory services to top-tier executives (CEOs, COOs, CTOs) and establish, strengthen and manage relationship with internal and external customers.

-Reviewing and monitoring all budgetary expenditure

-Supervise the identification of skills gap and in devising hiring strategies

-Oversea on-site and off-site teams of up to 50 professionals working on diverse IT projects and ensuring its successful delivery.

-Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners, establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.

-Participate in assessing systems and IT security controls.

Major Accomplishments

-Implemented strategic offerings that enhanced the company’s suite of social security pensions products and services.

-Directed and oversaw capital improvement projects that expanded the organization’s footprints and drove contributions collection and revenue growth at 25% yearly.

-Monitored trend forecasts, adjusted annual budgets and operational plans that kept the organization agile and sustained revenue growth over the period.

-Coordinated cost-effective solutions across teams, which significantly minimized production and payment processing errors.

-Successfully managed vendors’ services, that led to the slashing of the payroll or administrative costs of the organization to 25% by negotiating pricing and fee with vendors, while ensuring the continuation and enhancement of services.

-Utilized effective communications and leadership skills that maintained and built positive client relationships.

-Converted data into actionable insights by predicting and modeling future outcomes that increased revenue for the organization by 10% the last two years.

-Successfully led and managed 4 special or different projects with team members and within budget of over $15,000,000 over the past 5 years and generated total revenue of $1,500,000.

-Resolved complex problems that positively impacted management and business direction.

-Effectively implemented multiple software and hardware systems, and installed routing software in 12 branch offices that enabled senior leadership access to key business intelligence.

-Implemented and streamlined cutting edge data management procedures that improved the operational efficiency of the company by 10%.

-Led in the implementation of an Integrated Biometrics Pensions Solutions for the organization that resulted to the timely and correct payment of benefits, minimized fraud and payment processing errors.

- Facilitated the rebuilding of the organization’s HR function and brought recruitment in-house which resulted in significant cost-savings.

- Successfully implemented systems that rewarded good staff performance and competences.

-Led in the implementation of an Electronic Document and Records Management Systems (EDRMS) that has contributed greatly to the maintenance of the organization members’ records and their integrity.

- Successfully implemented IT initiatives that advanced operational efficiencies, improved organization-wide decision making and communication, drove cost efficiencies and strengthened financial reporting and controls.

National Social Security and Insurance Trust, NASSIT, Sierra Leone

-Sept. 2008 - Feb. 2016: Director, Information, Communications and Technology: Coordinated, managed and supervised the three departments, including the Information Technology, Records and Information Management and Software Development departments.

Duties and Responsibilities

-Direct, coordinate and design ICT-related projects and activities, as well as provide administrative direction and support for the daily operational activities of the division

-Provide effective leadership to all ICT operations and infrastructure within the organization

-Develop and update ICT business and strategic plans that supports the organizational goals, communicate, and implement these ICT strategies and supporting plans for the organization

-Work closely with decision-makers in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support technology solutions that meet the identified needs, support the vision and requirements of the organization.

-Develop and implement a comprehensive ICT security and fraud control policies, procedures, and best practices in accordance with the organization’s expectations

-Managed a team of over 120 technicians, systems engineers and other technical staff

-Development of backup strategy and disaster recovery plans and network security.

-Develop and manage the ICT budgets and expenditure and monitor the implementation of these to ensure that financial targets are met.

-Drive the vision for the organization’s-wide ICT activities including planning, budgeting, acquisition, allocation of computer services and communication services.

-Periodically assessing risk and magnitude of harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information and information security policies, procedures, and control techniques.

-Have overall responsibility for the development and management of the organization’s web activities- website, portal, and all web applications.

-Regularly test security technologies and successfully implemented network penetration assessment tools.

-Design, implement, configure, and integrate technology for the company network.

Major Accomplishments

-Effectively managed 3 software projects end-to-end over 5 years. Defined growth strategy, hired software and marketing team, and set goals and expectations

-Successfully led in the design and upgrade of the organization’s ICT infrastructure that coped with rapid change in technology.

-Updated the business continuity plan and risk assessment and created a 3-year disaster recovery plan for the organization.

-Improved error documentation systems, resulting in increased workplace efficiency and reduced yearly labor cost by $50,000

-Developed the organization procedures and guidelines for data analysis and security that increased efficiency by 30% in the first six months.

-Successfully led in the implementation of an off-site data backup and disaster recovery site for the organization, that guaranteed accessibility and availability of members data and records

-Effectively implemented a comprehensive Information, Communication and Technology Security and Fraud policies that guaranteed reliability and integrity of the IT systems within the organization

-Successfully managed the development and implementation of an Integrated Biometrics Registration Pensions Systems for the organization, that has helped in the timely and correct payment of pensions, minimized fraud and payment processing errors.

- Developed and successfully implemented IT initiatives that advanced operational efficiencies, improved organization-wide decision making and communication, drove cost efficiencies and strengthened financial reporting and controls.

-Led in the Implementation of an Electronic Document and Records’ Management System (EDRMS), that cut data processing time by 50%, leading to more timely insights, provided timely and easy access to members’ records.

National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Sierra Leone

July 2002 - September 2008: Departmental Head, IT and Records

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Provide system administration and network management for 250 staff and ensure high level of reliability and stability along integrated systems. Partner with cross functional teams of internal stakeholders to define hardware and software requirements.

-Analyze and resolve issues with connectivity, hardware, software and operating system.

-Determine, engineer and implement all network enhancements.

-Managing the internal & hosted network infrastructure including firewalls, servers, switches and telephony.

-Write network documentations, diagrams and procedural white paper.

-Handle security issues by creating and administer roles, objects and system privileges for users, user account creation and maintenance.

-Provide database administration, backup procedures and recovery.

-Security, monitoring and training in a 24/7 production environment; perform database physical and logical design.

-Administering & designing LANS, WANS Internet/Intranet and Voice Networks

-Manage the IT budgets and expenditure on hardware and software

-Ensure network and end-user backups are running properly on a daily/nightly basis.

-Network connectivity troubleshooting, ping, tracert, telnet.

-Managing multi-disciplined teams and resolving any conflicting priorities.

Major Accomplishments

-Successfully designed and implemented the Local Area Networks in all the organization’s offices across the country.

-Technically supervised the successfully designed and implementation of a Wide Area Network using VSAT Technology and later upgraded to Fibre Optics technology that interconnected all the sites linked to the Head Office.

-Effectively supervised the implementation of the NASSIT Pensioner database.

-Designed and implemented an Intranet facility using MS Exchange Server (2000/2003/2008/2013) that provided easy and effective internal communication via email within the organization

-Successfully installed and configure multiple database projects that led to the efficient management of the members records that had enhanced the credibility and integrity of their its records

Public Sector Management Support (PSMS) Project II, World Bank

November 2001 - June 2002: M&E/MIS Expert for the Poverty Alleviation Strategy Coordinating Office (PASCO), Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP)Formulation and Implementation. A PSMS/World Bank Project, under the Ministry of Development and Economic Planning.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead in the design and development of a poverty database for Sierra Leone.

Poverty data collection, analysis, design and implementation.

Monitoring and reporting on the poverty situation in Sierra Leone.

Establish a feedback mechanism to improve the poverty monitoring system.

Provide technical supervision on poverty data collection, policy reviews and studies relevant for the PRSP.

Supervise the setting up a Management of Information System for monitoring and evaluating the impact of policies or programs on poverty.

Organize the collection and dissemination of relevant poverty information.

In close co-operation with MTEF/TC and SPP/TC design, setup and implement indicators/benchmarks and monitoring systems.

Produce yearly poverty monitoring reports on poverty situation.

Developing a Poverty-Focused (PRSP) Information Strategy.

Enhanced the use of statistical systems for Poverty Reduction Strategies.

Major Accomplishments

-Successfully designed and implemented a Management of Information System for monitoring and evaluating the impact of policies/programs in Sierra Leone.

-Developed an effective poverty focused (PRSP) information strategy for Sierra Leone.

-Enhanced the use of statistical systems for poverty reduction strategies

-Established a feedback mechanism that improved the poverty monitoring system in Sierra Leone.

Government of Sierra Leone/Ministry of Development and Economic Planning

July 1999-Dec. 2000: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Design, coordinate and implement monitoring and evaluation, research, learning framework of all Government and donor projects

Develop a systematic monitoring framework to improve the qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered on all projects.

Provide technical assistance to the implementing agencies, particularly in relation to monitoring, reporting and governance issues.

Monitoring and evaluation and reporting on external aid related activities.

Monitoring and evaluation and reporting of all government funded projects

Development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation strategy for all Government and donor funded projects or programmes.

Development and maintenance of an information systems that are needed to monitor, evaluate and report on external aid related activities.

Using statistical data to organize, analyze and interpret the data gathered

Actively involved in the design and Implementation of an Information Technology Policy for the Ministry of Development and Economy Planning and the country.

Established a human resource center for the Ministry of Development and Economic Planning (i.e. Lead in the networking and development of databases for the various departments within the Ministry)

Major Accomplishments

Effectively managed project and helped built capacity in performance and impact measurement within the ministry

Successfully established data collection and management systems

Developed, implemented, and oversaw program performance and reporting systems for the Ministry.

Government of Sierra Leone/Ministry of Development and Economic Planning

December 1994 - 2000: Senior Development and Planning Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Gathering financial, political and socioeconomic data and statistics, to provide projections on government spending needs, help in preparing annual budgets, among other things

Create, conduct research, collect data and present results of the research through tables, charts and reports

Collect and analyze vast amount of data from myriad of sectors of the economy by using software, statistics and mathematical models and sampling techniques, to interpret patterns and trends in complex data sets for diagnosis and predictions. Use the findings to better understand the economy state of the country

Measuring, modeling, and predicting outcomes based on the application of statistical models to economic data.

Monitoring and evaluating of development activities.

Formulation of National Development Plans and Public Investment Programs.

Preparation of the annual development estimates and budgets.

Harmonizing, consolidating and coordinating sectoral policies, plans and strategies.

Formulating the National Development Policies, Strategies and Programmes.

Analyzing market trends, advising the government on economic decisions and or proffering solutions to economic problems for the government.

Preparing financial analysis reports for the stakeholders to understand the data-analysis steps, which enable them to take important decisions based on various facts and trends.

Major Accomplishments

The statistical data gathered and analyzed, has provided projections on government spending needs, and helped in preparing the annual budgets, among other things.

Successfully formulated the Annual National Development 1999-2000 estimates and budgets for the country

Formulated the National Development Plans and Public Investment Programmes for 1999-2001 years.

Successfully prepared projects reports including lessons learned and best practice documentation.

Reviewed existing data source quality and collection methods and coordinated with partners to address gaps.

Professional, Administrative and Technical Competence

Strong background in Econometrics, Information, Communications and Technology, Strategic Leadership and Management, experience in Administration and Human Resources Management; highly competent, qualify and well suited for a high-level position; Conscientious, diligent, disciplined and has both technical and administrative abilities. These are attributes which I possess and clearly demonstrated.

Joined the organization, NASSIT as Head of IT Department since its inception in May 2002 and rose through the ranks and became a Director in September 2008. Have served in the Top management positions at NASSIT, notably as Deputy Director General, Acting Deputy Director General, Administration and Human Resources, Public and Corporate Affairs, Acting Deputy Director General, Membership, Finance, Investments and Projects and Acting Director General on several occasions and Director, Information, Communications and Technology.

A professional and proficiency administrator with a long track record of ensuring things run smoothly behind the scenes of a busy office and effective team member who has the ability, to meet deadlines.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Proficiency in econometrics and statistical software packages, including, Excel, Windows SPSS, Microfit 5.0, Sata and EViews.

Influencing skills

Strong economic skills

Proven working experience in data analysis

Executive team leadership

Technical proficiency regarding database design development, data models, techniques for data mining, and segmentation

Effective communications, Interpersonal and Presentation skills

Knowledge of data visualization software like Tableau

Process improvement

Software and hardware installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repairing network servers. Network printers and other IT hardware and software.

Microsoft SQL Server, VMWare, HTML (Web page design) and Systems Analysis and Design.

Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, NetBios, Protocols, Network topology, Windows 2012 Servers, Cisco Switches and CISCO Routers Configuration.

Knowledge of Microsoft based operating systems, including Windows 2012 Advance Server, Active Directory Group policies.

Network and Backup Applications, (Internet Information Server (IIS), MS Exchange 2012 and SMS) Network Topology and Protocol.

Mentor, manage and lead teams to success

Tactful and able to deal with difficult situations

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels

Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities

Ability to distill complex economic data in the presentation or report to technical and non-technical audiences

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Project Management

Procurement

Change Management

Contract administration and Resource Management

Strategic Planning

Performance Management

Strong leadership

Team builder

Risk Management

System Monitoring

Process improvement

Vulnerability Assessment and Management

EDUCATION

1.Sept. 2021: M.Sc. Financial Economics, University of Bradford, UK (awaiting)

2.Sept. 2020: MBA Business Administration, University of Sussex, UK (Distinction)

3.June 2001: M.Sc. in Computer Science, NUST, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (Distinction)

4.1996- 1997: Diploma in MIS, Norwich, UK.

5.1988-1993: B.Sc. Hon. Economics, Fourah Bay College, USL

CERTIFICATIONS

1.May 2021: CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership

2.Dec. 2019: Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate

3.Sept. 2014: Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA)

4.Sept. 2014: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP-Expired)

5.Oct. 2013: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA-Expired)

6.Sept. 2013: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Domain Services

7.Sept. 2013: SQL Server 2012 Database Administration, WDC, USA

TRAINING, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS

8.Sept. 2015: Executive Leadership in Action

9.Dec. 2015: Website Development, Learning Tree International

10.June 2015: ISSA Guidelines on Information and Communications

Technology at the ILO

11.July 2015: Technical Seminar on “the Impact of New ICT on the

Performance of Social Security Institutions

12.Sept. 2014: Inspirational Leadership (ILM Endorsed), UAE

13.June 2014: Risk Management for Projects, Programmes and Operations

14.Aug. 2012: IT Security Management, Incident Responses and Forensics

15.June 2009: Information and Communication Technology in Social Security

–ICT as a strategic management tool: A basis for dynamic social security

16.May 2006: Implementation of Information and Communication

Technologies in Social Security Organizations in Africa

17.Dec. 2006: Certificate in Enterprise IT Security Academy

18.Oct. 2004: Workshop on Pensions Schemes, ILO, Turin Italy

19.Aug. 2003: Certificate Diploma on IT Management, Singapore

Co-operation Programme, Institute of Systems Sciences

AWARDS

Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional Recognition award, by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS)

10 years of Excellent and dedicated services with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust

Available for full-Time and Long-Term Contract and ability to travel extensively both locally and overseas

Contact this candidate