Dynamic and results-oriented IT professional with over 19 years of thorough experience in planning, implementing, and management of IT systems and infrastructure within international, multi-cultural development and social sector environment, with capacity of advanced technical skills and strategic vision to drive organizational efficiency and enhance service delivery in emergency environments. Recognized for developing and implementing innovative ICT policies and procedures to improve operational performance. Exceptional AI Expert.
· With over 19 years of focused expertise in international, multi-cultural development, and social sector organizations. Currently serving as IT Manager at Save The Children. Previously performed as Information Officer, Assessment & Distribution Officer, Dept. Distribution Coordinator, Program Officer, IT Officer, Sr. IT Officer/IT Administrator, ICT Coordinator at Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), as Sr. IT Officer and IT Coordinator at Mercy Corps (MC).
· Managed up to 10 simultaneous offices, 400 system users, and supervised three IT Officers and one IT Assistant.
· Successfully established about 40 major LAN/WAN infrastructures at different offices, with up to 10 concurrent offices.
· Developed IT policies and procedures for NRC, MC, and now SCI Pakistan, aligning with organizational standards and best practices.
· Procured IT equipment approx.. PKR 30 million for NRC and nearly 70 million for Mercy Corps, contributing to budgeting and planning initiatives.
· Worked as an online Internet Assessor for Google search engine, enhancing skills in technical support and user experience.
· Proficient in Linux (Ubuntu, Clear OS) and MS Servers (2000-2016), with expertise in maintaining IT and Telecommunications systems.
· Worked on seven databases/MIS (development and coordination) for NRC and MC, providing data and documentation to support procurement and investment decisions.
· Holds a Master's degree in International Relations, Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Law, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
Also holds certifications in Disaster Response, Cisco Networks, Meraki Wireless Networks, Oracle Database, Microsoft Server, and Project Management.
Technical Skills:
· Network Designing and Implementation: CCNA, Unifi Gateway and APs, Wired/Wireless networks, Fiberoptic router, LAN/WAN infrastructure establishment, data communication systems.
· Network Administration: CMNO, Access Lists, Unifi Control Panel, IT Hardware/Software inventory, supporting users to maximize benefits from IT systems.
· Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Redhat, ClearOS), Windows (Windows XP-7,10,11), MacOS, Android, IOS.
· System Administration: Windows 7-11, Windows Server 2002-2019, Virtualization, installation and configuration of new computer hardware.
· Cyber Security: Hardware Firewalls (Fortigate, Endian), Endpoint security/Antivirus, Proxy Firewalls (Zscaler), data security and access controls, risk management.
· Cloud Computing: Azure AD/Intune, Google Cloud/Administration, Coreview, corporate tools and data management.
· Data Protection: GDPR, Data backup and Recovery, Data Encryption, Disaster Recovery Plan, Business Continuation Plan, IT policies and procedures development.
· Office Automation: Office 365 Administration, SharePoint, Power BI, ChatGPT/AI, documentation and reporting.
· User IT Support: JIRA, ServiceNow, VPN, Remote Support (TeamViewer, Anydesk, MS Teams, MS Remote Help), IT Troubleshooting, responding to user queries.
· Disaster Response: Satellite Communication, BGAN, Unifi P2P, emergency preparedness, contingency planning.
· Databases: Microsoft Access, Oracle SQL, PLSQL, Forms and Reports, collating data for procurement and reporting.
· Graphics & Animation: Adobe Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, Corel Draw, Prezi.
· Web Development: Web development, SEO, Google Internet Assessor.
· Artificial Intelligence: Expert in ChatGPT, MetaAI, CoPilot and Gemini.
Soft Skills:
· IT Governance: IT Policy & Procedures, IT Audit, IT Budgeting, IT Procurement, IT Reporting, Resource Management, Network Documentation
· Project Management: PMD Pro (Level 1), PMM, ITIL Standards, Microsoft Project, Basecamp.
Organizational Communication: Leadership, IT Security Focal Person, Data Protection Focal Person, Operations Focal Person, Time management, Decision-making.
Key Accomplishments:
• Prepared first draft of Country IT Policy • Completed country annual IT Control Assessment• Data Protection Country Focal Person • Delegated Country IT Security Champion• Upgraded Wireless network of Country office • Developed Wireless network at new CO office floor• Disassembled and cleaned old servers • Replenished Server Room• Management of MS SharePoint Country Site • Management of PowerApps country applications• Completed Disaster Response Training at Nepal • MIS Database CO team member• Training of staff and partners on data protection and IT security • Implementation of Zscaler Software user firewall• Maintenance of MS Core view and licenses • Managed Azure AD• Management of FortiGate Firewall • Established Sukkur and Peshawar offices network and IT resources• Coordination with Partner organizations for data protection policies
Key Accomplishments:• Migration from Google to Microsoft Azure Services • Azure Active Directory Administration.• Provided support to program staff working in 111 districts • Managed three field offices with total of 200+ system users• Utilized MS Teams virtual office setup during COVID-19 pandemic. • Procurement plan for timely and cost-effective procurement.• Handled Microsoft Office 365 Administration. • One-drive individual backup system.• Prepared disaster recovery / contingency /business continuity plan. • Registered MC Pakistan as a separate entity with Microsoft for discounted prices• Worked as team member in expansion of program MIS database with additional Andriod App and SMS gateway system. • Resource allocation and implementation of a paperless green office concept.• Procured Tablets, Computer systems, and CAD4TB boxes and licensing for Health (TB Project) worth about $300,000. • Coordinated with HR for staff engagement and HRM implementation.• Full compliance in country annual security assessments. • Served as country focal person for Responsible Data Protection implementation.• Remote IT support system with Team Viewer directory • Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures.• Composed IT budgets and projections. • Provided a monitoring and reporting system for IT performance and SLAs, providing regular updates to management.• Developed and conducted IT training programs for staff. • Migration of legacy systems to cloud-based solutions.• Provided leadership and mentorship to IT team members. • Managed IT Assets database.
Key Accomplishments:• Served as the Operations Focal Person for HR, Procurement, Logistics, and Administration for one year. • IT head of department with three IT staff, representing Mercy Corps Pakistan• Developed and implemented the first version of the Country IT Policy. • Installed a Linux ClearOS Gateway Server with Firewall and traffic shaping policies.• Managed at average 200+ users in all offices. • Annual / periodic system audit activity for over 50 random users.• Established Windows 2016 Web/File Servers hosting two databases. • Successfully procured IT equipment worth $550,000 from 2015-2020.• Planned and upgraded LAN/WLAN with Unifi Access Points and Controller. • Administered country email domain accounts/group accounts and migration on to new google services.• Disaster recovery setup with incremental off-site backup for both Servers and individual users. • Introduced Kaspersky Internet Security in combination with Kaspersky Security Center for updates/content filter.• Executed contingency plan for unexpected phasing out the office with automated backup of approximately 1TB data on server and Google Team Drives, ensuring data security. • Managed assets for four years with asset disposal of 730 items, including capital assets, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.• Network file-tree for archiving organizational data. • Delivered orientations and trainings to all staff on IT Policy and basic troubleshooting, promoting IT literacy and adherence to IT policies.• Certified as Project Management Pro (1) for Development organizations, enhancing project management skills for effective IT project delivery. • Dually Certified Cisco Meraki Network Operator.
Successfully conceded Lionbridge testing as Google Internet Assessor. Studied training material in detail to enable assessment of Google Search Engine Results and Page Quality. Key Accomplishments:
• Assessing Internet Page Quality for about three years • Evaluation of google web search results for more than 500 user queries • Category assessment and page material relevance for more than 5000 websites • Data analysis and reporting: Analyzing and summarizing data from internet page quality assessments, user query evaluations, and website category assessments, and generating comprehensive reports to provide insights and recommendations for improving search engine results or website content quality.
Key Accomplishments:• Implemented IT infrastructure expansion across six offices, resulting in a 50% increase in network coverage and improved connectivity for over 200 users. • Led the establishment of a standardized Management Information System (MIS) with a 90% reduction in data entry errors, improving data accuracy and integrity.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including management, program staff, and external vendors. • Implemented cybersecurity measures, mitigating potential data breaches.• Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to organizational IT standards and best practices. • Led technology procurement initiatives, resulting in a 20% cost savings through vendor negotiations and strategic procurement decisions.• Implemented IT service management practices based on ITIL framework. • Conducted IT training programs for staff, resulting in a 95% increase in overall IT literacy and proficiency among end-users.• Prepared a disaster recovery plan. • Successfully deployed a centralized file-tree archiving setup.
Key Accomplishments:• Administered and led overall IT operations for ten (10) offices and four (4) guesthouses.• Compiled the first Country Office IT Policy in coordination with headquarters, and developed the first IT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) handbook with annexes.• Implemented user-policies and privileges through Active Directory and Group Policies.• Established Microsoft SharePoint HTTP and FTP Intranet site with remote access through VPN.• Incorporated NRC electronic File-tree File-server.• Introduced security measures such as ZoneAlarm and Endian Firewall.• Documented complete network infrastructure, providing comprehensive documentation for troubleshooting and maintenance purposes.• Provided ICT orientations and training to staff.• Prepared maps for the Movement Controlling System.• Managed Google email administration server.• Established more than thirty (30) LAN/WLAN networks.• Installed and configured Windows Server 2008 R2 and Ubuntu Server, with client-server setup, and deployed Windows XP, 7, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Fedora, and OpenSUSE, testing feasible options.• Established RAID, remote, and encrypted backups of the server.• Supported Program Managers/Coordinators in the establishment of a Management Information System (MIS) system.• Developed and customized the HR/Payroll (HRIS) Database.• Purchased and operated the official domain @nrcpk.org.• Standardized systems and IT equipment purchasing, managing $210,000 worth of IT equipment procurement in the year 2012.• Maintained a physical inventory of all IT equipment.• Served as a Staff Representative for over a year.
Key Accomplishments:• Successfully established a Windows Server 2003 based Client-Server and Workgroup network across seven (7) offices. • Delivered the first NRC File Server, implementing user and privilege management through Active Directory and Group Policies.• Implemented regional IT policies to ensure consistency and standardization across the organization. • Provided internet access in remote earthquake-hit areas through BGAN satellite internet terminal, ensuring connectivity for critical operations.• Used hardware and software-based firewalls to enhance IT security measures. • Conducted IT trainings for national staff to enhance their technical skills and proficiency.• Developed an indoor NRC Intranet Webpage using MS FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and Macromedia Flash for internal communication and information sharing. • Compiled three NRC Annual Registration Profiles/Books, consolidating data for reporting and analysis purposes.• Customized and operated the NRC Information Counseling & Legal Aid Client Registration Database to streamline data management and reporting processes. • Created a new test database for the Emergency Relief Team using SQL Server 2005 and Access 2007 to enhance data management capabilities.• Utilized graphic design skills with Corel Draw, Adobe, etc. to create visually appealing NRC ID Cards, Business Cards, Security Cards, Certificates, and Title pages of major NRC booklets/brochures, ensuring consistent branding and professional presentation. • Standardized and procured all IT hardware, ensuring compatibility and reliability across the organization.
Key Accomplishments:• Supported the Country Director / Area Manager in compiling the comprehensive budget for the Program Office• Implemented work plans that included log frames, activity schedules, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, for submission to donors• Served as the Management Information System (MIS) focal person for senior management.• Collaborated with Project Managers and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers to prepare quarterly and annual reports.• Coordinated with five mobile teams for the statistical data.• Developed concept papers and proposals in accordance with donor requirements, in collaboration with the Country Director• Compiled and collated narrative reports for major donors.• Ensured timely updating of budget heads for project expenditures.• Generated comprehensive statistical budget reports based on monthly, quarterly, and yearly utilization data.
Key Accomplishments:• Coordinated with field teams through meetings and satellite communication to collect data on assessment of destruction, requirements, and supplies with respect to the affected population. • Provided updates to the Program Manager/Assessment Coordinator and Distribution Coordinator through statistical and graphical reports daily.• Utilized GPS technology using Google Earth to assess the coverage of relief efforts, also shared with other major NGOs operating in the area. • Efficiently coordinated with the Logistic Officer to meet the demand for relief aid and successfully conducted several distributions through effective teamwork and collaboration.• Established a customized database software to track and maintain records of beneficiaries and other relevant information. • Installed the network and computers at the Abbottabad office.• Conducted interviews of 30 candidates for recruitment of Network Officer and Database Officer• Served as a key member of the first Assessment and Distribution team. Conducted surveys in the affected areas along with the team, assessing the damage and determining the demand for relief aid based on the number of family members. • In the second phase, coordinated closely with the Distribution Coordinator and successfully processed the first distribution of non-food items, including family tents and stoves, to numerous heavily affected suburbs throughout the district, benefiting over 500 families.
Key Accomplishments:• Entry of Legal and Information cases into customized centralized Database software in MS Access.
• Entered total of almost 400 legal cases such as administrative, civil, criminal and repatriation cases during initial month