Open to work
Laurent Bwanali
IT Systems Specialist
Lilongwe,Malawi
Summary
IT professional with expertise in managing IT infrastructure and systems administration across multiple platforms. Proficient in cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and network management. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to enhancing organizational efficiency.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Computer Management Specialist
USAID Malawi
Lilongwe, Malawi
2018.10 - 2025.08
- Maintained and secured mission-critical IT infrastructure including LAN/Guest Wi-Fi, ISP/VSAT, residential internet, Cisco IP telephony, servers, end-user devices and corporate applications while monitoring network performance ensuring 99.9% uptime and compliance with USAID IT security standards resulting in zero vulnerabilities.
- Provided user support and training to over 200 users, enhancing staff productivity and ensured full compliance with USAID IT policies and regulations.
Computer Management Assistant
USAID Malawi
Lilongwe, Malawi
2011.04 - 2018.09
- Provided comprehensive systems and network administration support for USAID Malawi including installation and management of Windows server and client environments, end-user connectivity, application support, backups, and troubleshooting of PCs, peripherals, and cabling.
- Optimized network infrastructure by upgrading VSAT connectivity and VOIP telephony systems, increasing data transmission speeds by 40%.
IT Specialist
Technical Entrepreneurial & Vocational Education Training Authority (TEVETA)
Lilongwe, Malawi
2011.01 - 2011.03
- Provided comprehensive IT support by resolving user hardware and software issues, managing network access for staff, maintaining systems, backups, and the organization's website
- Supporting IT procurement and hardware maintenance in line with technical standards, warranties, and SLAs.
IT Coordinator
CARE International
Lilongwe, Malawi
2006.01 - 2010.12
- Developed, implemented, and maintained CARE Malawi's IT systems, including networks, hardware, software, email, internet, websites, and databases, while ensuring system backups and reliability.
- Provided IT training and technical guidance to staff on procurement of IT equipment.
- Spearheaded end-user IT training programs that improved technical proficiency, decreasing support tickets by 20% annually.
- Managed IT infrastructure to ensure smooth business operations.
ICT Technician
Kamuzu Academy
Kasungu, Malawi
2003.11 - 2005.12
- Maintained and managed computer hardware, software, and LAN infrastructure, including inventory control, backups, network monitoring, and security.
- Provided technical support to staff and students, supervised ICT lab activities for students while resolving hardware and software issues.
Customer Service Engineer
Computer Connections Limited
Lilongwe, Malawi
2001.03 - 2003.10
- Installed, configured, and supported computer networks and equipment,
including servicing and repairing used hardware for customers. - Coordinated workshop activities by delegating tasks to technicians to ensure efficient operations.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Information Technology
Amity University
India 2017.01 - 2019.11
Bachelor of Science degree - Information Technology (BSc-IT)
Amity University
India 2012.07 - 2016.11
City & Guilds Information Processing Technician Diploma - Information Processing
Nihontec Professional College
Lilongwe, Malawi 2004.01 - 2005.12
City & Guilds Electronics Servicing Certificate - Electronics
Nihontec Professional College
Lilongwe, Malawi 2001.01 - 2002.12
Skills
- IT Infrastructure management
- Systems Administration (Windows, Linux, MacOS/iOS)
- IT Security and Data Protection
- Cybersecurity Best Practices (Firewalls, Antivirus, Intrusion detection)
- Cloud Computing (Office 365, Google Workspace)
- Infrastructure and Network performance monitoring (PRTG, SolarWinds, Wireshark)
- Virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V)
- Network Configuration, Management and Troubleshooting (LAN/WAN/WLAN/VPN)
- Database Management (SQL Server/MySQL)
- Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions
Certification
- Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) Enterprise, 2015-03, 2028-03
- Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) Security, 2025-03, 2028-03
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Server 2012, 2015-03
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, 2017-09
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation, 2015-03
Professional Trainings
- VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage, Koenig, India, 2024-11-01
- CompTIA Security+ SY0-701, Koenig, India, 2024-11-01
- Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions, Koenig, Dubai, 2022-09-01
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Network Training Center (NTC), Thailand, 2019-08-01
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Koenig, Dubai, 2018-11-01
- Data Center Virtualization using VMware, Torque IT, South Africa, 2017-03-01
- Implementing Cisco Network Security, Koenig, Dubai, 2017-09-01
- Cisco Collaboration, Koenig, India, 2016-11-01
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation, Torque IT, South Africa, 2015-03-01
Accomplishments
- Employee of the month - Apr 2019
Recognition of professionalism, dedication to work and consistent outstanding
performance at USAID/Malawi - Service recognition - May 2018
Recognition for professionalism, expertise and work ethic during fellowship
assignment to USAID/Afghanistan that brought great credit upon USAID and the
United States. - On-the-Spot award - Oct 2015
Exceptional work performance in coordinating the implementation of the new
USAID/Zimbabwe Cisco Phone system and Guest Wireless network project. - Eagle award
Recognition to dedication to duty during the redundant and secure residential
internet network installation project for over 40 USAID/Malawi Foreign Service
Officer residences, ensuring protected and reliable home access. - Eagle award
Recognition for the outstanding customer service, work ethics and professionalism to USAID users during USAID transition from Blackberry to iPhone mobile devices.
Languages
English
Fluent
Affiliations
- Reading tech blogs and books
- Sharing ideas with colleagues and networking
References
- Mr. John Pasani, Former IT Systems Manager, USAID Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265 882 284 023, fedsman@yahoo.co.uk
- Mr. James Odek, Health Specialist, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265 995 428 925, jamesodek@gmail.com
- Mr. Warren Gray, Former EXO, USAID Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi, +1 (801) 708-2923, warren.gray59@gmail.com
Work preference
Work Type
Full timeLocation preference
On-siteHybridTimeline
Computer Management Specialist
USAID Malawi
2018.10 - 2025.08
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Information Technology
Amity University
2017.01 - 2019.11
Bachelor of Science degree - Information Technology (BSc-IT)
Amity University
2012.07 - 2016.11
Computer Management Assistant
USAID Malawi
2011.04 - 2018.09
IT Specialist
Technical Entrepreneurial & Vocational Education Training Authority (TEVETA)
2011.01 - 2011.03
IT Coordinator
CARE International
2006.01 - 2010.12
City & Guilds Information Processing Technician Diploma - Information Processing
Nihontec Professional College
2004.01 - 2005.12
ICT Technician
Kamuzu Academy
2003.11 - 2005.12
Customer Service Engineer
Computer Connections Limited
2001.03 - 2003.10
City & Guilds Electronics Servicing Certificate - Electronics
Nihontec Professional College
2001.01 - 2002.12