Ahmed Siyad
Nairobi
Summary
Dynamic IT Systems Administrator with a proven track record at Women In International Security-Horn of Africa, enhancing network security and reducing service interruptions by 20%. Skilled in system administration and user support, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous learning. Achieved significant cost savings and improved IT literacy among staff.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Systems Administrator
Women In International Security-Horn of Africa
01.2022 - Current
- System Installation & Configuration: Installed and configured LAN hardware and software, including Windows, Lotus Notes, TAMIS, Microsoft Office, and antivirus programs.
Set up network and personal firewalls to ensure secure and controlled access, maintaining optimal data protection standards.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to determine specific IT needs for new projects and integrated technology solutions accordingly.
- Network Maintenance & Support: Conducted regular visits to project sites to oversee system setup, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth network operation.
Actively responded to network access disruptions, resolving both internal and external connectivity challenges to minimize downtime.
Implemented proactive monitoring tools to detect network performance issues, leading to a 20% reduction in service interruptions.
- IT Compliance & Security: Developed comprehensive operating guidelines and maintenance schedules to safeguard systems against power fluctuations, viruses, and other threats, ensuring stable, secure IT operations.
Conducted regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks, enhancing overall network security.
- User Support: Acted as the primary IT contact for all project staff, responding to system queries and troubleshooting requests.
Provided on-call assistance and coordinated with remote IT teams to implement necessary system updates and adjustments.
Created user-friendly documentation and guides for common IT issues to empower staff and improve overall IT literacy.
- Training & Supervision: Trained regional staff on basic server maintenance and troubleshooting, establishing a culture of ongoing IT support and empowering team members with foundational IT knowledge.
Developed and facilitated workshops to enhance team members' technical skills and familiarity with IT systems.
- Inventory & Procurement Management: Verified IT equipment specifications and software licenses, maintained warranties, and collaborated with Procurement to negotiate with local vendors.
Ensured accurate tracking and management of licenses and warranties within project systems, leading to a 15% cost savings on software renewals.
- Backup & Data Protection: Performed regular server backups and securely stored backup tapes.
Managed data erasure protocols for equipment disposal, ensuring the secure and permanent removal of sensitive project data.
Implemented a disaster recovery plan that reduced recovery time by 30% during outages.
IT Support Specialist
Esoteric Strats
01.2021 - 12.2021
- System Installation & Configuration: Led the setup and configuration of essential software, including Microsoft Office, antivirus, and specialized applications.
Managed initial LAN and firewall installations to establish secure, functional network environments.
Streamlined the installation process, reducing setup time by 25% through the development of standardized procedures.
- Network Maintenance & Support: Regularly monitored network performance, identified bottlenecks, and resolved issues promptly to maintain reliable connectivity.
Provided remote and on-site troubleshooting for network-related issues, achieving a 90% resolution rate on first contact.
Implemented performance-enhancing upgrades that improved system response times by 15%.
- Compliance & Data Security: Created IT operational guidelines, establishing backup protocols and user access policies to maintain system integrity.
Enforced security measures to protect sensitive data across user accounts and restricted files, leading to zero data breaches during tenure.
- User Assistance: Supported staff with IT-related inquiries and troubleshooting, offering step-by-step assistance with email setup on various devices (e.g., Android, Apple, Blackberry).
Coordinated with external providers to resolve network issues, ensuring minimal disruption to staff productivity.
Developed an internal help desk ticketing system to streamline user support requests and track resolution times.
- Inventory & Licensing Management: Worked closely with the Procurement Officer to manage IT inventory, maintain up-to-date records of software licenses, and ensure compliance with licensing terms, warranties, and service agreements.
Conducted quarterly inventory audits, resulting in improved accuracy in asset tracking and a reduction in lost equipment by 40%.
IT Systems Administrator
Afro Asia Institute For Strategic Studies (AAISS)
04.2020 - 12.2020
- IT System Monitoring:Monitored server and network performance, regularly backed up data, and maintained IT equipment security through preventive maintenance, including antivirus updates and hardware inspections.
Developed performance dashboards to provide real-time visibility into system health, allowing for quick identification of issues.
- Website Support:Collaborated with the communications team to maintain and update the AAISS website, ensuring timely content uploads and working with the web host to address hosting issues.
Conducted website usability tests to enhance user experience, resulting in a 25% increase in visitor engagement.
- Procurement Coordination:Coordinated with Procurement and Logistics to verify the suitability of IT infrastructure, managed vendor agreements, and tracked warranty coverage and renewals.
Established relationships with multiple vendors, negotiating favorable terms that saved the organization 10% on IT-related expenses.
- User Training & Supervision:Provided training sessions on basic server maintenance, enabling regional staff to handle minor IT issues independently and fostering a strong support network within project teams.
Created an ongoing training program that improved overall IT competency among staff, leading to a 30% decrease in support tickets.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Umma University
Kajiado Main Campus06-2020
High School Diploma -
Arabia Boys High School
Mandera, Mandera District, Kenya01-2015
Skills
- System Administration: Installation, configuration, and maintenance of LAN hardware and software (Windows, Lotus Notes, TAMIS, Microsoft Office, antivirus)
- Network Management: Monitoring network performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and ensuring secure access through firewalls
- User Support: Providing IT support to users, addressing system queries, and training staff on basic IT troubleshooting and server maintenance
- Compliance & Security: Developing operational guidelines, maintenance schedules, and data protection protocols to safeguard IT systems
- Software & Licensing Management: Verifying software specifications, managing licenses, and maintaining records of warranties and service agreements
- Backup & Disaster Recovery: Performing regular data backups, implementing disaster recovery plans, and ensuring secure data erasure for equipment disposal
- Web Support: Managing website content, coordinating with web hosting providers, and enhancing user experience through usability testing
- Procurement & Inventory Management: Working with procurement teams to establish vendor agreements, track IT equipment inventory, and verify compliance with licensing terms
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to quickly resolve network access issues and IT-related problems
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and clear user guidance
- Training & Development: Passion for training and mentoring staff to foster continuous learning and self-reliance in IT support
- Organizational Skills: Highly organized and self-directed, managing multiple tasks and priorities in fast-paced environments
- Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams to ensure smooth IT operations and proactive communication
Timeline
IT Systems Administrator
Women In International Security-Horn of Africa
01.2022 - Current
IT Support Specialist
Esoteric Strats
01.2021 - 12.2021
IT Systems Administrator
Afro Asia Institute For Strategic Studies (AAISS)
04.2020 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Umma University
High School Diploma -
Arabia Boys High School
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