Franklin SIkazwe
Lusaka
Summary
IT professional with 7+ years of experience in systems administration, technical support, and network management. Achievements include improving system uptime, enhancing infrastructure security, and leading teams to deliver high-quality IT services on Windows and Linux platforms. Expertise in service desk support, user administration, and disaster recovery. Proven ability to supervise teams, resolve escalated incidents, and align IT support with business goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales and Marketing Manager
Natural Valley Limited, Lusaka
Lusaka, Zambia
01.2013 - Current
Systems Administrator / Systems & Network Consulta
Natural Valley Limited, Lusaka
Lusaka, Zambia
01.2009 - 12.2012
- rovided Windows systems administration, LAN/WAN/VPN administration, NOC support, VMware administration, and infrastructure support.
- Managed Active Directory, DNS, FTP servers, wireless access points, and network security tools.
- Designed and supported high-availability and disaster recovery solutions.
- Served as a technical escalation point for infrastructure and user-related system issues.
- Monitored systems and implemented improvements to enhance reliability, availability, and performance.
- Supported end users with login procedures, permissions, printing issues, software access, and network troubleshooting.
- Worked closely with teams and external providers to maintain system continuity and support service delivery.
- Trained employees across departments on system usage, access procedures, security, and support processes.
- Reconfigured the company’s Linux/SQL environment to improve operational effectiveness.
- Improved system security through implementation and maintenance of NetScreen Security Manager and Juniper firewall management.
- Researched, recommended, and implemented infrastructure enhancements that improved system performance and reliability.
- Revamped backup scheduling and upgraded SQL server infrastructure.
- Maintained average system availability of 99.9% uptime.
- Strengthened user support capability through structured staff training and technical guidance.
- Managed system configurations and updates for company servers and networks.
- Implemented security protocols to safeguard sensitive data across all systems.
- Troubleshot hardware and software issues for employees across various departments.
- Collaborated with teams to ensure optimal performance of IT infrastructure.
- Documented technical procedures and provided training for new staff members.
- Monitored system performance and conducted regular maintenance checks.
- Supported disaster recovery efforts by maintaining backup systems and protocols.
- Troubleshot application errors and provided technical support to end-users.
- Created user accounts and managed access rights for users.
System Administrator / Technology Team Lead / Deli
Natural Valley Limited, Lusaka
Lusaka, Zambia
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Led technical teams in the delivery of web-based, network, and infrastructure solutions.
- Directed server migration, system configuration, upgrades, troubleshooting, and support initiatives.
- Supported business operations by improving connectivity, reliability, and technology performance.
- Coordinated technical workstreams and provided leadership to in-house and consultant teams.
- Resolved recurring LAN/WAN connectivity problems affecting multiple locations.
- Improved server performance, web hosting, and terminal services through infrastructure redesign and optimization.
- Directed implementation and tuning of a Windows Server 2008 environment for national operations.
- Delivered a major improvement to the VPN environment, improving productivity for remote teams.
- Led a large-scale Linux server upgrade that significantly enhanced system performance.
- Reduced website downtime by 25% through server migration and improved configuration controls.
- Strengthened network security through firewall and DHCP architecture improvements.
Business Development Manager
Digital Fingers System, Lusaka
Lusaka, Zambia
02.2006 - 11.2008
- Developed strategic partnerships with key clients to enhance market presence.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align business strategies and initiatives.
- Managed client relations to ensure satisfaction and retention of services.
- Created and delivered presentations to potential clients showcasing service offerings.
- Analyzed competitor activities to inform strategic planning decisions.
- Led negotiations on contracts and agreements with prospective partners.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on effective sales techniques and customer engagement.
- Identified potential clients, built relationships, and negotiated contracts.
- Maintained a database of existing customers and prospective leads.
- Determined business development opportunities and implemented effective strategy for client acquisition.
- Participated in weekly meetings with executive leadership team members to discuss progress toward goals.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and market share.
- Established new customer accounts using negotiation and sales closing abilities.
- Generated leads and capitalized on valuable business opportunities to bring in new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
- Drafted proposals for prospects in response to their requests for information.
- Identified new customers through pipelining, pre-qualification and territory analysis and management.
- Created presentations to attract new business opportunities.
- Provided training to sales staff on effective communication techniques when dealing with clients.
- Researched target markets to understand the needs of current and potential customers.
- Developed short-term and long-term vision and strategy to achieve targeted sales objectives.
- Organized meetings between senior management and prospective customers.
- Attended tradeshows and conferences to network with potential clients.
- Monitored competitors' activities, prices, products, and services in order to stay ahead of the competition.
- Conducted research on industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs.
Education
Associate of Arts - Cisco CCNA,
University Of Zambia
Lusaka01-2011
Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons) in Computing And Mathematical Sciences
Greenwich University
England12-2009
Associate of Arts - Advanced Diploma in Computer Science And Informati
ABMA
England12-2006
Associate of Arts - Diploma in Computer Science And Information Proces
ABMA
England12-2005
Associate of Arts - Certificate in Project Planning And Management
University of Zambia
Lusaka11-2004
Associate of Arts - Microsoft Dynamics Navision (ERP)
MindQuad, India
LusakaSkills
- Digital marketing strategies
- Brand management
- Market analysis
- Sales strategy
- CRM software proficiency
- Business development
- Digital marketing
- CRM software
- Competitive analysis
- Partnership negotiation
- Customer engagement
- Lead generation
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Training facilitation
- Marketing campaign evaluation
- Rapport and relationship building
- Affiliate marketing
- Contract negotiation expertise
- Database maintenance
- Brand messaging
- Sales presentations
- Competitor analysis
- Brand-building strategies
- Sales quota achievement
- Staff development
- Product launches
- Advertising campaigns
- Social media management
- Sales tracking
- Leads prospecting
CORE COMPETENCIES
- IT Service Desk Leadership
- Incident & Request Management
- Escalation Handling
- SLA Monitoring & Service Performance
- User Support & Customer Service
- Microsoft 365 Support
- Windows Administration
- Active Directory / DNS / DHCP
- LAN / WAN / VPN Administration
- Endpoint & Infrastructure Support
- IT Operations & Systems Monitoring
- Network Troubleshooting
- Vendor Coordination
- Documentation, SOPs & User Training
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Project Management
- ERP Support Exposure
- Strategic Planning & Problem Solving
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Systems & Infrastructure
- Windows Server 2000 / 2003 / 2008
- Windows 7, 8, Vista, XP, NT
- Linux Server Administration
- Microsoft Exchange 2003 / 2007
- VMware
- Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2
- Backup and Recovery Solutions
- High Availability & Disaster Recovery
Networking
Networking
- LAN / WAN / VPN
- TCP/IP
- Routers, Switches, Hubs, Bridges, Modems
- Wireless Access Points
- DHCP, DNS, WINS
- NOC Administration
- Firewall Administration
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Monitoring
- Active Directory Services
- Group Policy Objects (GPO)
- Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
- User Account Administration
- Permissions Management
Software & Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Oracle
- Symantec Ghost
- Veritas
- Remedy
- DameWare Mini Remote Console
- Norton Utilities
- WinZip
- Lotus Notes Mail
- Microsoft Exchange
- Microsoft Dynamics Navision (ERP)
Timeline
Sales and Marketing Manager
Natural Valley Limited, Lusaka
01.2013 - Current
Systems Administrator / Systems & Network Consulta
Natural Valley Limited, Lusaka
01.2009 - 12.2012
System Administrator / Technology Team Lead / Deli
Natural Valley Limited, Lusaka
01.2009 - 12.2010
Business Development Manager
Digital Fingers System, Lusaka
02.2006 - 11.2008
Associate of Arts - Cisco CCNA,
University Of Zambia
Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons) in Computing And Mathematical Sciences
Greenwich University
Associate of Arts - Advanced Diploma in Computer Science And Informati
ABMA
Associate of Arts - Diploma in Computer Science And Information Proces
ABMA
Associate of Arts - Certificate in Project Planning And Management
University of Zambia
Associate of Arts - Microsoft Dynamics Navision (ERP)
MindQuad, India