Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kalwa Chisha-Chimese

Lusaka

Summary

Dynamic professional with a strong analytical mindset and expertise in strategic planning and risk management. Demonstrates innovative thinking and excels in performance monitoring, utilising strategic planning tools to drive success. Proven ability in team leadership and member engagement, with a focus on policy and regulatory interpretation. Committed to enhancing organisational effectiveness through strategic thinking and effective communication.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Benefits Officer – Head of Benefits Section

Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF)
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
12.2023 - Current
  • Compiled detailed reports on benefits expenditure, providing valuable insights for budget planning.
  • Enhanced company reputation with meticulous management of pension funds and other financial contributions.
  • Implemented new software for smoother handling of benefit claims resulting in increased productivity.
  • Created a user-friendly handbook outlining details about various available benefits enhancing ease of use for members.
  • Managed member queries regarding benefit packages effectively reducing misunderstanding and misinformation.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge about statutory regulations related to pensions and other benefits ensuring company compliance at all times.
  • Streamlined benefits administration by introducing efficient data management practices.
  • Facilitated training sessions on benefits usage and interpretation improving overall awareness amongst members
  • Assisted in developing an automated system for tracking and managing member benefits leading to improved efficiency.
  • Advised individual members and member authorities on government laws and regulations.
  • Communicated with beneficiaries to explain benefits and required processes.
  • Managed pension benefits and verified correct calculation of benefits.

Assistant Benefits Officer

Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF)
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
11.2016 - 12.2023
  • Evaluated each case individually for fair computation of benefits fostering trust among pensioners.
  • Compiled detailed reports on benefits expenditure, providing valuable insights for budget planning.
  • Delivered accurate and timely benefits information to members, enhancing their understanding of entitlements.
  • Resolved complex issues related to benefits computation, boosting member satisfaction levels across the board.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge about statutory regulations related to pensions and other benefits ensuring company compliance at all times.
  • Assisted in developing an automated system for tracking and managing member benefits leading to improved efficiency.
  • Updated all documentation related to benefits ensuring clarity and transparency for all beneficiaries involved.

International Banking Administrator

Cavmont Bank
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
01.2016 - 11.2016
  • Utilised IT skills to improve banking services delivery.
  • Managed the office correspondence, improving communication flow.
  • Maintained compliance to regulations, ensuring organised workflow.
  • Implemented new banking software, improving operational efficiency.
  • Collaborated with other departments for streamlined workflow.
  • Analysed financial reports to provide insights on performance.
  • Developed strategic plans to achieve business objectives.
  • Monitored account activities for fraud detection and prevention.
  • Achieved efficient operations by streamlining banking processes.
  • Facilitated inter-departmental communications, fostering a positive work environment.

Credit officer

Cavmont Bank
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
01.2015 - 12.2015
  • Facilitated timely payment collections, improving cash flow management.
  • Reviewed and updated credit applications, ensuring accuracy at all times.
  • Maintained accurate documentation for accountability and future reference.
  • Provided training sessions to new hires, enhancing overall team performance.
  • Identified potential risks, ensuring secure lending practices.
  • Streamlined loan application process to enhance customer experience.
  • Reduced risk by assessing the creditworthiness of potential clients.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, fostering a conducive work environment.
  • Coordinated with sales team to achieve common business objectives.
  • Managed portfolio of loans to maintain profitability and reduce loss exposure.
  • Resolved issues promptly, avoiding unnecessary delays in loan processing.
  • Improved company's overall financial health by monitoring and updating credit policies.
  • Forged strong relationships with clients, promoting loyalty and repeat business.
  • Prepared monthly statements and followed up on overdue balances by telephone or email.
  • Analysed customer history and financial reports to assess risk and creditworthiness.

Customer service officer

Cavmont Bank
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
03.2012 - 01.2015
  • Conducted regular follow-up calls for improved customer retention rates.
  • Managed difficult customer situations for maintaining company reputation.
  • Liaised between customers and management for effective resolution of issues.
  • Adapted quickly to product changes or updates, resulting in minimal disruption to service.
  • Learnt new software systems rapidly, enhancing overall work efficiency.
  • Streamlined information flow through organised record keeping.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing prompt and efficient service.
  • Met daily targets by efficiently managing workload within set timelines.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to provide seamless service experience.
  • Facilitated smooth transactions by accurately processing sales and payments.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge about products and services, assisting in informed decision making.

Administrative support officer

Cavmont Bank
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
12.2011 - 03.2012
  • Ensured smooth operations by troubleshooting technical issues promptly.
  • Maintained filing system, resulting in efficient document retrieval.
  • Executed office maintenance tasks, promoting a safe and clean environment.
  • Collated data for accurate record-keeping and future reference.
  • Produced detailed reports using advanced Microsoft Office software skills.
  • Reconciled branch accounts and processed salaries.
  • Managed cheque clearing and customer query resolution.
  • Compiled monthly returns for decision support.

Compliance officer

Cavmont Bank
Lusaka
10.2010 - 12.2011
  • Conducted regular reviews on new laws or regulations affecting the Bank's operations.
  • Worked with different departments to promote organisation-wide understanding of compliance protocols, fostering an environment of shared responsibility.
  • Established strong relationships with regulators, enhancing company reputation.
  • Updated policy documentation regularly to reflect changes in regulation.
  • Participated in strategic planning meetings and offered insights into potential compliance concerns.
  • Conducted intensive audits and risk assessments to identify and minimise non-compliance.
  • Ensured company policies were implemented and adhered to.

Research Assistant (Part-time)

SAFAIDS
Lusaka
01.2008 - 08.2010
  • Conducted comprehensive literature reviews for project groundwork.
  • Enhanced team productivity through effective task delegation and management.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline research processes.
  • Fostered a collaborative environment by effectively communicating with team members.
  • Bolstered study credibility, ensured data accuracy through rigorous checks.
  • Improved research efficiency by meticulously organising data and files.
  • Coordinated participant recruitment efforts, enhanced study sample size.
  • Exhibited exceptional problem-solving skills during unexpected research setbacks.

Education

Master of Science - Insurance and Pension Management

University of Lusaka
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
01.2023 - 04.2025

Postgraduate Diploma - Pensions Administration and Management

Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
01.2020 - 07.2020

Executive Diploma - SME Relationship Management

Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
07.2015 - 07.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Education

University of Zambia
Lusaka, Lusaka Province
02.2006 - 08.2010

GCSEs -

Mufulira Secondary School
Mufulira, Copperbelt
01.2000 - 11.2004

Skills

  • Innovative thinking
  • Analytical mindset
  • Performance monitoring
  • Strategic planning tools
  • Team Leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Strategic thinking
  • Risk Management
  • Member Engagement & Communication
  • Policy & Regulatory Interpretation

Timeline

Benefits Officer – Head of Benefits Section

Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF)
12.2023 - Current

Master of Science - Insurance and Pension Management

University of Lusaka
01.2023 - 04.2025

Postgraduate Diploma - Pensions Administration and Management

Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust
01.2020 - 07.2020

Assistant Benefits Officer

Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF)
11.2016 - 12.2023

International Banking Administrator

Cavmont Bank
01.2016 - 11.2016

Executive Diploma - SME Relationship Management

Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services
07.2015 - 07.2016

Credit officer

Cavmont Bank
01.2015 - 12.2015

Customer service officer

Cavmont Bank
03.2012 - 01.2015

Administrative support officer

Cavmont Bank
12.2011 - 03.2012

Compliance officer

Cavmont Bank
10.2010 - 12.2011

Research Assistant (Part-time)

SAFAIDS
01.2008 - 08.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Education

University of Zambia
02.2006 - 08.2010

GCSEs -

Mufulira Secondary School
01.2000 - 11.2004
Kalwa Chisha-Chimese