Symon Mkandawire

Project Management & Systems Implementation | Administrator | Lecturer
Blantyre, MW.

About

Highly accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in project management, business analysis, systems implementation, and logistics management, complemented by a Master of Arts in Economics. Proven ability to lead and collaborate within diverse teams, delivering precise and results-driven outcomes in dynamic environments. Expert in leveraging analytical and strategic expertise to drive organizational objectives and foster positive interpersonal relationships.

Work

MALAWI REVENUE AUTHORITY
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SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION LEAD

Blantyre, Southern Region, Malawi

Summary

Led critical system implementation projects at Malawi Revenue Authority, overseeing the full lifecycle from business analysis to rollout and continuous improvement.

Highlights

Directed end-to-end system implementation projects, encompassing planning, budgeting, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and rollout management, ensuring successful deployment and user adoption.

Conducted comprehensive business and policy analysis to identify system requirements and improvement areas, leading to strategic recommendations and enhanced system functionality.

Directed cross-functional teams and managed stakeholder communications, implementing effective change management strategies to ensure seamless system transitions.

Developed and delivered extensive user training programs and documentation, providing technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders for optimized system utilization.

Managed the migration of critical taxpayer data from legacy to new systems, proactively solving complex issues to maintain operational continuity and data integrity.

UNIVERSITY OF MALAWI-SCHOOL OF LAW, ECONOMICS AND GOVERNMENT
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LECTURER (Economics Department)

Zomba, Southern Region, Malawi

Summary

Lectured and supervised students in the Economics Department, contributing to academic development and career readiness.

Highlights

Delivered engaging lectures and supervised student research, fostering academic growth and critical thinking in economics.

Developed and administered comprehensive examinations, ensuring fair and rigorous assessment of student performance.

Provided targeted career guidance and mentorship to students, enhancing their professional development and motivation.

MALAWI REVENUE AUTHORITY
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CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi

Summary

Managed client relationships and tax compliance for the Malawi Revenue Authority, ensuring efficient service delivery and revenue collection.

Highlights

Managed tax compliance and processing of returns, ensuring adherence to regulations and timely submissions for taxpayers.

Provided expert advisory services to taxpayers on complex tax-related issues, enhancing understanding and compliance.

Streamlined the processing of tax clearance certificates, improving efficiency and service delivery for taxpayers.

Contributed to tax collection efforts, ensuring accurate and timely revenue generation for the authority.

MALAWI REVENUE AUTHORITY
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INVESTIGATIONS OFFICER

Blantyre, Southern Region, Malawi

Summary

Conducted investigations into suspected tax evasion and fraud for the Malawi Revenue Authority, safeguarding national revenue.

Highlights

Led on-site inspections of premises to identify and document evidence of suspected tax evasion.

Collected and analyzed critical intelligence, contributing to the identification of fraudulent activities.

Investigated complex cases of fraud and corruption, supporting legal actions and recovery of public funds.

Conducted discreet surveillances to gather evidence, bolstering investigative efforts against illicit financial activities.

NATIONAL BANK OF MALAWI (INDEBANK)
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BANK CLERK

Salima, Central Region, Malawi

Summary

Provided essential banking services and managed customer accounts at the National Bank of Malawi, ensuring efficient branch operations.

Highlights

Managed a portfolio of customer accounts, ensuring accuracy and client satisfaction.

Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and facilitating banking transactions efficiently.

Processed the opening and closing of customer accounts, adhering to all regulatory and internal procedures.

Education

Yokohama National University
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

In Class

Master of Arts in Economics

National Tax College (Japan)
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

In Class

Certificate in Practicum of the National Tax Agency

TRAPCA
Arusha, Arusha Region, United Republic of Tanzania

In Class

Post-Graduate Certificate in International Trade Facilitation and Development

University of Malawi
Blantyre, Southern Region, Malawi

In Class

Bachelors Degree in Business Administration

Malawi National Examination Board
Zomba, Southern Region, Malawi

In Class

Secondary Education

Languages

Japanese

Basic

English

Fluent

Chichewa

Native

Trainings

POWER BI TRAINING

Issued By

Online Platform

IIBA(R) BUSINESS ANALYSIS BODY OF KNOWLEDGE(R) (BABOK(R) CERTIFICATION TRAINING

Issued By

IIBA

ADVANCE INCOME TAX COURSE TRAINING

Issued By

Institute of Tax Administration (Malawi)

Skills

Business Analysis

Business Requirement Specifications, Impact Assessments, System Improvement, Policy Analysis.

Leadership & Team Management

Team Leadership, Motivation, Subordinate Direction, Cross-functional Collaboration.

Project Management

Project Implementation, Project Coordination, Logistics Management, Budgeting, Risk Management, Strategy Formulation.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Communication, Client Relationship Management, Taxpayer Advisory, Sensitization.

Training & Documentation

User Guides, Manuals, Social Media Content Management, Technical Assistance.

Digital Tools

Microsoft Office, Power BI, JIRA, Enterprise Architect.

General Skills

Communication Skills, Business Development, Quick Learner, Customer Service, Analytical Thinking, Strategic Thinking.

Change Management

Change Programs, User Adoption, Process Improvement, User Manual and guides formulation.

Systems Implementation

System User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Rollout Readiness, Migration Management, System Oversight, System Analysis, Carrying out dry-runs and handholding activities.

Logistics Management

Coordinating Transportation, Inventory Management, Identifying and negotiating with suppliers, Planning routes, Resource Allocation.

Problem Solving

Issue Resolution, Solution Development, Workaround Implementation, Error Reporting, Risk Analysis and mitigation measures.

References

Mr. Peter Chikabadwa

Deputy Commissioner, Malawi Revenue Authority | Tel: +265 882 611 002 | Email: pchikabadwa@mra.mw

Assoc Prof Gowokani Chirwa

Head of Department - Economics, University of Malawi | Tel: +265 881 575 050 | Email: gchirwa@unima.ac.mw

Mr. Francis Magombo

Manager, Malawi Revenue Authority | Tel: +265 888 335 856 | Email: fmagombo@mra.mw