Aletha Mpala

Aletha Mpala Websites, Portfolios, Profiles • https://www.linkedin.com/in/aletha-mpala-b-/ Professional Summary I am a highly experienced ICT professional with over 10 years of expertise in mobile communications core network systems, specializing in leading end-to-end digital transformation projects. Certified PMP Project Manager skilled in ensuring project delivery within scope, budget, and quality standards while managing the full project lifecycle from planning to post-implementation support. Proven ability to cultivate strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and teams, fostering collaboration and driving project success. A unique blend of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and problem-solving strengths consistently delivers measurable results and high-value outcomes. Skills • Project Management methodologies including Waterfall, Agile and Scrum • Jira and Confluence • Microsoft Project • Ericsson, Huawei and ZTE Core Network, Media Gateway and VAS nodes operation and maintenance. • Hardware and software troubleshooting • IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) • Microsoft Azure • Microsoft Office Suite Work History 09/2022 to current Project Manager Econet Wireless Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe • Project management and coordination as Project Manager overseeing the design and implementation of Econet's AI and digital transformation initiatives. • Plan, execute, and successfully deliver projects within defined timelines and budgets, ensuring objectives are met with high quality standards. • Provide leadership and direction to project teams, overseeing all phases from planning, budgeting, and development through implementation and post-project support. • Define project scope and objectives, aligning deliverables with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations. • Develop and manage detailed project schedules and work plans, ensuring all stakeholders remain aligned at every stage. • Break down projects into actionable tasks, delegate responsibilities, set clear deadlines, and support team members to achieve successful delivery. • Apply industry best practices, methodologies, and standards to ensure consistent project execution and delivery. • Provide regular project updates to stakeholders and senior management, communicating strategy, progress, risks, and adjustments. • Identify, secure, and efficiently allocate project resources (personnel, equipment, and materials), resolve conflicts, and monitor utilization throughout the lifecycle. • Manage stakeholder engagement through transparent communication, conflict resolution, and alignment of expectations. • Act as the central point of contact between project teams, stakeholders, and executives, ensuring effective information flow and timely decision-making. • Conduct risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and implement contingency plans to minimize disruptions. • Lead, motivate, and coordinate project teams, ensuring clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, and deadlines. • Maintain accurate project documentation, including project plans, progress reports, risk logs, and meeting records, while preparing status reports for leadership. • Establish and enforce quality assurance processes through regular checks and reviews, ensuring deliverables meet required standards and specifications. • Collaborate with stakeholders and sponsors to capture requirements, translate them into actionable project plans, and deliver solutions aligned with business objectives. Achievements • Led key components of the Credit Management System Project, streamlining credit risk processes and projected to reduce processing time by 30% through AI-driven automation. • Managing the API Monetisation Project, expected to generate significant new revenue streams upon completion (31 October 2025). • Overseeing delivery of an AI-powered chatbot handling up to 70% of customer inquiries, reducing response times from 10 minutes to under 1 minute; first phase launched 26 April 2024, with incremental phases ongoing. 02/2013 to 09/2022 NOC Surveillance Technician Econet Wireless Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe • Operation and maintenance of Econet Wireless core nodes, media gateways and VAS systems. • Proactive and reactive network management. • First line faulting and solution implementation. • Escalating to 2nd line support (field operations and technical support) • Tracking faults using Trouble tickets. Closing faults after being resolved. • Coordinating the interactions of Field operations and technical support. • Generating Reports on Network service availability, shift handover and MOs. • Generating SMS and email broadcasts to stakeholders on major faults and planned works on the network. • First inline customer support (internal and external). • Ensuring upkeep of tools and test gear in good condition and participates in scheduled tool checks. • Achievements • Coached newly hired graduate trainees on advanced technical procedures. • Diagnosed and resolved software and hardware issues. • Oversaw timely resolution of escalated faults. 11/2012 to 01/2013 Dispatch Clerk Econet Wireless • Operation and maintenance of Econet Wireless core nodes, media gateways and VAS systems. • Effective monitoring of network nodes • Detection of equipment alarms and recording in the fault log. • Analyse and/or escalate/distribute faults to relevant technical staff. • Notifying and/or broadcasting through voice system and SMS of service affecting faults • Receiving and recording of fault clear details • Creation and closing of trouble tickets and notification of relevant technical staff. 11/2010 to 10/2012 Network Surveillance Officer Econet Wireless Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe • Operation and maintenance of Econet Wireless core nodes, media gateways and VAS systems. • Surveillance of the GSM network • Detect equipment alarms and record in the fault log. • Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance routine procedures for the circuit switching network comprising MSCS, MGWs, CG and HLR. • Perform critical system backups and ensure offsite storage of such in line with business procedures and business continuity plan. • Provide Input for Weekly & Monthly Reports. • Reconciliation of fuel, mileage & motor vehicle usages • Handle petty cash for Networks Operation and Maintenance – Southern Region • Archive IWOs, reports, fault logs, vehicle handover forms and routine logs • Maintain copies of system training and system manuals (electronic and hardcopy) 07/2007 to 12/2007 Corporate Trainer Damelin Botswana – Botswana • ERP systems implementation and customer training. 06/2006 to 07/2007 Teacher - Computer Studies Silobela High School • Teaching high school students how to use computers, importance and ways in which computers can be useful in daily life. 01/2004 to 04/2005 Trainee Consultant Pinsoft Management Consultants • Designing and implementing complete systems and subsystems specific to customer requirements using structured design methodologies. Education 01/2017 M.Com: Strategic Management and Corporate Governance Midlands State University Graduated 2017 01/2005 BSc (Hons): Information Systems Midlands State University Graduated 2005 Certifications • Project Management Professional (PMP) • Project Management Brain Nest • TOGAF • Microsoft Azure Administrator • Microsoft Power BI • Supervisory Development Programme • Prince2 Agile Foundation & Practioner References Available on request Interests Traveling, Learning New skills #HRJ#3d45eb3a-37ac-47df-a0cf-b9b636fb45f0#