Sarathiel Chaipa

ICT professional and digital transformation expert with 10+ years experience at executive level in various sectors. MSc Computing (Unisa), Masters in Business Administration (UZ), BSc Hons Information Systems (Unisa), & BSc General Computer Science & Mathematics (UZ). 

Lead for emergency operations centre (EOC) infrastructure design, construction/refurbishments, and management. Lead implementor and manager for EOCs infrastructure and information technology systems for communication, analysis and management of data from multiple sectors. 

• Contributed to Africa Centres CDC and WHO on the operationalisation of Zimbabwe’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). Managed design, construction of Zimbabwe’s two-storey Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Centre, and its information and communication technology requirements (US$3.5m). Contributed to Africa CDC’s Southern Africa Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) on operationalising the Lusaka Call-to-Action on Strengthening Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Africa. Project managed maternal health training and equipment intervention strategy leading to reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality ratios in Zimbabwe. The critical care equipment covered 16 tertiary hospitals (5 central, 8 provincial and 3 large city) (US$2m). Developed and managed budgets, and expenditure under my portfolio. 

Lead for emergency operations centre (EOC) infrastructure design, construction/refurbishments, and management. Lead implementor and manager for EOCs infrastructure and information technology systems for communication, analysis and management of data from multiple sectors. 

• Managed contractors and project managers on the refurbishment and launch of the Zimbabwe’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (US$3m). Implemented ICT infrastructure interconnecting the PHEOC to DHIS2 for weekly diseases surveillance statistics monitoring and analysis. Contributed to the WHO AFRO Region strategy for enhancing emergency management in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) through the development of information system requirements for public health emergency operations centres. Part of a team that managed the development of Zimbabwe’s multi-sectoral 10-year cholera elimination roadmap.

Provided ICT leadership, strategic and technical direction as well as managed the ICT Department for the effective and efficient operations of the Authority. 

• Digitally transformed PRAZ from paper based to electronic based operations saving the organization $500k annually in paper, tonner, printer maintenance and transport logistics. Successfully reviewed and launched a modern website and a bidders online portal as a key business communication strategic tools. Developed and launched operational policies, procedures, and guidelines for delivery of the ICT operations to ensure availability and efficient ICT systems. Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to understand their pain points and requirements to provide exceptional ICT services. Reviewed functional, business and technical requirements for the electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, an information and communication technology application that enables more efficient and transparent exchange of procurement transactions, between government and suppliers of goods and services which was funded by the World Bank.

Lead the development of a digital transformation strategy for the State Procurement Board ICT operations through a World Bank funded grant in a project aimed at enhancing the institutional and legislative reforms of public procurement and increase the government’s capacity for e-government procurement adoption in order to enhance efficiency and transparency in public procurement.

• Developed functional, business and technical requirements for the e-GP system and its deployment strategy in collaboration with Crown Agency consultants, the State Procurement Board, and the World Bank to define an e-GP strategy for Zimbabwe. 

Digitally transformed university ICT operations by introducing innovative technologies that enhanced teaching, learning and research, and enhancing productivity in administration in an unparalleled way. Managed the system design, development, implementation, and support of an integrated university management information system. Established and managed vendor relationship. Hardware procurement and maintenance, data networking and communication operations, learning management systems support, and ICT policy development and implementation.

• Reduced ICT expenditure through internal development and support of an integrated university management system that enabled staff to process coursework and examinations electronically, while students were able to register, access their coursework, results and financial statements online, eliminating queues and enhancing transparency, efficiency and productivity. Project managed design and installation of inter-campus optic fibre backbone and campus wide LANS. Improved communications within the university community through use of an sms platform, VoIP and formalising all communications on email. Improved student results and the university reputation and ranking through the introduction of electronic learning management system (MOODLE) which brought about blended learning as opposed to the traditional face-to-face mode ushering the university into the 21st century teaching and learning mode. Project managed the design and implementation of a new website to enhance the university’s electronic presence vital for 21st century learners. Initiated and managed a staff and students laptop scheme working with ICT vendors to drive technology usage in higher education. Developed and managed budgets, and expenditure of the ICT department. 

Managing Consultant, Talies Systems (Pvt) Ltd (Jan 2004 – Apr 20011)

1. Information Systems Manager, Reckitt Benckiser Zimbabwe (Aug 2002 – Dec 2003) 
2. Account/Project Manager, Prohealth Information Solutions (Apr 1999 – Jul 2002)
3. MIS Manager, Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Aug 1998 – Mar 1999)
4. National Information Technology Coordinator, DANIDA-MoHCW (Aug 1997 – Jul 1998)
5. Systems Administrator, University of Zimbabwe (Dec 1996 – Jul 1997)
6. Teaching Assistant, University of Zimbabwe (Apr 1993 – Nov 1996)

MSc Computing - University of South Africa, 2017

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - University of Zimbabwe, 2010

BSc Honours Information Systems - University of South Africa, 2002

BSc General Computer Science & Mathematics - University of Zimbabwe, 1992