Symon Mkandawire

Project Management & Systems Implementation | Administrator | Lecturer

| LinkedIn

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 Experience

SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION LEAD

MALAWI REVENUE AUTHORITY

Jan 2017 - Present

Blantyre, Southern Region, Malawi

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

  • 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.

LECTURER (Economics Department)

UNIVERSITY OF MALAWI-SCHOOL OF LAW, ECONOMICS AND GOVERNMENT

Oct 2023 - Jan 2025

Zomba, Southern Region, MW

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

  • 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.

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT OFFICER

MALAWI REVENUE AUTHORITY

Apr 2015 - Dec 2016

Lilongwe, Central Region, MW

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

  • 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.

INVESTIGATIONS OFFICER

MALAWI REVENUE AUTHORITY

Oct 2013 - Mar 2015

Blantyre, Southern Region, MW

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

  • 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.

BANK CLERK

NATIONAL BANK OF MALAWI (INDEBANK)

Jul 2013 - Sep 2013

Salima, Central Region, MW

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

  • 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

Master of Arts in Economics

Yokohama National University

Sep 2017 - Aug 2019

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Certificate in Practicum of the National Tax Agency

National Tax College (Japan)

Oct 2017 - Jun 2018

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Post-Graduate Certificate in International Trade Facilitation and Development

TRAPCA

Oct 2015 - Oct 2015

Arusha, Arusha Region, United Republic of Tanzania

Bachelors Degree in Business Administration

University of Malawi

Mar 2009 - Dec 2012

Blantyre, Southern Region, Malawi

Secondary Education

Malawi National Examination Board

Mar 2004 - Dec 2007

Zomba, Southern Region, Malawi

Certificates

POWER BI TRAINING

Online Platform

Jan 2022

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

IIBA

Jan 2021

ADVANCE INCOME TAX COURSE TRAINING

Institute of Tax Administration (Malawi)

Dec 2016

Languages

Japanese (Basic) , English (Fluent) , Chichewa (Native)

Skills

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

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

References

Mr. Peter Chikabadwa

Deputy Commissioner, Malawi Revenue Authority | Tel: +265 882 611 002 | Email: [email protected]

Assoc Prof Gowokani Chirwa

Head of Department - Economics, University of Malawi | Tel: +265 881 575 050 | Email: [email protected]

Mr. Francis Magombo

Manager, Malawi Revenue Authority | Tel: +265 888 335 856 | Email: [email protected]