Optimising IT operations

Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) applications administrator Victoria Munenge brings a wealth of expertise and a rich educational background to her role. She studied information technology (IT), specialising in business computing and informatics. Her academic achievements include a master’s degree in informatics, an honours degree in informatics and a degree in business computing. She also holds certifications in information technology infrastructure library (ITIL) and control objectives for information and related technology (COBIT), among others.

Munenge’s role as an applications administrator is multifaceted, involving the management, maintenance and support of an organisation's applications.

"My role is to manage a range of tasks related to computer applications, ensuring efficient operation and providing solutions," she explained. Her responsibilities also include troubleshooting and supporting users, requiring a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills and effective communication.



Career achievements

Munenge shared how proud she is of her prior career achievements.

As an analyst programmer, she successfully completed projects that met users’ expectations and received positive feedback. In her role as a senior system administrator, she was involved in planning and executing infrastructure upgrades and migration projects. She also managed a complex IT environment, focusing on high availability, scalability, disaster recovery and security enhancement. In her recent role as an IT and projects auditor, she significantly impacted IT operations and governance, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance, she said.

Starting her new position as an applications administrator has been exciting and challenging, she shared. "I am approaching the role with enthusiasm, willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence." She began her tenure on 6 May and is focused on clarifying her responsibilities and priorities early on.

In her new role, Munenge aims to optimise application performance, enhance user experience and ensure application security. She also values collaboration and communication, seeing herself as an integral part of the organisation's family. "I would greatly focus on several key areas, applications performance optimisation, user experience, applications security, collaboration and communication," she noted.

The diversity of tasks and the direct impact on business operations makes Munenge’s job unique and enjoyable, she narrated. "My role directly impacts the productivity and efficiency of the organisation." This combination of technical challenges, direct business impact and opportunities for learning and growth makes her role particularly rewarding.

She is optimistic about the IT industry in Namibia. "The IT industry in Namibia is on a positive track with increasing investment and government support," she sasid. However, challenges such as limited access to financing for IT start-ups and the need for improved regulatory frameworks remain.



Diversity

Her drive for a career in IT was inspired by the industry's innovation, impact, continuous learning, creativity and global reach. Munenge’s diverse career roles, from analyst programmer to her current role as applications administrator, reflect this diversity. "The IT industry is quite diverse and there are a lot of career options to explore," she said.

Munenge’s current position at GIPF has significantly contributed to her career growth, providing hands-on experience, problem-solving skills and opportunities for continuous learning and collaboration. "Every day presents new challenges and issues to resolve," she said, emphasising the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments in technology.

A valuable career lesson she shared is the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. "By staying curious, proactive and open to new ideas, you can stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the IT field."

Munenge acknowledges the challenges in her role, such as rapid technological changes and user expectations, but she views these as opportunities for intellectual stimulation and reward. Outside of work, she enjoys playing chess, practicing yoga and travelling. Her favourite quote - "find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life" - by Amy Poehler encapsulates her approach to both personal and professional growth.