Thotobolo Morapedi

Plot 68328, Tsholofelo West

Gaborone, Botswana

Email: [email protected]

Phone:+267 73 324 582

Date: 01 April 1, 2024

Innovations & Business Solutions Manager

Orange

Private Bag BO 64,

Gaborone, Botswana

Dear Sir/Madam

Re: Application for DevOps Engineer Lead – Thotobolo Morapedi

With a robust blend of technical prowess and leadership cultivated over more than five years within
the dynamic environment of software development, fintech innovation and Telecommunications, I
am excited to apply for the DevOps Engineer Lead position at Orange. My tenure as a DevOps
Software Engineer and Fintech Specialist, coupled with my certification as a Professional Scrum
Master, has equipped me with the unique expertise to drive Orange's mission forward in deploying
and maintaining cutting-edge services across diverse channels.

In my current capacity at Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL), I have

championed the development of various digital channels, including but not limited to web, mobile
apps, and USSD, KYC verification Platform and other various Fintech services. This experience has
equipped me with an intimate understanding of the challenges and opportunities in deploying
services that cater to a diverse user base. My leadership was instrumental in integrating third-party
systems with internal frameworks to achieve strategic business objectives, mirroring the
comprehensive responsibilities outlined for your role. Notably, my technical guidance facilitated the
seamless integration of Botswana Post’s Global System with the SMEGA Mobile Money System,
underscoring my proficiency in creating solutions that enhance user engagement across platforms.

As a certified Scrum Master trained in Agile Prince2 methodologies, I have effectively harnessed
these frameworks to enhance project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction. This formal training has
empowered me to lead my teams in adopting Agile best practices, ensuring that we remain
adaptable, transparent, and focused on delivering value to our customers. I am particularly proud of
my ability to mentor and guide my teams through the complexities of the development lifecycle,
always with a view towards continuous improvement and excellence.

My technical expertise encompasses a broad range of tools and technologies essential for modern
DevOps practices, including containerization with Docker and Kubernetes, and programming in Java,
Python, and Angular. Coupled with my experience in API integration and management, I am confident
in my ability to lead Orange's development team in designing, implementing, and maintaining
solutions that are not only technically sound but also aligned with the company's strategic goals.

The opportunity to contribute to Orange's legacy of innovation, particularly in the fintech domain, is
an exciting prospect. I am eager to bring my blend of leadership, business, technical acumen, and a
proven track record in Agile project management to the DevOps Engineer Lead position at Orange.

I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application in further detail. Thank you for
considering my candidacy. I am keen on the opportunity to contribute to the innovative work at
Orange and help drive the successful deployment and maintenance of your services.

Warmest regards,

Thotobolo Morapedi
 .

Thotobolo Morapedi
BSc. (Hons)| DevOps Software Engineer | FinTech Specialist | Professional Scrum Master I
Address: P O Box 700, Megalenng, Gaborone
Phone +267 73324582
E-mail: [email protected]

I am a passionate and innovative IT professional with 10 years of successful experience in delivering

user-centric software projects. Seeking the role of General Manager at BTC, I bring a proven track
record of on-time and within-budget project delivery, enhanced productivity, and effective cost
control. My commitment to innovation and adaptability aligns with BTC's strategic goals, and I am
poised to lead the Fintech team, ensuring organizational success through communication,
creativity, and a dedication to continuous learning and growth.

Professional Skills

● Strong innovation skills with in-depth knowledge in Design Thinking & Innovation
principles and implement it in a work setting.
● Strategic and Analytical Thinking
● Collaboration and Leadership: The ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
and lead innovation projects to drive successful outcomes.
● Strategy Development
● Strong knowledge of Financial Technology Ecosystems
● Strong presentation skills (oral and written) including ability to articulate complex
ideas in a simple and engaging way.
● Excellent communication skills required, with the ability to write succinctly, while
still being engaging
● This is a client-facing role, requires excellent communication skills.
● Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to create relationships at all levels and
within all functions.
● Detail oriented, with strong organizational, time and project management skills
● Current hands-on experience buying digital and social media as well as a strong
understanding of digital and social metrics, data analysis and reporting tools.
● Experience in conducting/analyzing qualitative and quantitative market research
and excellence ability to “read” the customer.
● Project Management: Ability to manage complex projects and timelines and deliver
on time and within budget.
● Stakeholder Management
● Negotiation & Persuasion
● Research & Strategy
.

Technical Skills
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● Typescript
● DevOps CI/CD
● Certified Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
● Agile Development and Best Practices
● Agile Frameworks - Scrum, Jira, Confluence, Kanban, MS Excel, Powerpoint,
● Systems Integration through APIs (Third-party APIs)
● Payments Systems Troubleshooting
● User stories Development
● Agile Planning
● Agile Software Development
● Good Communication & Interpersonal Skills
● Collaboration Skills
● Highly skilled in MS Packages (Microsoft 360)
● Angular JS
● Ionic Framework

Professional Experience

Feb 2023 - Fintech Stream Leader (Secondment to MFS) -BTC

Present Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited.

Key Roles
• Fintech Strategy Development:
lead in developing a strategy to evolve mobile money services into a
full-fledged fintech service, to propel BTCL as a market leader in the
financial technology sector.

• Fintech Business Model Development

Led the strategic formulation of a Fintech business model, outlining the
structure for delivering financial services through technology. Identified
target markets, defined value propositions, and established revenue
streams to create an innovative and sustainable framework.

• Fintech Go-Market Strategy Development

Spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive go-to-market strategy
for BTC’s Fintech initiatives. Developed plans to introduce and promote
Fintech products or services, considering market positioning, customer
segmentation (Persona Identification), and effective channels to
maximize market penetration and achieve strategic goals.
.

• Fintech Operation Model Development

Currently directing the development of the operational model for
Fintech, defining processes, workflows, and resource allocations to
ensure the seamless execution of Fintech strategies. Emphasized
efficiency, compliance, and the integration of Fintech operations within
the broader organizational structure.

• Fintech Implementation Roadmap Development

Hands-on development of a detailed implementation roadmap for
Fintech initiatives. Mapped out the step-by-step plan for executing
strategies, including timelines, resource requirements, and key
milestones. Ensured alignment with organizational objectives and
facilitated a smooth transition from planning to implementation.

• Process Enhancement and Automation: collaboration with

stakeholders and business analysis to ensure that the new fintech
solution aligned with business objectives.

• Distribution Model Enhancement: enhancing the current mobile

money distribution model, streamlining onboarding processes by
automating the KYC and verification process.

• System Solution Development: enhancing mobile money services,

gained experience in system solution development through API
integration with third-party such as insurance, utilities and the banks,
which directly aligns with the role's expectation of developing, testing,
and implementing automation solutions that meet business
requirements.]

2022-03 -
Present DevOps Software Engineer - BTCL
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited

Key Roles

Software Development
• Develop Software/system Solutions for BTC as required by the
Corporation.
• Integrate third-party systems with internal systems to deliver business
goals for BTC and its stakeholders.
• Develop test cases and manage User Acceptance Tests (UAT) during
system deployments and upgrades including testing
proposed/suggested patches solutions.
.

• Manage the solution releases for design, build and deploy phases if the
solution. Architecture has intensive integration and/or middleware
requirements.
• Technical Lead and Managed integration of Botswana Post’s Global
System (Billing System) with SMEGA Mobile Money System to enable
Cash-in/Cash-out transactions.
• Business Development projects, developing and monitoring project
plans.
• Lead a team of software developers and business analysts to develop
and deliver a mobile payment application.
• Development of the new SIM Registration Project and Integrate it with
internal billing system and BOCRA SIM Card Management System
• Developed an Automated Data Center Ordering Process for BTC
corporate clients.

Project Management
• Managed Payment Enhancement Projects for SMEGA Mobile Money
• Managing a performing SIM Registration System Integration between
BTC and BOCRA
• Managing and performing Electricity Integration between third-party
supplier with BTC Payment channels (SMEGA)

Front-end
• Worked with the external developer to integrate third-party payment
APIs to enable payment through application.
• Guided backend developers on project deliverables
• Developed Project Design briefs.
• Applied best practices for UX Research and concepts.

UX Designer
• UX Design
• Developed Low-Fidelity and high-Fidelity designs & Prototypes using
Figma and Adobe XD
• Assessed UX and UI design for technical feasibility.
• Conducted Usability Studies
• Conducted User Testing
• Lead stakeholder engagement with industry leaders such as BTC and
Mascom to negotiate partnership opportunities.

Key Achievements

● FINTECH Certification
● Professional Scrum Master I Certification
● Botswana Post Systems Integration (Cashin/Cashout)
● Integrations of BTC Sim Registration to BOCRA SIM registration system
.

● Leading successful integration developments between insurance

companies and Smega Mobile Money
● Developing Smega payments solutions for the BTC Francistown Marathon
initiative
● Integration of Mozark crowd-sourcing solution into BTC mobile app.
● Formed a potential partnership with a key stakeholder for delivery of the
application to the consumer market.

2018-01 - Software Engineer - BITRI

2022-02 Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation,
I worked in an Agile environment as part of the team that developed and
delivered software products.

Project Team Lead

● Business Case Development with external stakeholders
● Managed Business Development projects, developing and monitoring
project plans.
● Lead a team of software developers and business analysts to develop and
deliver a mobile payment application.
● Conducted in-depth market research & Performed competitor analysis
towards requirements gathering and analysis.
● Evaluating and improving marketing and sales strategies, identifying new
business opportunities, and developing marketing strategies
Lead Front-end Developer
Responsible for the UI development of a Mobile Payment Project (
● Front-end Development using Ionic Framework and AngularJS
● Worked with the external developer to integrate third-party payment APIs to
enable payment through application.
● Guided backend developers on project deliverables
● Developed Project Design briefs.
● Applied best practices for UX Research and concepts.

UX Designer
● UX Design
● Developed Low-Fidelity and high-Fidelity designs & Prototypes using Figma
and Adobe XD
● Assessed UX and UI design for technical feasibility.
● Conducted Usability Studies
● Conducted User Testing
● Lead stakeholder engagement with industry leaders such as BTC and Mascom
to negotiate partnership opportunities

Key Achievements
● Professional Scrum Master I Certification
● A Mobile Payment Application delivered
.

● Formed a potential partnership with a key stakeholder for delivery of the

application to the consumer market

2015-01 - Teaching Assistant-BIUST

2018-01 Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Central
● Tutored students under the Department of Computer Science, Information
systems and Center for Entrepreneurship and General Education
● Guided and monitored students' progress - Prepare class tutorials -
Consulted with students on one-one-based
● Tutored modules such Systems Analysis and Design, Entrepreneurship and
Business Management, Project Management, Comp101, and Database
Management
● Assisted senior lecturers in developing teaching materials, conducting
classes, and invigilating examination sessions

2013-06 - 2014- System Analyst Officer (Intern)-MTI

12 Ministry of Trade and Investment, Gaborone, South-east
● Liaised with software system vendors for the supply and maintenance of our
information system infrastructure such Ministry of Investment, Trade and
Industry Management Information System (MITIMIS)
● Budgeting, procurement, and cost control on IT resources
● Coordinates planned and unplanned applications administration activities
with business units with the Ministry of Trade to minimize or eliminate
impact on business processes.
● Provided technical support for moderately complex problems promptly.
● Prepared and taught classes as required to provide technical computer skills
to different members of cooperative business from different regions in
Botswana.
● Prepared written documentation, procedures, and standards to assist users
in using facilities and the application of computer technology to their needs.
● Performed advanced technical problem diagnostics and problem resolution
with the assistance of systems administrators and vendor technical support
as necessary

2012-12 - Business Development Intern

2013-06 Ministry of Trade and Investment, 12
● Reviewing feasibility studies on new consumer, multipurpose, and
marketing co-operative businesses with recommendations for registration
and how they can be developed.
● Coordinate department staff, training, workshops, and seminars Conducting
market surveys
● Equip trainees with business skills and expertise necessary for the survival
of their business
.

● Tutoring co-operative members at Sebele Co-operative Training Center, on

ways to develop their businesses.
● Planning and coordinating of control systems

Certifications

2022-2023
● FInTech Innovation: Disrupting the Financial Landscape
University of Cambrige Judge School
● Professional Scrum Master I
● RedHat Culture: Openshift

Education

2008-09 - BSc. (Hons): Business Computing

2012-11 Staffordshire University - United Kingdom

2023-02 - Master of Science (MSc.): Information Systems and Management (Enrolled and
present Ongoing)
Botswana International University of Science and Technology

Competencies

● Team Player -I enjoy working with teams to brainstorm and whiteboard concepts.
Tools such as Figma allow collaboration among teams to share the work. I can create
wireframes at varying levels of fidelity and enjoy sharing prototyping ideas to be
reviewed by teams mates.
● Creative - My creativity comes from visualizing and researching from users' other
similar ideas, then combining with my designs to create relevant user-oriented
designs
● Communication Skills - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent
presentation skills, and empathic listener. Excellent liaison and troubleshooting skills.
● Problem Solving Skills- Patient, determination, and persistence to troubleshoot
client issues - Well versed at evaluating and generating solutions - Strong problem-
solving skills -
.

● Thrive in a team environment and work well with others - Enjoy working as a team
member as well as independently

References

● Brian Leonard
Tel: (267) 75854592
● Dr. Fred Mampadi Senior Researcher, Information Systems & Technology Tel: (+267)
3607 500 BITRI Private Bag 0082, Gaborone
● Dr. Malatsi Galani Lecture College of Sciences: ICT Dpt. Private Bag 16 Khurumela
ward, Palapye
● Rantshilo Boinyana Seketeme Business Development Division Assistant Co-operative
Auditor P O Box 86 Gaborone Mobile: +267 72 633 420
January 2023

Thotobolo Morapedi

completed

FINTECH INNOVATION: DISRUPTING THE

FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE
Cambridge Judge Business School
Executive Education
University of Cambridge

Allison Wheeler Heau Beth Ahlering

Director of Open Programmes Director

Cambridge Judge Business School Cambridge Judge Business School
Executive Education Executive Education
University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
Thotobolo Morapedi

November 25, 2021

https://scrum.org/certificates/726491