Curriculum Vitae – Carlos M. Saraiva
UX Designer • Delivering data-driven systems for meaningful impact on human experiences
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa | 🌐 carlos-m-saraiva.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlos-m-saraiva
Professional Summary
Human Experience Designer and Systems Developer with over 20 years of expertise in system architecture, data management, and user-centered design. With insight into human-centered principles and effective design, I craft solutions that balance technical precision with diverse user needs, delivering accessible, impactful systems.
In my recent role as Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst, I designed and led systems that streamlined data-driven decision-making, performance management, and impact visualization to support global care reform initiatives.
Over the years, I have led complex projects across sectors such as advertising, NGOs, and education, from inception to deployment. My focus remains on designing scalable, compliant, and secure data-driven solutions, integrating platforms like Salesforce, Power BI, and SharePoint to enhance business objectives and user outcomes.
Key Skills:
•Human-Centered Design
•Systems Integration (Salesforce, Power BI, SharePoint)
•Data Integrity and Compliance
•Real-Time Reporting and UX Design
#SolutionsArchitect #DataManagement #SystemsIntegration #UXDesign #RealTimeReporting
Work Experience
Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst
Hope and Homes for Children | Johannesburg, South Africa
December 2021 – June 2024
Roles: Solutions Architect, Data Analyst, M&E Specialist, Systems Administrator
Led the design and management of performance and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems supporting Care Reform. Focused on secure data aggregation, privacy protocols, real-time reporting, and data validation, ensuring compliance across regional deployments. Developed solutions that prioritize child welfare and user-centered security protocols, creating intuitive, accessible systems for program managers, data capturers, and stakeholders.
#M&E #SystemsIntegration #DataSecurity #PowerBI
Responsibilities:
•Developed robust M&E systems to support data-driven decision-making for child welfare initiatives.
•Designed privacy-centric extranet solutions with advanced data integration workflows.
•Conducted training sessions to enhance data integrity and optimize system use.
Key Skills: Data Management, Systems Integration (Salesforce, SharePoint, Power BI), Compliance, Reporting Automation
Technologies: Power BI, SQL, SharePoint,
Notable Projects
Dynamic Reporting & Impact Visualization System for Care Reform
Integrated Power BI dashboards for real-time tracking, allowing evidence-based decisions and policy guidance for Care Reform. Automated data collection and custom dashboards provided tailored insights for funders and stakeholders. Developed a comprehensive M&E system to support Care Reform initiatives, integrating impact measurement. This system aggregated data on key metrics such as family reunification and placement stability across regions, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and supporting policy guidance for Care Reform. Automated data collection workflows streamlined reporting, while custom dashboards offered actionable insights tailored to funder and stakeholder requirements.
#PerformanceManagement #ImpactAssessment #CareReform #DataIntegration
• Skills: M&E System Design, Data Visualization, Program Impact Measurement, Reporting Automation
• Technologies: Power BI, SQL, Tableau, SharePoint
Performance Management System Development and Management
Developed a robust Performance Management System with integrated toolsets to support Care Reform programs. This system leveraged Power BI for real-time KPI visualization and SharePoint document libraries for managing case data artifacts, templates, and operational documents. Enabled streamlined workflows for caseload tracking and automated reporting, centralizing case management and ensuring secure access to essential data. This structure facilitated evidence-based insights, supporting stakeholders in program assessment and aligning with compliance and data privacy standards.
#PerformanceManagement #SystemDesign #DataIntegration #DocumentManagement #CaseloadTracking
• Skills: M&E System Design, Data Integration, Reporting Automation, Document and Case Management
• Technologies: Power BI, SharePoint, SQL
Integrated Extranet System for Child Welfare Data Management
Developed a secure, web-based extranet to centralize child welfare data management, integrating Salesforce for data handling and WordPress for the user interface. The system featured custom web forms for real-time data input, anonymized ID generation for privacy, and automated data synchronization with Salesforce. Established a secure communication network within the extranet to facilitate stakeholder feedback, real-time data sharing, and project performance reporting, ensuring compliance with strict data privacy standards and enabling informed decision-making across teams.
#ExtranetDevelopment #DataPrivacy #DocumentManagement #StakeholderEngagement
• Skills: Systems Architecture, Data Integration, UX Design, Web Form Development, Compliance, Stakeholder Communication
• Technologies: WordPress, PHP, MySQL, Salesforce, SharePoint, SQL, JavaScript
Social Media and Stakeholder Communication Network for Care Reform Champions
Developed a multi-platform communication network to strengthen stakeholder engagement for Care Reform initiatives, integrating social media automation, membership subscriptions, and an automated newsletter system. Established secure feedback channels and real-time reporting to enhance outreach and streamline stakeholder communication. Led training sessions for communication teams, empowering them to manage ongoing content updates and reporting independently. The system supported Care Reform Champions across Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google Business, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and seamless updates through automated workflows.
#StakeholderEngagement #SocialMediaManagement #Membership #NewsletterAutomation #RealTimeReporting
• Skills: Stakeholder Communication, Content Automation, Reporting Network Design, Membership Management, Team Training, UX Design
• Technologies: WordPress, SharePoint, Power BI, Social Media Platforms, Google Analytics
Salesforce and Data Management Integration
Integrated Salesforce with Power BI and SharePoint to enhance real-time KPI tracking, streamline centralized reporting, and enable actionable insights for program analysis. The integration with SharePoint facilitated data reconciliation, archival management, and automated imports, ensuring robust data accuracy. Leveraged SQL routing and Zapier automation for efficient data transfers and supported reference data in Extranet web forms for effective case tracking and management.
#SalesforceIntegration #KPITracking #DataCleaning #ExtranetManagement
• Skills: Data Reconciliation, Data Cleaning, Workflow Automation
• Technologies: Salesforce, Power BI, SharePoint, SQL, Zapier
Solutions Developer & UX Designer – Contracting
January 2018 – November 2020
Roles: UX/UI Designer, Content Manager, Security Advisor
Provided user-centered digital solutions across social impact projects, emphasizing accessibility, security, and engagement. Led projects that streamlined content management, optimized navigation, and improved compliance with security standards.
#UXDesign #ContentManagement #SystemSecurity
Responsibilities:
•Developed and managed digital platforms for user accessibility and engagement.
•Led security compliance efforts for high-stakes, high-traffic platforms.
•Enhanced CMS efficiency and UX for diverse user needs.
Notable Projects
Online Conference Platform Security for LGBTQIA+ Rights – Pan-Africa ILGA
Enhanced infrastructure for Pan-Africa ILGA’s LGBTQIA+ conference platform, focusing on secure, high-traffic access and robust data protection measures to support advocacy and user privacy.
#PlatformSecurity #UserPrivacy #LGBTQIA+ #HighTraffic
Skills: Platform Security, Traffic Optimization, UX Design
Technologies: WordPress, Security Tools
University of Johannesburg Digital Support
Provided training and support to the University of Johannesburg’s design team to enhance CMS platform management and automate content updates. Focused on creating a user-friendly experience to facilitate rural education outreach, improving engagement and accessibility for a diverse academic audience.
#CMSManagement #UserTraining #ContentAutomation #RuralEducation
Skills: UX Design, Content Management, Automation
Technologies: WordPress, PHP
Safety1st Digital Magazine and Newsletter Transformation
Transitioned Safety1st from a traditional print format to a dynamic digital platform, incorporating subscriber management, SEO optimization, and a newsletter feature to broaden reach and increase reader engagement. Designed pop-up signup forms and integrated Google Analytics to monitor readership and refine content strategy based on user interactions. The platform’s automated newsletter kept subscribers updated on safety protocols, regulatory updates, and best practices, positioning Safety1st as a central resource for workplace safety information across sectors.
#DigitalPublishing #SEO #SubscriberEngagement #NewsletterMarketing
Skills: Digital Publishing, Content Analytics, SEO Optimization, Subscriber Management
Technologies: WordPress, Google Analytics, Social Media Tools, Pop-up Signups
UX Designer & Solutions Developer – Freelance
Self-Employed | July 2015 – January 2018
Roles: Web Developer, UX Designer, Digital Architect
Specialized in creating scalable, cost-effective digital platforms for entrepreneurs and small businesses across various industries, including safety management, education, e-commerce, coaching, and publishing. Leveraged open-source, low-code solutions to build user-centric platforms that aligned with business goals, ensuring long-term sustainability. Worked collaboratively with clients, developers, and designers to ensure a seamless user experience and technical reliability.
#WebDevelopment #UXDesign #ContentArchitecture
Responsibilities:
• Delivered custom web solutions optimized for user experience, engagement, and data flow.
• Designed and configured self-hosted platforms, ensuring scalability, responsiveness, and technical reliability.
• Collaborated closely with clients to define brand identity, curate photography, and develop cohesive functional design.
Notable Projects
E-Commerce and Branding Platform for an Equestrian Apple Cider Farm:
Designed and deployed a WooCommerce-based platform with an intuitive order form. Collaborated with a graphic designer to define brand identity, curated photography, developed navigation structures, and integrated social media functionality to drive seamless contact inquiries and user engagement. Ensured scalability and responsiveness to meet the needs of a growing customer base.
#TrodhamShires #EcommerceDesign #BrandIdentity #SocialMediaIntegration #ResponsiveDesign
Skills: E-commerce Development, UX Design, Brand Identity, Social Media Integration
Technologies: WooCommerce, WordPress, HTML, CSS, SEO Tools
Institute of Safety Management Platform & Membership System
Developed a content-driven web platform for the Institute of Safety Management, focusing on enhancing industry engagement and educational outreach. Integrated a membership management system to facilitate user access and collaboration.
#ContentDrivenPlatform #MembershipManagement #WorkflowOptimization #UXDesign
Skills: UX Design, Workflow Optimization, Membership Management
Technologies: WordPress, PHP, Membership Plugins
Online Community Platform for Publishing:
Created a user-focused platform with forums, newsletter subscriptions, and promotional tools to support the publishing process. Enabled active reader participation through content feedback and comments, ensuring consistent updates on publishing milestones.
#SamSleeman #MembershipPlatforms #NewsletterManagement #ReaderEngagement #CommunityBuilding #UXDesign
Skills: Community Development, UX Design, Content Sharing
Technologies: WordPress, Membership Plugins, MailPoet
Marketing and Learning Platforms for Client Engagement
Developed responsive web presence for businesses, including branding, enrollment functionality, and creative direction for a coaching service and wedding venue. Prototyped a learning platform that included quizzes, personalized learning paths, automated workflows, and newsletter integration for session updates.
#KeyeCoaching #CherCohen #CreativeDirection #BrandPromotion #SEO #SocialMediaPresence #LearningSystems|
Skills: UX Design, Content Strategy, Brand Identity Promotion
Technologies: WordPress, HTML, CSS, SEO Tools, MailPoet
Web Presence and Booking-Enabled Platforms:
Designed responsive, self-hosted websites for a plumbing service and therpeutic healer. Enhancing the brand presence and social media reach for each project. Implemented SEO to improve visibility, and integrated booking systems for these businesses.
#SumptiousVillage #CraigHallElectrical #BookingSystems #SEO #Branding
Skills: UX Design, Booking Management, SEO, Brand Identity
Technologies: WordPress, WooCommerce, SEO Tools, HTML, CSS
Solutions Developer & Web Operations manager
Information Technology Solutions (ITS) | Johannesburg, South Africa
January 2006 – July 2015
Roles: Web Operations Manager, Solutions Architect, Systems Analyst
Managed custom development projects, creating workflow automation systems and corporate identity solutions for global clients like McCann Erickson and BBDO.
#WorkflowAutomation #CorporateIdentity #SolutionsArchitecture
Responsibilities:
•Developed and implemented custom workflow systems for enhanced efficiency.
•Provided business intelligence reporting for strategic insights.
•Strengthened digital branding for corporate clients.
•Key Skills: Workflow Automation, Business Intelligence Reporting, Corporate Identity Design
•Technologies: SharePoint, SQL, .NET, Microsoft Dynamics, HTML/CSS/Javascript/Ajax, DevExpress, Tableau,
Notable Projects
AdAgent System for Advertising Agencies
Developed AdAgent for agencies including McCann Erickson, Grey Advertising, and Network BBDO, integrating Microsoft Dynamics for ERM and consolidating job tracking, workflow automation, and document management within a scalable platform. The system improved operational efficiency across agency teams, enabling secure access, metadata-driven workflows, and seamless integration for production management and global coordination.
#AdAgent #MicrosoftDynamics #ERMIntegration #JobTracking #WorkflowAutomation
Skills: Workflow automation, production management, ERM integration, system architecture
Technologies: SharePoint, SQL Server, .NET, Microsoft Dynamics, Javascript/Ajax
Client-Facing Portals (Heineken, First National Bank)
Developed secure client portals with custom workflows for Heineken and First National Bank, supporting job tracking, document access, and campaign tracking. Integrated workflow automation and metadata management to improve cross-departmental collaboration, allowing agencies to manage approvals and campaign progress efficiently across various teams.
#ClientPortals #WorkflowAutomation #JobTracking #DocumentManagement
Skills: Portal development, secure document sharing, workflow integration
Technologies: SharePoint, SQL, HTML/CSS
Timesheet Tracking System
Created a cross-platform timesheet tracking system that streamlined time logging, resource allocation, and ERP integration, enhancing agency productivity and financial reporting accuracy. This system supported detailed job tracking and operational insights across advertising agencies, improving resource management with real-time data.
#TimeTracking #ERPIntegration #JobTracking #WorkflowOptimization
Skills: Workflow optimization, resource management, system architecture
Technologies: ASP.NET, SQL Server, Microsoft Dynamics
Briefing System Integration
Designed a metadata-driven briefing system to streamline client brief creation, tracking, and document management, integrating workflows to enhance cross-departmental coordination. This component, a part of AdAgent’s architecture, reinforced job tracking and client communication efficiency.
#BriefingSystem #MetadataManagement #WorkflowAutomation #JobTracking
Skills: Metadata integration, workflow automation, system architecture
Technologies: SharePoint, SQL Server, .NET
Business Intelligence Reporting for Media Owners
Built automated financial and expense reporting for media clients, providing real-time insights and comprehensive business intelligence. The system’s custom workflows and dynamic reporting capabilities supported data-driven strategic decisions, integrating seamlessly with financial systems for improved efficiency.
#FinancialAnalysis #BusinessIntelligence #DataReporting #WorkflowIntegration
Skills: Reporting automation, data visualization, system architecture
Technologies: DevExpress , QlikView, and Tableau, SQL, Excel
Formal Internships:
Struik Publishing & Grey Advertising
October 2004 – June 2005
Roles: Production Designer, Digital Designer, Multimedia Designer, Systems Designer
Summary: Completed as part of the University of Pretoria’s graduation requirement, this internship involved key contributions to both print and digital design projects. At Struik Publishing, focused on designing and managing print materials for book catalogs aimed at book dealers, proposing workflow automation for enhanced production efficiency and brand consistency. At Grey Advertising, developed an interactive, database-driven voting system for the ‘Heart of a Lion’ Awards, aimed at increasing employee engagement and facilitating streamlined voting and result tracking.
#PrintProduction #WorkflowOptimization #CatalogDesign #InteractiveDesign #DatabaseManagement #EmployeeEngagement
Projects:
Print Production for Data Sheets
Designed and produced layouts for book catalogs and marketing materials, facilitating engagement with book dealers. Oversaw quality control for book cover layouts and promotional data sheets to ensure branding consistency and efficient production turnaround.
#PrintProduction #MarketingTool #BrandingConsistency
•Skills: Print Design, Workflow Optimization, Branding Consistency, Quality Control
•Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite
Catalog Automation Proposal
Proposed automation for catalog production workflows to improve efficiency and reduce design turnaround, enhancing the consistency of book details presented to dealers.
#WorkflowAutomation #ProcessImprovement #CatalogDesign
•Skills: Workflow Automation Proposal, Process Improvement, Catalog Design
•Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite
Voting System for Grey Advertising’s ‘Heart of a Lion’ Awards
Developed an interactive voting system for internal awards, featuring dynamic storage and retrieval for results. Enhanced user engagement through an intuitive interface and interactive multimedia elements.
#InteractiveDesign #DatabaseManagement #UX
•Skills: Multimedia Development, Database Design, User Interaction
•Technologies: ASP, MySQL
Solutions Developer – early contract work
Information Technology Solutions (ITS) | 2000/01 – 2005/01
Roles: System Analyst, Solutions Designer
Designed and implemented customized solutions for major clients, focusing on system integration, time-tracking automation, and brand consistency. Responsibilities included full project cycles, from requirements analysis to deployment, with attention to data accuracy and efficiency.
#SystemDesign #SolutionsIntegration #TimeTracking
Key Projects:
Recursive Data Structures for Network Marketing Campaigns
Initially implemented SQL-based de-duplication and data-clearing processes. Later developed recursive data structures, for network marketing, enhancing the campaign targeting and segmentation. Organizing data hierarchically to support multi-level marketing structures at for Oligvy One, for client like HTH and Nestle, improving data accuracy and reach.
#NetworkMarketing #DataStructures #SQLOptimization #Targeting
Skills: Recursive data structuring, SQL optimization, hierarchical data management
Technologies: SQL, nested sub-datasheets, database management
Ogilvy Africa Extranet
Developed a regional extranet platform for brand management, streamlining resource access and promoting brand consistency across African offices.
#ExtranetDevelopment #BrandManagement #RegionalIntegration
•Skills: Extranet Design, Brand Resource Management
•Technologies: SharePoint, SQL
Timesheet System
Designed a time-tracking system to support accurate job billing and payroll integration, simplifying administrative workflows and improving accuracy. Initially at Ogilvy, then later at Grey.
#TimeTracking #FinancialIntegration #PayrollAutomation
•Skills: Time Tracking System Design, Workflow Automation
•Technologies: PHP, SQL, Microsoft Dynamics
Digital designer – early freelance career
Grey Advertising | 1996/01 – 2000/01
Contributed to digital transformations by introducing internet services, creating digital assets, and developing systems to support internal communication and client outreach. Produced digital banners, website designs, and animations for a range of clients, enhancing digital engagement across various platforms.
#DigitalAssetManagement #ClientOutreach #UXDesign
Projects:
Client Web Design for Grey Advertising
Designed and developed websites for key clients, such as ABSA Bank and Rand Merchant Bank, strengthening brand presence through responsive and user-centered design.
#ClientWebDesign #DigitalEngagement #ResponsiveDesign
•Skills: Web Design, Animation, Client Communication
•Technologies: HTML, Flash, FrontPage
Intranet Development and Digital Newsletter
Created a digital newsletter and intranet to centralize company news, enhance internal communications, and provide a central repository for company updates.
#IntranetDevelopment #InternalCommunications #ContentOrganization
•Skills: Intranet Design, Information Architecture, Content Management
•Technologies: HTML, Microsoft FrontPage, IIS
Internet Service Introduction for Grey Advertising
Rolled out internet services for over 400 users, setting up internal communication tools and integrating digital asset management solutions.
#NetworkSetup #DigitalAssetManagement #InternalCommunication
•Skills: Network Setup, Digital Resource Management
•Technologies: IIS, HTML, Digital Communication Tools
Academic Qualifications
University of Pretoria
ID BA (Hons) (Pret) | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Information Design | Distinction in Marketing | 2001 – 2005
National School of the Arts
Matriculation | High School Certificate | Distinction in Graphic Design | 1997 – 1999