Curriculum Vitae – Carlos M. Saraiva

Solutions Architect | UX Designer | Data Analyst 


📍 Johannesburg, South Africa | 🌐 carlos-saraiva.com
📞 +27 731 604 389 | 📧 business@carlos-saraiva.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlos-m-saraiva


Professional Summary
Senior Solutions Architect and UX/UI Designer with over 20 years of expertise in systems architecture, data management, and user-centered UX design. Carlos has led complex projects from inception through deployment, ensuring data security, compliance, and optimization for global clients in sectors including advertising, child welfare, and education. Proficient in platforms such as Salesforce, Power BI, SharePoint, and custom M&E systems, he brings a results-oriented approach to building scalable, integrated solutions that meet business objectives and user needs.

#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.

#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

Developed a comprehensive M&E system to support Care Reform initiatives, integrating Power BI dashboards to enable real-time performance tracking and 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


UX / System Design Contractor

January 2018 – November 2021

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.

Key Skills: User-Centered Design, Platform Security, Content Management

Technologies: WordPress, PHP, CMS tools

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


Freelance Web Developer / UX Designer

Self-Employed | July 2015 – January 2018

Roles: Web Developer, UX Designer, Digital Architect

Built custom websites and systems for industries such as safety management, education, and e-commerce, with a focus on user-centric design and efficient data management. #WebDevelopment #UXDesign #ContentArchitecture

Responsibilities:

•Delivered custom web solutions optimized for UX and data flow.

•Streamlined content architecture for navigation and user engagement.

•Developed data-driven platforms tailored to industry needs.

Key Skills: Custom Web Development, Content Architecture, Data Management

Technologies: WordPress, HTML, CSS

Notable Projects

Online Community for Authors and Publishers

Developed a membership-based platform featuring forums and promotional tools for authors and publishers.

#CommunityBuilding #MembershipPlatform #UXDesign

Skills: Community Development, UX Design, Content Sharing

Technologies: WordPress, Membership Plugins

Coaching & Marketing Platforms for Client Engagement

Built interactive platforms for a coaching service and wedding venue, with integrated booking, SEO, and user-focused features. The coaching platform included quizzes and personalized learning paths, while the wedding venue platform featured booking integration and SEO to boost visibility. Enhanced brand presence and social media reach for each project.

#UserEngagement #BookingSystem #BrandPromotion #SEO #SocialMediaPresence

Skills: UX design, content strategy, booking management, brand identity promotion

Technologies: 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

#ContentDrivenPlatform #MembershipManagement #WorkflowOptimization

Skills: UX Design, Workflow Optimization, Membership Management

Technologies: WordPress, PHP


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


Freelance/Contract System Analyst

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


Junior Designer / Technician

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




EDUCATIONEDUCATIONEDUCATIONEDUCATION

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

 


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#SolutionsArchitect | #UXDesign | #DataAnalyst | #SystemsIntegration | #DataManagement