IRENE KIVALU
Dar es Salaam
Summary
Results-driven Fintech professional with expertise in digital products, core banking systems, and API integrations within the Tanzanian market. Managed product lifecycles from analysis and design to integration and market launch, ensuring effective portfolio performance monitoring and stakeholder reporting. MBA candidate in IT Management, enhancing strategic and analytical skills for digital product leadership.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Business Analyst
EQUITY BANK
Dar es Salaam
06.2025 - Current
- Gather, analyze, and document business requirements (BRDs, user stories, functional specifications)
- Translate business requirements into system solutions aligned with SDLC and change management processes
- Support system integrations (APIs - REST/SOAP) between digital platforms and third-party services
- Coordinate and execute User Acceptance Testing (UAT), functional testing, and regression testing
- Collaborate with developers, vendors, and stakeholders to resolve system defects and integration issues
- Perform gap analysis and recommend enhancements to core banking and digital systems
- Provide second-level application support, troubleshooting system and interface-related issues
Digital Products Implementation And Support Officer
Exim Bank Tanzania
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Oversaw creation and implementation of new digital banking solutions, improving service offerings and user experience.
- Supervised daily operations across multiple digital banking channels, driving innovations and enhancements.
- Engaged stakeholders throughout product design, development, and delivery processes, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
- Led marketing strategies for launching digital banking solutions, maximizing user engagement and support.
- Trained users and branches on effective system utilization, increasing adoption and satisfaction with digital banking services.
- Collaborated with vendors for efficient delivery while managing access to organizational systems.
- Ensured digital banking products met specified requirements through rigorous verification and comprehensive testing of all aspects.
- Conducted functional and non-functional testing to meet business needs and expected ROI.
Content Copywriter & Project Manager
Essence Creative Agency
09.2022 - 10.2023
- Developed engaging content for blogs, websites, newsletters, and social media while executing SEO strategies.
- Communicated with clients to understand needs and formulate project strategies.
- Oversaw project management, ensuring timely delivery and maximizing client satisfaction.
- Analyzed digital markets to identify trends, enhancing social media account management.
- Generated leads through targeted digital marketing campaigns, contributing to overall sales growth.
Education
Master Of Business Administration - IT
School of Informatics | Institute Of Accountancy
Arusha12-2026
Bachelor Of Commerce - Information Systems Management
The University Of Dodoma (UDOM)
Dodoma, Tanzania12-2022
Skills
- Business analysis
- Requirements Gathering
- Stakeholder Engagement
- UAT testing
- Process improvement
- Core Banking & Digital Systems
- SDLC & Agile Methodologies
- System Integration (APIs - REST/SOAP)
- Data Analysis
- Data Visualization
Certification
- Leadership & Team Management, International Business Management Institute, Berlin, Germany, 01/01/24
- Digital Transformation, International Business Management Institute, Berlin, Germany, 01/01/24
- TIPS Operations Training, BOT Academy, Arusha, Tanzania, 01/01/24
- Scrum Master Training, LearnQuest, Coursera, 01/01/25
Hobbies and Interests
- Public Speaking
- Writing
- Networking and Events
- Training
- Reading
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Swahili, Fluent
Timeline
IT Business Analyst
EQUITY BANK
06.2025 - Current
Digital Products Implementation And Support Officer
Exim Bank Tanzania
10.2023 - 05.2025
Content Copywriter & Project Manager
Essence Creative Agency
09.2022 - 10.2023
Master Of Business Administration - IT
School of Informatics | Institute Of Accountancy
Bachelor Of Commerce - Information Systems Management
The University Of Dodoma (UDOM)