Abdul Rafay Arif

• Followed procedures defined by run logs and monitoring systems.
• Evaluated emerging technologies and industry trends to inform data center strategy and maintain competitive edge.
• Maintained records of daily communication transactions, problems, and remedial actions installations.
• Managed data backups for seamless disaster recovery and business continuity efforts.
• Established best practices for server configuration management to ensure consistency across all deployed systems.
• Collaborated closely with network engineers on designing and implementing robust network infrastructures within the data center environment.
• Provided exceptional customer support to both internal employees and external clients experiencing technical issues or requiring assistance with data center services.
• Maintained accurate inventory records for all hardware components within the data center, enabling efficient resource allocation during maintenance or upgrades.
• Optimized server performance by conducting regular audits and adjusting settings as necessary.
• Notified and facilitated communication with designated personnel in event of hardware, operating system or software failure.
• Reduced downtime through proactive maintenance and timely hardware upgrades.
• Overseeing PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) operations for the Ministry of Interior, Qatar.
• Managing physical infrastructure of the Ministry of Interior, Qatar PKI data center, coordinating changes with IT, production, and facilities teams to minimize disruption of processing systems.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting 1850+ node infrastructure, addressing hardware failures, server degradation, environmental factors (power & HVAC), operating system and disk space usage, and software monitoring of all application services.
• Collaborating with PKI Operations Team, comprising Tier 1-3 Help Desk engineers, for seamless support.
• Designing and managing new PKI upgrades in conjunction with professional solution architects for the Ministry of Interior, Qatar.
• Providing on-site training and advice as a Professional Services Consultant for PKI products, including deployment, problem identification, troubleshooting, system recovery, and upgrades.
• Collaborating with the application team to enhance PKI products, conduct bug reviews, rectification, and fix verification based on stakeholder feedback.
• Offering 24/7 live support via voice/email and support portal using ITSM MOI Service Desk.
• Ensuring verification of documentation for Important artifacts such as release notes, user manuals, read me, installation guide, and upgrade guide.
• Supporting Qatar's Certificate Authority (CA), responsible for generating public and private keys to encode and encrypt data on Qatar Smart ID Cards and LDAP.
• Managing, supporting, and troubleshooting network HSMs (Hardware Security Modules) such as nCipher and Luna in the data center.
• Overseeing Qatar's National Time Stamping and WEBRA Servers.
• Providing consultation to other public entities for integrating with QPKI Infrastructure to issue certificates
• Managed vendor relationships for equipment procurement, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or performance standards. Vendors: LG Iris ID, NEC, Entrust, Ernst & Young (EY), Huawei, AOptix, Assuretec/3M, Bundesdruckerei, Gemalto, L1 Identity, CrossMatch, Sagem, IDEMIA, HID, Delarue, Orbis, Toppan, Vision-Box, Ascertia, IBM, Athena, Microsoft, ATOS, and Milestone.

• Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
• Improved overall efficiency of biometrics operations through regular maintenance of equipment and software updates.
• Regularly updated knowledge on emerging trends in biometrics technology, advocating for necessary upgrades when appropriate.
• Facilitated communication between office staff and field personnel, ensuring seamless coordination in daily operations.
• Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot technical issues, resulting in minimal downtime and the continuous provision of services.
• Streamlined processes for hardware installations, upgrades, and decommissioning to minimize service disruptions at Hamad International Airport's data center.
• Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into existing infrastructure enhancing overall system performance.
• Monitored incoming data analytics requests and distributed results to support biometric strategies.
• Reduced downtime for critical systems by designing and implementing comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plans.
• Responsible for overseeing and designing the national exit/entry system for biometric security at Hamad International Airport, Seaports, and Abu Samra land port, utilizing Iris, Fingerprint, and Facial recognition technologies.
• Served as a member of Qatar's National Electronic Gate border security committee, focusing on enhancing security measures.
• Managing the national electronic border control system, including server-side deployments, troubleshooting, and support for the State of Qatar.
• Participated as a member of Qatar's Biometric Evaluation Facial Committee, involved in evaluating and recommending new biometric devices and technologies.
• Managing and supporting the Iris Attendance System, a centralized system collecting data from over 700 integrated devices across Qatar.
• Enhancing and maintaining biometric enrollment applications and e-Gate enrollment at Hamad International Airport for citizens, Residents, and Visitors of Qatar.
• Developed Iris Enrollment and Recognition to integrate with the existing Biometric Engine for Lost Identity personnel.
• Managing the Government encrypted file transfer protocol system, facilitating secure data exchange with 48 external entities, including the Telecom sector, Banks, Ministries, Hospitals, Education Council, and Qatar Tourism Authorities.
• Managing biometric facial identification integrated with CCTV cameras across the State of Qatar.
• Oversaw the integration of Interpol biometric data with the National Biometric Engine.

• Accelerated project timelines with efficient time management skills and clear communication of progress updates to stakeholders.
• Ensured security compliance by conducting thorough code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and implementing proactive measures against potential threats.
• Contributed to product innovation through active participation in brainstorming sessions, design sprints, and prototype development activities.
• Improved system efficiency by identifying and resolving software defects through rigorous testing and debugging processes.
• Developed high-quality software solutions with a focus on reliability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Increased client satisfaction by delivering customized solutions tailored to their unique business needs with attention to detail in functionality and aesthetics.
• Collaborated with vendors to define solution requirements.
• Integrated third-party tools and components into applications.
• Provided 2nd and 3rd-level technical support and troubleshooting to internal and external clients.
• Participated in system development life cycle from requirements analysis through system implementation.
• Reduced downtime by quickly diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and network issues.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new systems and technologies.
• Installed and configured operating systems and applications.
• Collaborated with vendors to locate replacement components and resolve advanced problems.
• Generated reports to track performance and analyze trends.

Projects

Bio-metric Enrollment - Hamad International Airport (HIA)

Developed Biometric Enrollment Application for HIA, enhancing accessibility to complimentary E-Gate services for Qatar's citizens and residents.

Smart Card Printing - General Border and Expatriate Department

Provided technical support for printing Qatari ID Smart Cards, involving contact chip development.

Iris Identification

Developed and deployed Iris Identification System for Hamad International Airport and CID Department.

Biometric Enrollment Suitcase Application

Designed and developed Biometric Enrollment Suite catering to Qatar’s royal families and handicapped individuals.

• Accelerated project timelines with efficient time management skills and clear communication of progress updates to stakeholders.
• Ensured security compliance by conducting thorough code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and implementing proactive measures against potential threats.
• Reduced maintenance efforts by developing reusable code libraries, frameworks, and documentation for future reference across multiple projects.
• Worked with software development and testing team members to design and develop robust solutions to meet client requirements for functionality, scalability, and performance.
• Consistently met project deadlines by effectively managing time and prioritizing tasks according to importance.
• Developed scalable and maintainable code, ensuring long-term stability of the software.
• Simplified troubleshooting processes by creating detailed documentation for system configurations, procedures, and best practices.
• Reduced downtime by proactively identifying and resolving potential issues through thorough system monitoring.
• Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues.
• Troubleshot and diagnosed problems to accurately resolve wide range of technical issues.
• Developed comprehensive documentation for support processes, enabling faster issue resolution for team members.
• Monitored systems in operation and quickly troubleshot errors.
• Walked individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.