Somalia / Somaliland Programme IT Officer

Introduction

Save the Children is the world's largest independent organization, making immediate and long-lasting improvements to children's lives in over 120 countries worldwide.

Save the Children is made up of 27 member organizations across the globe. Through Unified Presence, Save the Children aims to create a stronger voice for children by unifying the operations in all countries where more than one Save the Children Member organizations operates.

This will result in one organization at the national level in each country and a unified programme delivery structure for all Save the Children Alliance Members.

Save the Children has a long history of engagement in Somalia and has been working in Somalia and Somaliland for the past 40 years. Save the Children has a unified presence in Somalia and Somaliland since January 2010 and is working in the thematic areas of education (including skills training for youth), child survival (health, nutrition & livelihood), protection and emergency responses.

Currently, Save the children have operations in Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia.

Job Purpose

• Effective IT & Communications support is essential in meeting Save the Children’s mission through enhancing efficiency, improving knowledge management, internal and external communication and information sharing.
• IT & Communications infrastructure management, Communication link, Databases and Financial systems are reliant on IT support and expertise for the country programme.
• IT Officer is responsible for operations, management & improvement of IT systems and equipments for Save the Children Somalia/Somaliland Programme office in Nairobi.

Key Accountabilities

The IT Officer will be responsible for the setting up, implementation and monitoring of all IT systems and equipments for the Nairobi Office of Somalia/Somaliland Programme.

S/he will be responsible for setting up systems to secure electronic data and communications.

Specific duties however, would include:

Software:

• Installation & configuration of necessary software and ensure consistent usage throughout the office/s.
• Ensure that all softwares in use are appropriate and in keeping with Save the Children guidelines, global IT Policy and meet the requirements of the programme.
• Develop plan and ensure Network Security by using appropriate tools like Firewall, Anti-Virus/ Anti-Spam, Internet Bandwidth management.
• Protect the programme’s data and computers from viruses and external threats.
• Provide technical support to different teams and field offices to develop and implement appropriate plans for promoting use of IT, including internet/intranet based applications.
• Manage the servers and ensure that data is securely organized and relevant data is accessible to staff.
• Create central e-filing system.
• Implement a system for backing up data from all computers routinely and ensure that backed up data is secure at all times.

Hardware

• Be responsible for and maintaining an inventory of IT infrastructure in relation to all IT Assets (Computers, Laptops, Printers, Digital Camera, LCD, Switch, UPS, Routers, Software Licenses copies etc).
• Undertake routine and regular maintenance of computers and accessories and ensure that all computers, printers and other accessories in Nairobi office are in good working condition, at all times.
• Ensure that adequate measures are made to protect equipment from power surges or similar threats.
• Liaise with service providers and HQ/Regional IT teams for maintenance support, as and when necessary.

Email, LAN & Internet

• Manage servers, which include Server for LAN, SQL Server for Database, and Mail Server for Email Management.
• Develop and implement policy for data back up and recovery across all offices.
• Take necessary steps to protect internal communication and data from unauthorized dissemination or access.
• Set up an effective email/electronic data transfer system between all provincial offices and provide training to staff in those locations on the use of software and equipment.
• Monitor the use of bandwidth and ensure that VSAT/VNO system is secure and functioning effectively.
• Liaise with service providers/Nairobi/London HQ on issues of connectivity and support.

General

• Provide orientation/training to staff on how to use and operate IT equipments effectively.
• Support logistics team to ensure quality purchases of ICT equipments.
• Provide support in updating records and inventories of IT equipments.
• Liaise with concerned govt. department/ministries on issues of licensing, renewal of licenses, VSAT etc.
• Maintain record of all licenses and keep documents updated.
• Comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to child protection, health & safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies.
• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects Save the Children’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Child Protection Policy.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties requested by the line manager, where those do not go against the policy of the organisation.

Person Specification

• Degree in ICT related field with at least three years experience in designing and administering IT systems.
• Expertise in installing and managing Exchange 2003.
• In-depth knowledge on Windows 2003/2000 /NT Server & Sql Server 2000.
• Good Knowledge on Anti-Virus /Anti-Spam, Internet Bandwidth, Firewall Management & Network Security Management.
• Good hardware maintenance skills including VSAT/VNO systems.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work and ability to work well under pressure.
• Good interpersonal, communication and learning skills.
• Excellent work ethics and integrity.
• Respect of all members’ rights, including demonstrating gender awareness, and contributing to making the Save the Children’s work environment a safe and enabling environment for all employees, men and women and for all children who are in contact with Save the Children.

Desirable:

• Internet site design and update experience
• CCNA certification

Working Contacts

External

The job holder may require having direct contact HQ and Regional IT team members & with suppliers of ICT based service providers in compliance with various ICT requirements by different stakeholders.

Internal

The job requires the job holder to have direct relationship with all staff and management at all levels in ensuring the organizational policies and procedures on ICT are adhered to.

Code of Conduct

Because Save the Children's work is based on deeply held values and principles, it is essential that our commitment to children's rights and humanitarian principles is supported and demonstrated by all members of staff.

Save the Children's Code of Conduct sets out the standards which all staff members must adhere to.

Applications should be forwarded to: jobssomalia@scuk.or.ke

This position is only open to Kenyan nationals.

Only short listed individuals will be notified.

Application Closing Date: 23rd September 2011, 1500hrs