Senior IT Officer at Africa Youth Growth Foundation

Job Description
This section ensures that the efficiency and effectiveness of AYGF’s operations is enhanced through the strategic use of information technology. The Information Technology section performs these core functions:

• Introduces and maintains computerized information systems to process data efficiently to produce useful and timely information
• Provides the appropriate hardware, software, networking and communications infrastructure for automation
• Provides the highest level of data security, confidentiality and integrity
• Ensures a safe and reliable computing environment
• Provides a high degree of availability and recovery of its systems

Job Purpose

• The Senior Information Technology Officer is responsible for maintaining computer hardware, software and networks.
• The incumbent provides technical support through monitoring and maintenance of computer systems and networks of the organization.
• The successful candidate will Lead the IT department to install and configure computer systems, diagnose hardware/software fault and solve technical and applications problems in the office and in the field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Maintenance of IT infrastructure:

• Provide first line software support to staff, including troubleshooting all software problems
• Install new PC and other hardware equipment according to the different AYGF standards
• Maintenance of the local area network and the NT server. Ensure the reliability of the local e-mail and Internet systems in the office, with aim of optimal performance of the network infrastructure
• Lead the management of network according to minimum standards, including: taking regular backups of all local data, ensuring that the virus protection software is installed on all machines & updated regularly, upgrading and installing new versions of software on the server and the workstations in the office.
• Maintenance of all computer systems in the office, assessment of requirements on purchase of hardware/software for the office.
• Provides first level hardware maintenance & upgrades.
• Keeps an up to date inventory of all IT equipment both software and hardware in coordination with the IT Manager.
• Collation of IT requirements for periodic IT budgeting costs
• Support a system that will capture regular support issue for the purpose of generating management information required for performance improvement
• Ensure that the IT infrastructure is supported by stable power connectivity in the offices
• Carry out hands-on routine maintenance and servicing of computers
• Delivery of client Microsoft Outlook setup and troubleshooting outlook issues and webmail access.
• Management of delivery of critical Microsoft Windows (Client) operating system patch and updates.
• Prepare monthly progress report detailing achievements, challenges and plans of action for the future and send to supervisor / IT Manager.
• Maintain an up to date network Data and Telephone patching of users and a network schema
• Maintenance of optimal performance of VSAT equipment and Microwave assembly with active monitoring of active link to achieve throughput and QoS.
• Ensure efficiency in delivery of Wireless networks (Wifi, Point to Point wireless connections)
• Develop, Design and Update AYGF’s website.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Information Communication Technology Officer.

Telephones:

• Support implementation of cost-effective technologies like Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and Video Conference in line with corporate strategy
• Generates a regular report for management on use of telephones and other communication equipment

IT Supplier Support:

• Support management of IT Service level agreements / contracts plus input on technical issues
• Ensures that phone/data bills are received, and payment processed on time

Capacity Building and Self Development:

• Support training of staff and induct new staff on AYGF’s computer systems.
• Develops self, and maintains knowledge of AYGF ICT Policy, Systems and Processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Sciences, or a related field; Experience in information technology operation is compulsory
• Minimum five years relevant experience working with an international NGO
• Thorough knowledge of advanced concepts and basic operating principles of data communications and information systems hardware and software.
• Knowledge of data processing and data communications concepts and services.
• Thorough knowledge of the operational and technical problems involved in the administration of a specialized program.
• Be familiar with all hardware/ software and network operating system
• Proficiency in WordPress framework
• Ability to gather and analyze facts, draw conclusions, define problems, and suggest solutions.
• Ability to adapt, integrate, and modify existing programs or vendor-supplied packaged programs for use with existing information systems.
• Ability to use programming procedures and techniques in the implementation of computer programs.
• Ability to conduct training and informational sessions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.