About Mercy Corps

 Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. 

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004, working in rural, peri-urban and urban areas in five regional states - Somali, Oromia, Afar, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples, Amhara - and the capital city of Addis Ababa. We engage in both development and humanitarian work, and seek to integrate approaches, programs and geographies as much as possible.  Our partners include government, academic institutions, development and private sector actors, civil societies and communities. Mercy Corps Ethiopia invites motivated and qualified candidates to apply for the following vacant position.

 Position Title: ICT Specialist

 Location: Addis Ababa

 Number of Positions: One

 GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Purpose of ICT Specialist position is responsible to provide overall ICT strategic and technical leadership, supervision and technical coordination of management information systems for MC Ethiopia. S/he is responsible for the effective running of ICT systems including provision of basic day-to-day support on a regular basis to ensure that the ICT systems in the MC Ethiopia offices are functioning optimally. S/he is also responsible for the whole cycle of ICT system development including long range and strategic planning of the information technology system, and ensuring the Country Office has reliable and consistent access to the most up-to-date ICT systems within the operating context. The ICT Specialist position is responsible for continuous strategic analysis of ICT capacity within the country office and advising senior management on investment priorities and systems management to ensure effective and reliable access to ICT services on a day-to-day basis.  

The ICT Specialist proactively responsible also to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, printers, network connectivity problems and carrying out any required maintenance of applications (e.g. installing and testing different utilities, new peripherals, drivers and service packs).

 RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

 Job Responsibility #1:  Managing Mercy Corps Information and Communication Technology and Local Area Network.

• Read and understand the Mercy corps IT Systems Policy on appropriate use. Orient staff on appropriate use and monitor use activities to ensure adherence to these policies.
• Prepares policies and procedures, and provides leadership in implementation and follow-up of ICT (information Communication Technology) policies including all guidelines and procedures for the security of the overall system;
• Customize the ICT Disaster Recovery Plan template to suit Mercy Corps Ethiopia and apply it accordingly.
• Plans and directs all major Communications and IT systems projects within the organization;
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical problems, associated with computer hardware and software interrelationships/dependencies and ensure availability to system users;
• Maintain the office local-area network (LAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system and provide day-to-day onsite administrative support and periodic servicing of the network and all peripherals;
• Design and implement the Network Infrastructure, System backup and restore protocol. Regular automatic data backup should be maintained for all users in the office and servers. Offsite backup should be in safe placed and updated regularly
• Responsible use and confidentiality of any information identified as sensitive;
• Ensure and daily follow up the proper function of MC Ethiopia Servers and maintain as required;
• Follows up and manage network bottlenecks and resource optimization;
• Maintain and support the organization’s e-mail systems that can be accessed through LAN and Internet;
• Assist to successfully set up and implement the ICT architecture and be responsible for maintaining it in-line with the growing organizational needs;
• Downloads Mercy Corps recommended Antivirus software, update all servers, and dispatch to all network users updates on new IT enhancement and Viral Threats;
• Ensure IT security for all application systems to maintain integrity of information and minimize impact of security vulnerabilities and incident.
• The ICT Specialist provides technical expertise including training and routine support to end-users (both in head office and field offices) regarding optimal set-up of software, hardware and network use. S/he will be setting up basic configuration for network equipment (such as switches and router), and MC Ethiopia Servers, managing backup and disaster recovery, creating network share drives and managing access rights to maintain user's account and permissions.
• Install and test new hardware and software for the development ICT in MC Ethiopia;
• Develop technical specifications for procurement/contractual services, oversees technical evaluation of bids received, monitors the procurement process and manages contract services;
• Assists Procurement Unit in the quality assuring of procuring any IT related equipment;
• Maintains inventory of IT equipment and parts as well as documentation of vendor activities.

 Job Responsibility #2:  Computer Hardware, Software, LAN Maintenance and Support

• Install, assemble and configure computers, monitors, network infrastructures and other network peripherals such as printers, scanners and related hardware. Run network cables for new installation or old office renovations.
• Provides Network operational support for user’s to ensure availability of internet, Intranet, e-mail, security, virus protection, remote access, software distribution, file and print services;
• Manage and provide technical assistance on computer software, hardware and network  and all  critical applications such as  MS Office suite, messaging systems, and other special packages like HR management system, financial systems
• Ensure users having a  proper computer systems and LAN Utilization;
• Provide supports to users in all aspects of IT issues during different phases of ICT development and implementation;
• Ensure an efficient and effective communication information system implemented and adhered to deliver in a timely manner for all computer users;
• Provide first level support to all user’s regarding computer and Network related problems including but not limited to  Internet connection, managing user's account, e-mail access and Printer connections;
• Ensure proper user profile creation of all computers at Head Office and Field Offices based on MC Ethiopia’s ICT Policy for local network and Internet access;
• Maintain all  users computers with up-to-date anti-virus and security protection systems;
• Performs routine preventive maintenance to all IT equipment in Head Office and Field Offices;
•  

Job Responsibility #3:  Manage Field Offices ICT issue and provide Support to all offices .

• Travelling to Field Office in regular bases and providing IT supports as required;
• Install, configure, and maintain network services, IT equipment and network devices for all Field Offices;
• Maintain regular data backup of field offices and save it in the central server located in the Head office Addis Ababa;
• Provide an orientation and training for the IT focal persons at field office on the area of computer systems usage and troubleshooting;
• Closely working with the IT focal personnel’s and follow-up on the information access of users at Field Offices to local system, Head Office system, and Internet resources;
• Finding a solution and initiatives to improve the connectivity issue of Field Offices to the Head Office through Internet, remote access, VPN or any available technology.
• Manage Mercy Corps Login Management such as creating email address, MC Credentials and access to all digital resources,
• Assist Finance Team on Citrix Navigator user and provide support whenever needed.

 Job Responsibility #4:  Update Staff on Information Technology Development

• Conduct staff training on computer basics and the use of MS Office applications and networking. Assist, as needed, with developing databases or other windows application needs for program and operational staff;
• Prepare materials and provide training to technical staff at HO and FO level on basic skills of computer systems and network related procedures;
• Prepare technical and user documentation for entire systems and interdependent applications, prepare training materials and detailed technical presentations.
• Update a training materials for IT focal persons and assist them on troubleshooting computer hardware, software and network related problems;
• Recommends on implementation of new advancements in IT;
• Provide training and orientation on the use of Mercy Corps Digital Resources such as Digital Library, the HUB, Connect, Talent Management and etc.

Job Responsibility #5:  Learning

• Keeps up to date with developments in the ICT sector, including best practice such as in-country and internationally, and ensure ongoing personal development and learning;
• Ensures the communication of ICT application within the organization, with partners and other stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 5 - 7 years of relevant work experience in information technology system (IT); a relevant university degree in computer sciences or IT is desirable; Experience in both hardware and software requirements in local area networking (LAN) & Wide Area Network (WAN); experience in the configuration of internal email system as per the local area networking (LAN); Exclusive knowledge of Internet, Proxy, POP Mail, and TCPIP settings, Linux and windows applications. Experience for upright maintenance of all internet account, Logins and account status; Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, Meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required. Ability to troubleshoot, plan and design low maintenance systems is a must. Ability to trouble-shoot and maintain both wireless and cable connections is required. Must understand, follow and implement existing policies on IT equipment use and best practices.

Skills and Abilities:

·  Strong analytical skills, and demonstrated ability to stay abreast of the latest information technologies with a great degree of autonomy

·  Advanced knowledge and troubleshooting of various Windows Servers and other Servers

·  Should be familiar with windows Server 2008 and 2012 Network, MS Office 2010 and other Proficiency in Computer applications.

·  Ability to work as a team with the co-workers;

·  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

·  Ability to think logically and analytically in problem solving environments..

·  Ability to travel up to 50%.