About Lifewater

Lifewater is a Christian water development organization dedicated to effectively serving children and families by partnering with underserved communities to overcome water poverty. Lifewater International serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Lifewater International seeks to recruit qualified persons to fill the vacant position of IT Manager, Africa.

Position Overview and purpose

The IT Manager, Africa leads the technology and data collection processes for Lifewater programs operating in Africa. Operating with a deep understanding of how the organization functions, the IT Manager, Africa collaborates cross-departmentally to provide technology support solutions, manage program data submissions, oversee the program data management process, and manage related project plans. The IT Manager, Africa focuses on the following areas:

Essential Responsibilities

Technology Support

• Responsible for the general and preventative maintenance and upkeep of all in-country technology (phones, computers and other tech devices)
• Ensure orientation and guidance is provided to users on how to operate new software and computer equipment
• Install and configure appropriate software and functions according to specifications
• Work with internal and external partners in-country and in the U.S. to troubleshoot and support software and hardware needs in office and rural locations
• Organize and schedule upgrades and maintenance without deterring others from completing their work
• Develop and maintain local networks in ways that optimize performance
• Responsible for providing capacity-building training for all field staff in any of the programs that Lifewater uses
• Work with local technology groups to create an effective process for technology procurement

Data Management

• Responsible for field survey updates, form management, and form submissions
• Ensure program data integrity throughout submission and review process by putting effective review processes in place
• Troubleshoot data collection problems and manage issues to resolution
• Manage the collection and distribution of data and information, make recommendations for efficiencies and improvements in these areas
• Consult with leadership and partners to evaluate needs, current problems, and effective solutions with the end user in mind 
• Work with Head of Program Implementation and U.S. technology team to manage data and technical plans, budgets, procurement plans, and scopes for technology-related projects

Training & Capacity Building

• Training and capacity building of field staff in IT related areas of need including basic IT troubleshooting skills

Managers Position: Director of IT

Position Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with regular travel to program areas both local & in Tanzania and Uganda)

Supervises: N/A

Local Alignment: Head of Program Implementation

Date: TBA

Team: Operations

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Proficient in speaking English
• Demonstrated experience and comfort in cross cultural communication
• A bachelor's degree in computer science, business information systems, systems or network administration, or a general degree with equivalent technical experience
• At least 5 years’ experience in IT, technology maintenance, helpdesk technician or related field
• At least 1 year of experience in data collection maintenance and management
• Proficient in managing both a technology team and also do hands-on technical work
• Excellent diagnostic and problem solving skills
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time to rural locations as and when required
• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and repair, configuring software, installing upgrades and tracking resources
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to analyze issues and clearly explain solutions to non-technical coworkers
• Experience providing safety and security of technology in their possession
• Hands-on experience in supporting remote teams in different multinational locations
• Hands –on experience in building capacity to remotely located teams and individuals
• Ability to effectively communicate information and respond appropriately to questions from Country Management Teams, field and HQ teams.

Personal Skills:

• Commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of Lifewater International
• Honest and dependable in all areas including finances

Willing to travel. 

• Lifewater villages are in remote, rural areas. Applicants must be willing and able to travel significant distances on dirt roads to reach project areas. They must be willing to travel on foot or by motorcycle at times. Applicants must also be able and willing to travel within the region and internationally as required.

Well organized

• Fieldwork comes with its challenges, including changing plans and last-minute needs. The person should be willing and able to adjust his or her schedule as is necessary. They should be capable of solving problems, taking feedback, meeting deadlines, and communicating well with others. 

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements should send their CV, application letter and copies of transcripts, academic degrees, and relevant trainings within 10 consecutive days to ethiopia@lifewater.org