IT Specialist at The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)

Overall Job Purpose
The overall purpose of the role is to identify and implement technology IT infrastructure and
solutions to support the AERC operations. The incumbent is expected to oversee and maintain all
IT systems both on site and remotely. The role serves as the liaison to the organization and
identifies, communicates findings, and makes recommendations on all IT related matters.

Duties & Responsibilities
Information Technology Management

• Design and implement a comprehensive and sustainable IT Strategy which is in line with
• the AERC’s overall strategic objectives and mandate.
• Create and manage a strong IT infrastructure, cloud infrastructure, connectivity solutions
• and a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Accountable for delivery, business continuity, information security, risk management and
• effective support of the IT infrastructure and systems.
• Take the lead in IT client business relationship management for all internal and external
• stakeholders of AERC, including staff, researchers, students, workshop participants,
• committee members and industry regulators, etc.
• Develop, deploy, and maintain appropriate business applications that support critical
• business processes to facilitate operations and decision making such as MS Navision or
• custom-made systems like Learning Management System, Research Management
• System, etc.
• Develop, deploy, and maintain performance monitoring and reporting systems that
• provide management and technical reports for decision making and operational support.
• Management of IT service providers and vendors.
• Continuously research on IT innovations and provide business improvement
• opportunities for the various functions.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualification and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems Management, or any other related field.
• Professional certification such as CISM or equivalent would be an added advantage.
• Professional certification in Business Management, Project Management or related fields
• would be an added advantage.
• At least 6 – 7 years relevant experience.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Expert knowledge of IT Best Practices, policies, and regulations (E.g., NIST
• Framework).
• In depth understanding of programming and cybersecurity.
• Excellent knowledge of technical management, business process analysis and computer
• hardware/software systems.
• Expertise in data center management and data governance.
• Clear understanding of client/ server technology and network architecture.
• Excellent knowledge in cloud environments, systems integration and architecture.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills – ability to communicate complex information in
• simple and concise language.
• Good leadership and conflict management skills.
• Good customer service skills.
• A team player with the ability to work in an international and multicultural setting.
• Strong attention to details.
• Good project management skills including organizational planning, time management
• and priority setting.

AERC offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.