Systems Administrator/Analyst at World Vision Kenya

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Systems Analyst III role supports one or more highly complex or critical business processes/systems and may require design or integration of technical solutions that may cross multiple functions of the business. They serve as a Project team member for projects large in scope and high complexity. Projects may be enterprise wide. Individuals in the Systems Analysis job family are responsible for planning, developing and implementing IT system solutions that improve business efficiency and productivity as well as support business strategies and goals. They identify and communicate business needs and translate business requirements into technical system requirements and functional specifications. Systems Analysts determine if internal or external solutions exist or whether new solutions are feasible. They map process flows and must determine if these solutions impact existing work processes and systems as well as ensure proper integration, testing, and system/user documentation. They are also responsible for providing input surrounding “buy vs. build” decisions for possible IT system solutions.

Systems Analysts must have a working knowledge of the business area that they support and a strong understanding of the customer’s overall IT architecture is also required in order to understand the issues and implications of proposed system and hardware solutions.

Systems Analysts must be innovative in identifying, proposing, prototyping, and overseeing the execution of IT system solutions. They require strong analytical, technical and communication technical skills. They must be able to build collaborative relationships and negotiate requirements across multiple groups.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning:

1. Participates in business short-term and long-term planning sessions to ensure understanding of business goals, direction and business requirements.
2. Provides input from an IT systems perspective.
3. Develops cost estimates for the planning of new systems/ enhancements for assigned systems.

Liaison:

1. Serves as a liaison between business partners and the IT organization and vendors in coordination with project managers to provide technical solutions that address user needs.

Technical Requirements/Technical Specifications:

1. Translates business requirements into technical requirements.
2. Makes recommendations for modifications or technical solution to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
3. Formulates and defines system scope and objective based on user needs and understanding of business processes.
4. Develops, writes, and communicates systems design, functional system specifications and functional architecture analysis.
5. Ensures completeness of technical requirements and functional architecture analysis for the design and implementation of system business solutions.
6. Identifies gaps or issues.

System Improvements:

1. May provide technical guidance on the business impact and opportunities.
2. Understands and analyzes customer’s systems to understand strengths and weaknesses for the identification of opportunities for improvements.

Testing:

1. Reviews test plans and monitors testing process to ensure that business results are adequately tested with minimal risk.
2. May develop user and/or system test cases and validates test results during testing.
3. Analyzes testing results to ensure the solution meets the needs of the business.
4. Facilitates issue resolution.

Documentation:

1. Documents system modifications.
2. Develops system manuals.
3. Develops system training materials.
4. Develops system enhancement communication.

Problem Solving:

1. Investigates problems and develops recommendations for resolution.
2. Gathers data to support recommendations to address problems with appropriate contingency plans.
3. Provides technical expertise to resolve issues.

Customer Satisfaction:

1. May work closely with developers and end users to ensure technical compatibility and user satisfaction.

Business Case:

1. Conducts feasibility studies and drafts proposals for evaluation by appropriate users and managers.
2. May develop business cases.
3. Provides input into expenditures based on the size, scope, and cost of hardware and software components.

Research/Technical Evaluation:

1. Keeps abreast of new and emerging technologies.
2. May participate in the evaluation, selection and application of new and emerging tools and techniques.
3. Analyzes technology trends to determine impact to the achievement of business goals.
4. Identifies issues and makes recommendations based on impact of new /emerging technology or modifications to existing systems.

Service Level Agreements:

1. Provides input for the development of SLAs and/or selection of vendors.
2. Evaluates performance against SLAs and recommends changes for improvement.
3. Develops forecasts for services required from vendors.
4. Evaluates vendor performance against SLAs.
5. Ensures SLAs are achieved.

Coaching/Mentoring:

1. Directs team members and fosters a team environment.
2. Coaches less experienced team members.
3. May provide performance feedback.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or other related field. Or equivalent work experience.
2. Requires excellent analytical, technical, interpersonal and communication skills.
3. Requires in-depth knowledge of business operations, systems requirements and IT processes.
4. Typically requires 5-7 years of relevant technical and work experience.
5. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, as necessary.
6. Successful candidate should have experience and knowledge with Service Management Automation X (SMAX) and /or other IT Service Management platforms preferred.
7. Experience managing Enterprise Application is required.
8. Effective in written and verbal communication in English.