Jobs at Evidence Action

Job purpose

Primary responsibility is to provide leadership and project management and 2nd level technical support to the organization’s employees and teams. This position is responsible for managing new and existing IT projects, IT systems and applications in the Africa Region by promptly responding to user requests and coming up with new suggestions that improve on existing systems. This position will work closely with the global IT team in escalating requirements and priorities of the region and cascading global requirements and priorities throughout the region. Some examples include system and hardware security, IT governance activities, policy requirements. Technical skills in IT, Communication skills and a flexible approach to problem solving are essential to this role and the varied challenges each day.

The Manager, Information Technology is expected to work collaboratively to identify, evaluate, and recommend solutions to department needs, engage and manage IT in the sub-region. The Manager, Information Technology with support from the Global IT team will oversee and support as needed in the administration of institutional systems. The Manager, Information Technology will lead on all sub-regional technical projects, with direction from the Africa regional team and the global IT team.

Duties and responsibilities

Internet and Software Management

• Provide leadership in all technical reviews of different softwares available and advise the organization and departments on the appropriate software(s)/systems to purchase or use in consultation with global IT.
• Be the custodian of organization software and licenses for the organization.
• Provide guidance to country IT capacity in the installation and configuration of all local area data communications networks which may carry data, voice and video communications following organization standards.
• Ensure that installation of hardware and software’s is as per user requirements and company IT policy guidelines.

Hardware management

• Provide leadership to country IT teams in offering technical support to country procurement units on all IT related procurement needs e.g. laptops, CCTV cameras, printers, desktop, projectors, monitors etc.
• Develop sub-regional SOPs and best practices in care and management of assigned IT equipment including but not limited to: user roles and responsibilities; country-level hardware procurement, provisioning, and deployment procedures; hardware disposal procedures.
• Provide leadership in ensuring all user IT needs including country level hardware procurement, provisioning, and deployment procedures; hardware disposal procedures, etc. are met and on a timely and efficient manner by the country IT teams.
• Provide guidance in the technical support and problem resolution for hosted applications, computers, printers, copiers, and wireless/network issues.

System Administration

• Coordinate the country based support for any box related support among the East & Southern Africa (ESA) region staff.
• Will be the super admin for the Fresh-service inventory and process maker systems that are specific to the Sub-region.

IT Safety and security

• Provide leadership in setting up computer Security Measures in all computers in the region in corroboration with the country IT teams. Implement IT security measures for the organization, in collaboration with Global IT, including preventing system hacking, malware, suspicious emails and advising how staff should handle that e.g. reporting, actions etc.
• Ensuring all devices have adequate enterprise antivirus software and enterprise endpoint management software installed and functional.
• Coordinate the management, creation and retirement of user accounts for new hires and assigning user access rights to various cloud systems and directories by country IT teams.
• Advise the organization on the best IT systems and hardware to put in place to enhance safety and security e.g. routers, etc.

Training

• Lead training, in collaboration with global IT team, to all staff in the country offices on systems in use by Evidence Action and IT policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership in the training of all staff on adequate utilization of box as the main storage and back-up system.

Technical support

• Be the local subject matter expert on Windows 11/Windows 10, Microsoft Office 2013-16 (and/or Office 365).
• Provide leadership in the provisional operational support and maintenance of organizational operational efficiency including occasional planned or emergency work outside regular business hours by the country IT teams.
• Ensure the country IT teams are maintaining and supporting the organization’s mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).

Inventory Management

• Provide leadership to and accountability for country IT teams in the management of the inventory system; review spot check reports to ensure teams are updating the system adequately and promptly.
• Provide guidance to country teams in ensuring maintenance of accurate inventory of technology assets and related components for cost control and operational efficiency.
• Provide leadership to country teams in maintenance of inventory of all ICT equipment hardware, software and ensure adequate supply and functionality in collaboration relevant staff.

Key performance Indicators

• Ensure a sustained 90% internet server uptime in all Evidence Action offices.
• Reduced staff unresolved IT issues.
• Sustain a 97.5% accuracy in office assets inventory including asset tagging and update of the fresh service system.
• Reduced turn around time in resolving IT related issues among the staff.
• Programs and Procurement team is receiving the appropriate technical support on IT matters are purchasing the right equipment.
• Reduce the number of critical bugs reported by the staff as well as the number of suspicious websites visited by staff.
• IT system is safe and free from any cyber-attacks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Information and Communications Technology. A masters degree will be an added advantage.
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA
• Microsoft MCSA or MCSE

Experience in End User Support and Database Management.

• 4-5 years’ work experience in a position with similar responsibilities.
• Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement with proven ability to deliver results
• Experience in introduction, implementation and adoption of relevant technology and data management tools.
• Experience in Network management, configurations and installations.

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Position Location

There is some flexibility on location, though the preference is for these roles to be based in sub-saharan Africa, particularly in existing Evidence Action geographies: Abuja, Nigeria; Nairobi, Kenya; Lilongwe, Malawi; or Kampala, Uganda. Washington, DC would also be acceptable, though of lower preference. All candidates should expect extensive travel (25% or more).

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage effort to identify new countries for expansion of safe water programming.
• Engage with donor, government and other major partners to get buy-in and develop formal relationships.
• Leverage network connections and partnerships to advance organizational priorities.
• Quickly establish rapport and build relationships that can be translated into plans of action.
• Deliver team work plan, integrating operational and analytical inputs.
• Design programs with data-driven, cost-effective approach, in close consultation with program and technical teams.
• Create clear and thoughtful written content, compelling policy and design content for external stakeholders.
• Active coordination across Evidence Action teams and regions.
• Build, manage, and develop a high-performing team.
• Manage budget and reporting requirements.
• Ensure organizational risks are identified and mitigated.
• Navigate dynamic circumstances and ambiguity while achieving timely results.

Required Qualifications:

• 7-10 years experience in diverse, global contexts; Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Expertise in building and maintaining strong relationships with government officials and communicating technical information to general audiences.
• Excellent project and people management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and  navigate complex organizational systems and relationships.
• Adapts quickly to new and dynamic contexts.
• Strong alignment with core values of Evidence Action.
• Eager to join a growing team and organization in a role requiring extensive (25%) travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the global WASH sector highly preferred.
• French fluency preferred.