Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Specialist
Source: Mercy Corps
| Deadline: | 15 Nov 2007 |
| Organisation: | Mercy Corps |
| Location: | Sudan |
| Type: | permanent |
| Salary: | TBA (000's USD) |
| Description: | To apply, please visit www.mercycorps.org/aboutus/jobs PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps is currently implementing a number of USAID- and EC-funded programs in southern Sudan and the Three Areas. Program activities include civil society capacity building, agricultural livelihoods and community infrastructure programs. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Specialist will be charged with setting up the Mercy Corps networks and maintaining reliable ICT equipment and efficient ICT practices; developing and implementing an overall ICT policy; and bringing in practical IT solutions to increase organizational performance and collaboration. The ICT Specialist will also be involved in training staff members, building overall ICT capacity, and providing technical IT support to staff members. The ICT Specialist will be a key member of the Information Management Unit (IMU) working closely with the M&E Manager and Communications Specialist and the Regional IT Specialist. The ICT Specialist will work with all Mercy Corps programs, but will focus on the Localizing Institutional Capacity in Sudan (LINCS) program. The Mercy Corps/IRC LINCS program is being implemented in six sites across South Sudan and the Three Areas. In each site there is a computer resource center for use by local partners, with 10 resource centers being operational by the end of 2008. The ICT Specialist will work closely with the LINCS Resource Center Coordinator and LINCS senior management to further identify ICT-related tasks. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Maintain computer networks and systems in each field site Regularly evaluate current computer hardware/software in order to provide timely replacement or upgrade schedule; Ensure proper system, hardware and software documentation is done and kept as reference; In coordination with the Regional IT Specialist, develop basic troubleshooting protocols for selected staff. Provide efficient and effective ICT service delivery to the organization: Work with the Information Management Unite (IMU) to identify and carry out IT solutions addressing organizational efficiency and performance; Initiate and implement helpdesk facilities to computer users; Liaise with field offices, vendor firms, and consultants for the purpose of offering better services to users; Co-ordinate with field offices and users to ensure standard use of software/hardware throughout the organization. Train Mercy Corps and other LINCS staff: Identify user training needs, design training materials on standard software, and conduct user training on identified computer application areas; Conduct trainings for IT Officers based on identified needs, providing them with skills to maintain networks in field sites, train LINCS partners on basic computer use. Establish MIS standards, policies and security measures: Initiate, implement and maintain effective computer network management procedures and standards, including developing and updating disaster recovery plans, initiating and maintaining server backup, and creating and maintaining a system for tracking equipment inventory. Establish systems for proper use of LINCS Resource Centers, in coordination with LINCS Resource Center Coordinator. Other duties, as assigned. Organizational Learning As part of Mercy Corps' agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities. Accountability to Beneficiaries Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. ACCOUNTABILITY: REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: M&E Manager WORKS WITH: LINCS Resource Center Coordinator, Program Directors and Managers, Regional IT Manager, HQ-based IT Department SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BA/S or equivalent in Information Technology or related area required; Microsoft Windows Systems certification or equivalent preferred. Minimum two years experience in similar technical support role in field-based development or post-conflict setting. Five years experience in a similar position preferred with demonstrated evidence of excellent problem-solving skills, resourcefulness and management of IT growth in an organization, Demonstrated understanding and experience using collaborative IT workspaces in resource-poor settings required. Experience with VSAT installation and trouble-shooting a plus. Fluency in English required. SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful ICT Specialist will have excellent organizational and time-management skills. S/he will be able to work independently and with minimal supervision, and will possess and excellent sense of judgment. A willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people is essential. The ICT Specialist will demonstrate a strong understanding of the cultural and social environment in the region, and will be able to live and work successfully in these environments and, in particular, remote areas. S/he will possess excellent communication and team-building techniques, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment. LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The position will be based in Yei, Central Equatoria State, southern Sudan, with extensive travel to the Three Areas and surrounding states (Warrab, Unity, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and Bentiu). Although conditions and services continue to improve rapidly, most sites are basic, sometimes tented, compounds. Malaria and other tropical diseases are endemic. This location is unaccompanied. To apply, please visit www.mercycorps.org/aboutus/jobs |
