IT Specialist Job in Nairobi Kenya

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve.

Mercy Corps is looking for committed and dynamic individual to take up the following position.

IT Specialist

Location: Nairobi

Program / Department Summary: Mercy Corps has been operational in Kenya since 2007 and currently implements programs in Rift Valley, Central and Wajir districts with funding from USAID, Gates Foundation, ICDF and private Horn of Africa drought response funds.

Mercy Corps Kenya has experienced significant growth in the past year and a half after securing several high profile awards from USAID.

Mercy Corps’ efforts are focused on supporting youths so they have a voice and opportunities for growth. We are also helping drought affected communities recover and be more resilient.

General Position Summary: The IT Specialist will be based at the Mercy Corps Kenya Office and he/she will provide essential IT support to the staff at the Mercy Corps Kenya Head office and MC Field offices in Kenya.

Working closely with Program, operations and finance, he/she is instrumental in supporting program activities through his/her services.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Monitoring Mercy Corps Kenya IT Infrastructure to ensure minimal downtime and to ensure computers, printers, Access Points and other devices to work efficiently
  • Administration of the Mercy Corps Server to ensure that the installed operating systems and services function as required.
  • Administration and monitoring of the Mercy Corps Kenya Local Area Network.
  • Follow up with ISPs in case of downtimes to ensure reliable internet connectivity.
  • User Support for staff in Mercy Corps Kenya office and other offices.
  • Implementation of ICT management Systems and strategies according to MC policies.
  • Implement MC filing tree in support and programs, train staff in application.
  • Provide IT technical support to staff and organizing for in-house trainings to keep them informed on changing IT needs.
  • Maintain and support networks administration in MC offices as well as in the Field offices.
  • Assist in the installation of commercial and in-house developed software and related upgrades.
  • Assist in upgrading patch and anti-virus programs on a timely basis.
  • Installation and Monitoring of domain server traffic, usage and performance on a frequent and regular basis.
  • Support to users in backing up and restoring their files, as well as in virus detection, removal and prevention.
  • Recommend software and hardware requirement for the project for budgeting purposes.
  • Respond to user needs and questions regarding network access.
  • Assist in backup and restoration procedures for local drives and maintenance of backup logs.
  • Inventory keeping for all IT related equipment for the project.
  • Research and retrieval of data from internal and external sources; preparation of statistical charts, tables and reports as required.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability
  • Accountable for following Mercy Corps IT Policy, Field Asset Management Manual, and the MC Code of conduct regarding use of IT equipment and MC Conflict of Interest policy.


Reports Directly To: Operations Manager

Works Directly With: Program, Finance, procurement, and IT service providers.
Knowledge and Experience:
  • Must be a holder of degree in Computer science or its equivalent.
  • At least 7 years of progressive experience in the area of information management/technology, computer operations or related area.
  • Advanced knowledge in MS Office products is required.
  • Knowledge of GIS packages (e.g. ArcGIS) is desirable.
  • Exposure to a wide range of information management systems related to humanitarian operations is desirable.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to explain and present technical information is essential.
  • She/he should have at least a Cisco Certified Network Associate qualification (or equivalent) with three (3) years hand-on experience in Network Administration or Systems Integration in a busy server/database administration environment.
  • Proven knowledge on Linux and Windows Server Operating Systems is required.

Success Factors:
  • Conscientious with an excellent sense of judgment
  • Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks
  • Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel
  • Good spoken and written English
  • Computer literate and strong organizational skills.


Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before July 4, 2014 at 4.00 p.m. a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject; the position and location they are applying for, i.e “IT SPECIALIST-NAIROBI”

Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified.

Please do not attach any certificates.

ONLY Qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted


Mercy Corps does not charge fees at any stage during the recruitment process.