Information and Communication Technology Specialist at Save the Children

Level 3 – the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with or access to children or young people.

The IT Systems Specialist takes the lead in the development of ICT Infrastructure, provide guidance on ICT needs, develop, manage and maintain the ICT environment and infrastructure in line with the Save the Children strategy, policies and guidelines.   The IT Specialist may be called upon as and when necessary to support the emergency team in cases of humanitarian crisis.

Reports to: The Country Director

Staff directly reporting to this post: CO IT Team

As a member of the Team, contribute to:

Serving as a member of Extended Management Team, Technical and Strategic Support.

IT Business Partner to the Zambia Senior Leadership Team in all matters related to IT

Develop and manage the implementation of Information and Communication Technology environment and infrastructure in a cost effective manner.

Provide overall leadership to the ICT operations including computer systems operations, technical support, data control, systems security, website development, database management, telecommunications and IS training.

Work closely with the HR, Administration & IT Director in making decisions about ICT technical and systems development and ensure timely development and/ or delivery of new systems to meet the program needs.

Act as the lead for research, pilot and implementation of IT innovations in the country

Develop and implement ICT policies including but not limited to technical priorities, standards and procedures.

Actively participate in knowledge sharing within the region through a working group of choice

Coordinate staff trainings on IT for all staff and partnering with HR in identifying capacity gaps

Support to the programme:

Provide input and technical expertise relating to the procurement, installation and repair of computer systems, services, accessories, hardware, software, etc.;

Ensure smooth, consistent and sufficient ICT systems capacity for organizational needs and provide effective project management and thorough documentation of technical projects.

Ensure appropriate physical security and storage arrangement for both hardware and data banks and monitor the usage of ICT consumables and advice management on staff needs.

Adhere to the Child Safeguarding, Code of Conduct, Security Guidelines and ethical principles

Develop ICT staff and manage assignments emphasizing synergies and communication.

Regularly appraise ICT staff, provide constructive feedback and liaise with the HR Team to identify ICT competence gaps among ICT staff.

Planning and Budgeting:

Plan, budget and account for the unit’s expenditure and the entire Country Programme;

Coordinate preparation of quarterly and annual program plans, budgets and reports in accordance with Save the Children guidelines and donor requirements.

Work with Finance unit to ensure accountability for ICT programme expenditure.

Review plans and budgets and establish ICT interventions needed.

Review and liaise with regional IT Managers on any ICT needs and capacity building for staff.

Ensure that ICT related costs are captured in plans and proposals.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIORS (our Values in Practice)

Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values.

Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same.

Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others.

Future orientated, thinks strategically.

Builds and maintains effective relationships with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters.

Values diversity sees it as a source of competitive strength.

Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.

Willing to take disciplined risks.

Honest, encourages openness and transparency.

Occasional duties:

Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Judgement and Decision-Making

As a member of the Extended Management Team, the jobholder makes collective and independent decisions. As ICT Specialist, the authority is recommending policy, procedures, developments and actions on Information and Communication Technology issues and this advice will be used as a basis to take decisions.

Academic Background, Experience and Person Specifications:

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Technology.  Additional post graduate qualifications in ICT is an added advantage

Experience of five years preferably in INGO with ICT leadership roles.

Strong capabilities in the following products, platforms and areas of expertise: Microsoft Windows Server Platforms (2008, 2012); Microsoft Window Platforms ( Windows 7 or higher); Office 365, TCP/IP Networking, DNS, DHCP, VPN, WAN; Remote Access and Network Security, Microsoft SQL Server (Recent versions) and Router / Firewall management.

Strong analytical skills and strategic planning abilities.

Ability to establish and maintain conducive collegial relations and perform effectively as a member of a team.

Computer literacy and excellent documentation skills are a must.

Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures

Ability to intervene with crisis management or troubleshooting as necessary.

Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching

Excellent time management and planning capacity