Senior Systems Administrator

Job Purpose

The incumbent will co-ordinate, monitor and undertake networking and operating activities, as well as provide technical support for hardware and peripheral equipment used by the Agency, in order to maintain the Information Technology (IT) systems and environment in a manner that efficiently supports the operations of the Agency. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Contributes to determining the Agency’s future hardware and software requirements by reviewing and determining the requirements of the various Divisions and advises, accordingly;
• Monitors continuously, network performance and configuration, and makes recommendations for improvement, upgrade or expansion, with respect to software and hardware requirements, ensuring that all necessary financial and technical analysis are comprehensively carried out;
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for purchase of network and system hardware and software equipment, tools, products and devices; co-ordinates with Procurement for purchase, and follows up to ensure timely completion of the procurement process; oversees/initiates installation; 
• Reviews project requirements definition and conceptual design, and develops/validates hardware and other systems specifications; 
• Installs and maintains new and existing hardware, performing minor repairs and directing major problems or repairs to outside vendors; 
• Contributes to the development and implementation of IT security policy, standards and procedures; identifies and recommends appropriate security solutions; monitors to protect the systems from internal and external attack, as well as to facilitate ongoing maintenance of the security system; 
• Develops and implements appropriate means of communicating security procedures and policies to staff; conducts investigations of security breaches, and assists with disciplinary and legal matters associated with such breaches, as necessary; 
• Maintain servers, hardware, software, telecommunication connections, email and security systems, ensuring user accessibility and site performance; 
• Carries out backup activities of files as scheduled, onsite and offsite; 
• Responds to and addresses user problems escalated from the Help Desk; troubleshoots user and system problems and effects the necessary corrective actions; liaises with external service providers and systems owners, where necessary, to ensure timely resolution of issues; troubleshoots hardware and software issues as they arise, and effects the necessary corrective actions; 
• Develops and implements various training programmes in the use of computer hardware and provides on-going support to computer users within the Agency; 
• Keeps abreast of system developments and recommends system improvements. 

Other: 

• Contributes to the development of the IT Strategy, Business Recovery and Disaster Management Plan; 
• Contributes to the preparation of the Section’s Operational Plan; 
• Contributes to the development/review of operating policies, procedures and standards to support the delivery of Information Technology services; 
• Contributes to the preparation of reports and other documents, as required;
• Assists with the care of all computer-related equipment; 
• Performs other related duties assigned from time to time, by the Manager, Information Technology. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Sound technical expertise in networking, systems analysis and related IT skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Working knowledge and proficiency in maintaining Microsoft Office and other common business applications software 
• Good planning and organizing skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines 
• Sound project management skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology, with specialisation in Networking, Technology Infrastructure, IT Communications or equivalent qualifications;
• Experience with Cisco Catalyst Switches (Cat 2900, 3500, 3700, 3800, 4500 series);
• Experience with Cisco Routers (800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2900 series); 
• Training and/or certification in CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+; 
• Training in Project Management; 
• Three (3) years’ related work experience.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.