IT Officer at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

MALARIA ALERT CENTRE

VACANCY

IT OFFICER (1 POST) – BLANTYRE

MAC-Communicable Diseases Action Centre (MAC-CDAC) is a public health research institution under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. Collaborating with the Ministry of Health, local and international health agencies, MAC-CDAC address priority health problems such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, neglected tropical diseases, and other communicable diseases. Focused on operational and evidence synthesis research, capacity building, training, health care systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and monitoring and impact evaluation. MAC-CDAC contributes to evidence-based policy formulation and health program implementation in Malawi and the SADC region.

MAC-CDAC is seeking a highly skilled and motivated hands-on IT Officer to join our team at the Blantyre head office.

Position summary

Reporting to the Data Core Leader, the IT Officer will play a key role in managing our diverse IT infrastructure, including both Windows and Linux servers, system administration, network management, IT helpdesk, network user management, and hardware and software maintenance.

Duration of Contract: The initial contract will be for one year with possibility for further extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. System Administration:

• Manage and maintain MAC-CDAC’s Windows and Linux servers, ensuring optimal performance, security, and availability.
• Install, configure, and update operating systems and software for both Windows and Linux environments.
• Monitor system logs and resolve issues promptly.
• Install and manage printers, including user billing.

2. Network Management:

• Design, implement, and manage the organization’s network infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot network issues and ensure seamless connectivity for both Windows and Linux systems.
• Implement and maintain network security measures.

3. IT Helpdesk:

• Provide first-level support to end-users, addressing hardware, software, and network-related issues.
• Respond to IT support requests in a timely and efficient manner.
• Document and track issues, resolutions, and user feedback.

4. Network User Management:

• Administer user accounts, permissions, and access rights on the network for both Windows and Linux environments.
• Ensure the security and integrity of user accounts through proper authentication and authorization practices.
• Manage user profiles, troubleshoot account issues, and provide access as required.

5. Hardware and Software Maintenance:

• Conduct regular maintenance on hardware components, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for both Windows and Linux systems.
• Install, configure, and update software applications and systems for both environments.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware and software-related issues.
• Maintain power backups infrastructure installed to support IT resources in Blantyre main office as well as field offices

6. Onsite and Cloud Server Management:

• Oversee the organization’s onsite server infrastructure for both Windows and Linux.
• Manage cloud servers, ensuring scalability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement and maintain cloud security best practices.

7. Data and System Backup:

• Develop and implement robust data backup and recovery strategies for both Windows and Linux environments.
• Regularly test and validate backups to ensure data integrity.
• Establish and enforce data retention policies.

8. Security:

• Implement and maintain security measures to safeguard MAC-CDAC’s IT assets in both Windows and Linux environments.
• Stay current on IT security trends and vulnerabilities, implementing necessary updates.
• Conduct periodic security audits and assessments.

9. IT Inventory Management:

• Maintain an accurate inventory of IT assets, including hardware, software, licenses, and peripherals.

• Track the lifecycle of IT assets, ensuring timely upgrades and replacements.

• Implement and manage asset tracking systems and documentation.

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in system administration, network management, IT support, network user management, and hardware and software maintenance in both Windows and Linux environments.
• Familiarity with onsite and cloud server environments for both platforms.
• Strong knowledge of data backup and recovery strategies.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Electronics, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, Linux Professional Institute Certification) are a plus.

Skills

• Proficiency in server and network administration for both Windows and Linux.

• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).

• Experience with IT helpdesk support.

• Expertise in network user management and access control.

• Hands-on experience with hardware and software maintenance for both environments.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

• Strong commitment to security best practices.

• Self-starter with the ability to proactively identify and address IT challenges.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications as applicable to staff in the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. KUHES is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Method Of Application

Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications together with copies of relevant certificates and detailed CVs with names, contact numbers and emails of three traceable referees to:

The Registrar

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

P/Bag 360

Chichiri

Blantyre 3

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Applications should be submitted not later than Friday, 16^th February, 2024. Those submitting via email should indicate the title of the post in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.