Job Vacancy : Server and Network Administrator at APHRC

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading Africa-based, African-led, international research institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. APHRC conducts policy-relevant research on population, health, education, urbanization and related development issues in sub-Saharan Africa.

The APHRC seeks to recruit a Server and Network Administrator to join a team of other IT professionals at the Center.

Responsibilities

S/he will ensure maintenance of key servers, secure and oversee efficient data communications channels and the general IT infrastructure and environment. S/he should be able to deploy, configure, maintain and monitor all Linux and Windows Servers and the active network equipment in order to ensure smooth secure systems and network operation. The Server and Network Administrator will:

• Fully support, configure, maintain and troubleshoot the corporate networks and in house servers;
• Install and integrate new server hardware and applications;
• Diagnose problems with network equipment and performs equipment repair and to keep an eye for needed updates and firmware;
• Ensure network security and connectivity;
• Evaluate and ensure security efficiency and manage the security solutions, including firewall, enterprise antivirus and intrusion detection systems;
• Monitor network performance (availability, utilization, throughput, goodput, and latency) and test for weaknesses;
• Set up user accounts, permissions and passwords;
• Resolve problems reported by end users;
• Define network policies and procedures;
• Specify system requirements and design solutions;
• Provide third grade backup to the help desk;
• Provides first level network technical support to end users;
• Install, configure and maintain network cabling and other networking equipment such as hubs, switches and UPS;
• Oversee installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting of network connected end-user hardware, software and peripheral devices; and
• Assists System Administrator with maintenance of VOIP phone system.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant IT-related field (computer science/ technology/ engineering); master’s degree an added advantage.
• ITIL/CISA certification is a plus.
• Demonstrable knowledge and application of IT Services Framework and Infrastructure Library (minimum ITIL v3).
• Clear and demonstrable understanding of the evolving technology landscape locally and globally.
• Excellent knowledge of best practices around management, control and monitoring of Linux server infrastructure.
• Experience with Linux Active Directory (AD) setup and administration.
• Proven experience in a network administrator role.
• Hands on experience in networking, routing and switching.
• Experience with firewalls, Internet VPN’s remote implementation, troubleshooting and problem resolution is desired.
• Ability to set up and configure server hardware.
• Familiarity with backup and recovery software and methodologies.
• Innovative thinking with service quality, and its improvement, within limits of costs and business direction.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, juggle tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; demonstrated ability to follow assignments through to completion.