IT Specialist

BACKGROUND.

Ndoto: For Africa’s Future is a Christ-centered community development organization that works in the Obunga slum of Kisumu, Kenya. Ndoto is a Swahili word meaning “dream.” We aim to give at-risk youth a chance to dream for themselves, their community, and the kingdom of God through education, discipleship, and development. As an organization, we believe that forgotten communities can be transformed from the inside out. Our dream is to see entire communities changed, not only individual lives transformed. We encourage our students to dream not only about what job they want to have, and who they want to become, but also how they can give back to their community. We invest in people as a whole and empower them to reach their potential, so they will be equipped to become the community leaders of tomorrow. Our primary programs include the sponsorship of bright and needy students’ education, Ndoto Community Church, Ndoto Sports, and Ndoto Academy, our private Christian school.

For more information about our organization, please visit www.ndoto.org

IT Specialist

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Obunga – Kisumu

 

PURPOSE

The IT Specialist will work in Ndoto’s office, supporting the program and operational staff with their expertise. Operational staff are a critical component of Ndoto’s programs as they create the conditions and lay the foundation necessary for the success of the organization.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Troubleshoot systems and hardware, including anticipating issues, identifying problems, and working with users, to quickly resolve challenges and prevent delays.
2. Work alongside staff to provide technical support in any areas of concern.
3. Work directly with organizational technology, both hardware and software. This includes performing setup, enhancement, and maintenance tasks and ensuring that staff workstations can successfully connect to the network and access data at all times.
4. Ensure the security of the IT infrastructure, including implementing and managing firewalls, anti-virus software, and data backup systems, and configuring network security settings.
5. Research and recommend, proactively and independently, new technology solutions that align with the organization’s goals. Plan and implement upgrades to hardware, software, and network systems as needed.
6. Manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers.
7. Ensure data integrity and security across all systems, and support data analysis and reporting needs of the organization.
8. Develop and implement data management strategies, including storage, retrieval, and disaster recovery plans.
9. Lead and manage IT-related projects from conception to completion, and monitor project progress and provide regular reports.
10. Coordinate with different departments to understand their technology needs and provide appropriate solutions.
11. Coordinate with US-based Director of Operations to source new technology, integrate with US-based systems, and organize virtual meetings.
12. Develop and enforce IT policies and procedures, while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. Stay updated on the latest industry trends and best practices.
13. Support Ndoto Academy teachers in preparing lesson plans and teaching schedules for Computer Lab classes.
14. Teach adult computer class learners in Ndoto’s computer college.
15. Conduct training sessions as needed for all staff on new software and technology tools.
16. Write and submit monthly reports.
17. Attend to any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

• Should have at least Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or ICT, or a related field.
• Should be a born-again Christian.
• Experience and skills:
  • Should have proficiency with various hardware, software, operating systems, networking protocols, systems administration, security practices, and databases.
  • Should have experience working in an IT-related field, preferably in an NGO, school, or nonprofit organization.
• Personal attributes:
  • Should be aligned with Ndoto’s vision, mission, and values.
  • Should have strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Swahili, with Luo as an added benefit.
  • Should have the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strongest applicants will be:
  • Holders of various relevant IT certifications.
  • A creative self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility and dependability.
  • A lifelong learner.
  • Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment.

HOW TO APPLY

We invite interested candidates who meet the requirements to email their applications to apply@ndoto.org

Applications should include:

1. A one-page cover letter explaining why you are applying for this position, and how your recent relevant experience and skills meet the requirements for this position.
2. A Curriculum Vitae specifying your qualifications, education and relevant work experience.
3. Names, email addresses and daytime contact numbers of three to four references, one of them being your current or last manager/supervisor.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and a successful candidate may be selected at any time. The organization expects to have a candidate hired by 1 December 2024. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an interview.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualification.

Due to the high number of applications expected, only successful candidates will be contacted.