IT Manager at Afrobarometer

AB conducts face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice with nationally representative samples. Effective analysis and communication of survey findings, as well as capacity building for survey research, analysis, and communication skills, are integral parts of AB’s work. Among AB’s key achievements are proving that public attitudes research can be conducted even in fragile, post-conflict, and closed political environments in Africa; legitimating public opinion as a pillar of African governance and development decisions; and building a network of researchers that has earned the reputation as the go-to source for reliable data on what Africans are thinking. 

Role Overview 

The IT Manager (ITM) works with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in coordinating, planning, and leading IT-related activities in AB, including both hardware and software. The IT Manager will help determine the IT needs of AB and will be responsible for implementing computer systems and procedures to fulfill AB’s information systems requirements.  The IT Manager will also ensure the secure and effective operation of all computer systems and related applications and all hardware, and software used within AB.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

1. IT Infrastructure and Projects

• Plan, implement, coordinate, and oversee IT–related projects including system updates, upgrades, migrations, and outages
• Testing, troubleshooting, and modifying information systems so that they operate effectively.
• Design, develop, implement, and coordinate IT systems, policies, and procedures.
• Act in alignment with user needs and system functionality to contribute to the effective and efficient functioning of the AB network. 
• Track inventory and status for hardware and software to be able to meet the needs of AB.
• Manage assigned IT projects to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope of project by liaising with user units. 
• Regularly evaluate technology risks to develop effective protections and a network disaster recovery plan and backup procedures by conducting regular system audits.
• Ensure that all the data, network access, and systems are secure at all times.

1. Strategic Planning and Budgeting

• Work with the COO to maintain AB’s effectiveness and efficiency by defining, delivering, and supporting strategic plans for implementing information technology solutions within the AB network.
• Identify problematic areas in AB IT infrastructure and implement strategic solutions in time.
• Help define AB's IT strategy, architecture, and processes.
• Analyse business requirements by partnering with key stakeholders across the AB network to develop solutions for IT needs. 
• Manage and report on IT budget allocation and spending.

Information Security and Reporting

• Continuously evaluate technology risks to develop a network disaster recovery plan and backup procedures by conducting regular system audits.
• Ensure that all AB data, network access, and systems are secure at all times.
• Generate performance reports for operating systems and report the same to senior leadership.
• Oversee all cloud-based environments (Office 365, Okta, Google Drive, etc.), ensuring alignment with IT security best practices. 
• Manage and secure end-user devices, including deploying software solutions and ensuring that all operating systems and applications are up to date.

1. Training, Monitoring and reporting

• Contribute to MEL tracking and reporting activities, including building and/or maintaining MEL software.
• Generate performance reports for operating systems and report the same to senior leadership.
• Design IT training programs and workshops for staff.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience; Master’s degree and/or PMP an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of experience working in IT operations 
• Experience leading and managing large and distributed IT projects and setting up IT infrastructures and systems 
• Excellent working knowledge of computer systems, security, network and systems administration, databases and data storage systems, and phone systems
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Excellent project management skills and strong ability to prioritize
• Firm grasp on IT infrastructure and operations best practices
• Ability to work with others in a multicultural, multi-country context
• Available for significant international travel when required
• Demonstrable capacity for evidence-based decision-making, problem-solving and sound judgment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a wide range of tasks
• Ability to work remotely and independently
• French and/or Portuguese language skills an advantage but not required

Desirable

• African citizenship or heritage.

• A general understanding of external and economic trends affecting the non-profit sector in which Afrobarometer works.

Salary

Afrobarometer will offer a competitive salary based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.