Manager, Information and Communication Technology – MCA Zambia II

About MCA Zambia II

The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Zambia, collaborating with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United States of America, delivers projects under the $491.75 million Farm to Market Compact (Compact) that promotes agriculture and agro-processing in the country through the implementation of the Roads and Access Project, Asset Finance Project, Agriculture Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening (Ag PIR) Project, and American Catalyst Facility for Development (ACFD) Project. More information on the Compact can be found in the following link: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/zambia-farm-to-market-compact/“.

The MCA Zambia II offices are in Lusaka, Zambia.

Manager, Information and Communication Technology

Position Objective

The Information and Communication Technology Manager (IT Manager) provides technical support and leadership to a team of technicians in developing and maintaining IT infrastructure to support the business applications and communications requirements at the MCA-Zambia II office. The IT Manager also manages the implementation of an IT Infrastructure and develops the team to support and extend the system. This includes applying technical expertise and coordination with pre-selected vendors to implement MCA-Zambia II’s IT infrastructure, including setting up and installing servers, backup services, and software.

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a working technical lead in formulating and implementing the MCA’s IT systems and developing policy and strategy to ensure the secure and stable information technology network and systems for the MCA.
• Manage a small team of Systems Administrators and Analysts who provide daily administrative and customer support for the MCA IT systems.
• Advise the Operations and IT team on optimal approaches for addressing service needs and remedial measures to address issues and improve the provision of IT service delivery.
• Advise managers and staff on guidelines, timelines, and procedures regarding providing IT services to build an informed basis for interactions and support smooth and sustained operations.
• Deploy software and hardware fixes in a responsive and timely manner that minimizes disruption, minimizes risks, and strengthens security.
• Monitor the availability/provision and quality of IT assets and services – including those provided by external providers – to minimize downtime and ensure that services/deliverables are consistent with established standards and agreements.
• Build capacity within the different MCA teams to effectively use IT hardware, software, and tools to enable their activities and ensure IT systems integrity and security.
• Manage procurement efforts for systems and services to integrate requirements definition, procurement assessments, and supplier coordination.
• Ensure the integrity of MCA-Zambia II computer systems and security measures on network infrastructure and data storage.
• Monitor IT systems and infrastructure and develop management indicators for continuous improvement of the IT environment.
• Recruit, manage, motivate, and develop IT staff to ensure they are well-equipped for current and future systems challenges.
• Develop and update relevant system documentation, which may involve a business continuity plan, data backup plan, disaster recovery plan, project schedule, MIS infrastructure, and training plans.
• Coordinate the development and updates of the content of the MCA-Zambia II website.
• Carry out all other IT duties and responsibilities, as they may be, from time to time, entrusted by the management team of MCA-Zambia II.

Required Competencies

• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or another relevant field is required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining computer information systems, including websites, web-based applications, database design and administration, LAN and WAN design and management, Windows domain services management, and project management.
• Effective analytical skills.
• Experience managing staff and contractor resources. Experience with cloud-based technology (Google Applications or Microsoft Office 365).
• Experience with the engineering, design, and management of:
  • Data center infrastructure (power, cooling, etc.)
  • Network infrastructure (Cisco switches and routers)
  • Firewall administration (Palo Alto)
  • Backup systems (Veeam)
  • Virtualization (Nutanix preferred)
  • Servers (Windows Server)
  • Anti-Virus (Sophos)
  • Windows Desktop OS (Windows 10); and
  • Microsoft Office / M365.
• Experience administering and managing a Windows Active Directory Domain.
• Experience administering and managing Windows Updates, Windows file shares, Windows DNS, and Windows DHCP services.
• Experience with Business Automation Applications (SAP) and Microsoft Databases (SQL Server).
• Experience with network security audits.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team preferred.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English. Communication skills in local language(s) are strongly desired.

Diversity Statement:

“MCA Zambia is committed to equal opportunities for all and does not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, religion, disability or any other status. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply”.