Country IT and Communications Officer

Background

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organization with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. It was founded by the Society of Jesus on 14^th November 1980 in Rome, Italy.  Currently, JRS operates over 56 countries worldwide. JRS has been working in Ethiopia since 1982. Currently JRS Ethiopia operates in Addis Ababa, Somali region (Melkadida, Kobe and Bokolomayo refugee camps) and Tigray (Mai-Aini and Adi-Harush refugee camps). JRS Ethiopia’s main areas of interventions are education, livelihoods, child protection, mental health and psychosocial support, emergency assistance, and reconciliation and social cohesion.

JRS Ethiopia wants to hire qualified Country IT and Communications Officer based in Addis Ababa.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Information Technology

• In collaboration with the Regional and International Office (IO), define the standards for the computers and hardware to be procured in the country.
• Be part of any bidding committee and define the technical specifics of any IT related hardware.
• Join all JRS computer on Azure Active directory and update computer with all necessary Microsoft 365 tools
• Set up workstations with computers and necessary peripheral devices (routers, printers etc.).
• Check computer hardware (HDD, keyboards etc.) to ensure functionality.
• Install and configure appropriate software and functions according to specifications.
• Develop and maintain local area networks in ways that optimize performance.
• Perform troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve problems (repair or replace parts, debugging etc.).
• Maintain Hardware and Software inventory and recommend effective and newer versions.
• Perform backups, defragmentation, and cleaning of IT equipment and computers regularly. Backups should be done using one drive.
• Manage the Internet systems maintenance and installation in all Field Offices.
• Install and maintain main server and network systems; perform basic network administration and security functions ensuring network and computer systems privacy, integrity, and security. Ensure that all computers have a running JRS anti-virus
• Configure email accounts for all users, where necessary and support on email and messaging services.
• Ensure that JRS internet is always running in all offices.
• Configure for automatic Backups for all Laptops & Computers to the Server at designated times.
• Performs any other IT related tasks assigned by the supervisor to accomplish the overall organizational goals.
• Support JRS RCC livelihood and job creation section in developing and using job creation virtual hub and database of beneficiaries.
• Responsible for IT budgeting and implementation.
• Step in for any computer instructor in his/her absence.

Capacity Building

• Support the ICT capacity building and training activities for JRS Staff, in close cooperation with the HR   Department, by analyzing areas for training needs and recommending training methodologies.
• Support the implementation of the JRS ICT policies.
• Provide orientation and guidance to users on how to operate new software and computer equipment.
• Conduct Trainings for the staff (remote and physical) on the Microsoft 365 and other JRS tools.
• Support new staff through induction sessions on IT related services.
• Keep the Country staff updates with latest IT security measures and best practices.

Policies & Guidelines

• Work in collaboration with the Regional and IO IT department to apply the IT guidelines and policies.
• Share the country challenges with Regional IT department and other working groups to further develop the strategies and  answer the needs.
• Plan, design and execute the internet bandwidth requirements in accordance with international guidelines, number of users and business applications running.
• Implement the global IT Security guidelines to ensure the systems, cloud services and users’ data are protected from  threats.

Education Learning Platforms

• Support the programme teams on innovative integration of Technology Components (ICT for Education) in the   existing/new Programmes to better service the beneficiaries.
• Work with the Regional and International IT Office to Co-Manage the Education platform.
• Participate in the understanding, simulation and uptake of the Education Platform for learning purposes and Support Project staff and Students in the best use of the platform.

Other Activities

• Work with the Regional IT Officer on the installation of ISP Equipment. Work with Field Offices for installation of  relevant equipment and set up/configuration of the same.
• Work with Regional IT Officer to produce, review, revise and contextualize JRS Ethiopia ICT Policy
• Work with the Country Logistics Officer to identify quality sources of ICT Equipment in the Country.
• Work with the Project Directors to support them on the design and roll out of the Education Platforms and any IT direct support to their project.
• Work with Country Human Resource in the recruitment of IT related staff

Communications

• Gather testimonies of different projects on a regular basis (written and in video if possible) and share with CO and Regional Communications Officer (RCO)
• In collaboration of program team and project directors, document projects activities in videos and photos etc
• Write at least one article per month on any JRS ETH related topic (programs updates, testimonies, advocacy notes…) and share with CO and RCO
• Prepare at least 2 Social Network posts a week and share with RCO
• Gather main updates of JRS Ethiopia programs to prepare the Annual Impact Report
• Develop any visibility and communications materials needed by the CO (banners, flyers, t-shirts., brochures  etc.)
• Be the contact person for the Regional Communications Officer in case of any need and participate in regular EAR Communications meetings
• Support on the planification of events at the CO and project offices and documenting and reporting the events

Reports to: Country Director and Regional IT Officer (Technical Supervisor)

Duty Station: Addis Ababa with frequent travel to field offices 

Level: 8

Employment: 12 months, possibility of extension depending on availability of funding and performance

Starting date: Immediate 

Minimum Professional Qualifications and Requirements

• BSc or MSc degree in computer sciences and IT and other relevant fields
• At least 5 years for BSc or 7 years for MSc holder work experience as IT officer or IT support capacity post in NGOs
• Excellent knowledge of Office 365, Windows Operating Systems, Sharepoint and other common software packages
• Understanding and application of information security protocols and systems
• Experience in MS Networking and computer maintenance
• Use of tools like Canva premium and other similar tools
• Experience in videography and photography
• Experience in producing communication materials
• Experience of delivering trainings on IT and MS offices
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultural environments
• Commitment to high level of confidentiality with sensitive information.