IT Specialist

ABOUT FIRST CONSULT

FC Africa, formerly known as First Consult (FC), has changed its name to reflect its growth in both services and geography. Founded in 2006, the organization has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with clarity of the local context. We have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth, and investment attraction & mobilization.

POSITION SUMMARY

The IT Specialist plays a critical role in enabling FC Africa’s operations, programmes, and growth through the delivery of reliable, secure, and scalable technology systems. This role goes beyond day-to-day IT support and focuses on strengthening the organization’s digital infrastructure across offices and markets.

The IT Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining core systems, including Microsoft 365 tenants and Windows Server environments such as Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP. The role also involves overseeing cloud-hosted platforms and websites, ensuring the smooth operation of shared resources, and supporting ERP and data platforms through system administration and troubleshooting.

In addition, the IT Specialist contributes to continuous improvement by applying basic scripting or programming for small automations and integrations, managing vendors, and ensuring system reliability, security, and performance. The position plays a key role in enabling FC Africa’s economic development work by ensuring technology systems are efficient, well-maintained, and aligned with organizational needs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IT systems administration, troubleshooting, and vendor management, and will demonstrate a proactive approach to innovation and service improvement within the technology environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems and Digital Infrastructure

• Identify opportunities to improve systems, workflows, security, and user experience through technology.
• Support IT governance, best practices, and compliance with internal policies.
• Manage and maintain Microsoft 365 tenants, including user administration, access control, and security settings.
• Administer Windows Server environments including Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP to ensure stable and secure system operations.
• Oversee the performance, availability, and security of cloud hosted platforms and websites that support organizational visibility and operations.
• Administer and maintain LAN and WAN network infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure connectivity across offices.
• Configure and manage Wi Fi routers and access points to support day to day operations and growth.
• Support ERP administration activities such as user access management, role-based permissions setup, basic configuration and user onboarding and training.
• Provide administration and technical support for ERP systems, including system setup, user access, troubleshooting, and user training.
• Ensure the reliability and availability of IT systems that support finance, operations, and programme delivery.
• Prepare user-friendly guides and documentation for various IT operations.
• Plan and deliver IT training sessions for employees on IT systems and improve digital literacy.
• Support the integration and effective use of digital systems that underpin economic development work, learning, and reporting.
• Prepare clear and user friendly technical documentation and guides to support system adoption and consistency.

Security, Risk Management, and Governance

• Implement and oversee backup and recovery procedures to protect critical systems and organizational data.
• Monitor system security, access controls, and data integrity in line with internal policies and donor requirements.
• Administer and monitor CCTV and NVR systems to support physical and digital security.
• Manage staff access controls, including door access permissions and biometric registration, in accordance with security protocols.

Office and Staff Support

• Provide onsite and remote IT support to head office and branch offices to ensure continuity of operations.
• Support IT onboarding for new staff, including system access, equipment setup, and basic user orientation.
• Assist with virtual meetings, conferences, and collaboration tools to support internal and external engagement.
• Configure and support end user systems including desktops, laptops, printers, and email clients such as Outlook.

Innovation and Digital Enablement

• Support the responsible use of digital and AI enabled tools to improve efficiency, analysis, and decision making across teams.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, and Communications teams to identify opportunities where technology can improve processes and outcomes.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new technologies that align with FC Africa’s regional growth and economic development mandate.

Vendor, Asset, and Resource Management

• Prepare technical specifications for IT equipment and software to support procurement processes.
• Support vendor evaluations, procurement, and coordination to ensure value for money and system compatibility.
• Manage inventories of IT assets, licenses, warranties, and equipment lifecycle tracking.
• Support data centre operations, including server management and inventory records.

General

• Perform other duties as assigned by management that support organizational operations and strategic objectives.

JOB REQUIREMENT

Education:

• Masters of bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience for a master’s degree or 5 years of experience for a bachelor’s degree.

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of security system principles and network protocols.
• Expert in Microsoft Windows Servers, active directory, Microsoft 365, and Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English.
• Basic experience updating website content in a CMS (WordPress or similar).
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems Implementation and support.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to train non-technical users and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Proactive and results-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Openness to new technologies and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to identify and prioritize urgent tasks and to concurrently work on multiple tasks.