Senior System & Network Security Officer (AfCDC)

Organization Information

Reports to: Head, MIS Division
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: MIS
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

The Senior Systems and Network Security Officer is responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of the institution’s technology systems and networks, as well as developing and implementing security policies, procedures, and protocols to safeguard against cyber threats and data breaches. Working closely with the MIS team, the officer monitors and analyzes network traffic and system logs to detect vulnerabilities and threats, while collaborating with other departments to identify security risks and design mitigating strategies. With this pivotal role, the Senior Systems and Network Security Officer ensures the highest level of resilience and security across Africa CDC’s network and systems, safeguarding the institution’s critical IT infrastructure and data

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree or Bachelor Degree in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information system, Informatics or a related field.
• Training and Certification on cyber security or network security or internet security or related industrial certification
• Seven (7) years for Masters or ten (10) years for Bachelor Degree holders of relevant experience and three (3) years at expert level in system and network security management in complex and distributed environments
• Strong knowledge of network and systems security, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption technologies.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead security initiatives and develop security policies.

Main Functions

• Develop Africa CDC’s ICT security governance frameworks
• Liaise with stakeholders on ICT security matters and develop security policies to ensure the highest level of security and resilience across Africa CDC’s network and systems
• Design, implement and manage robust security measures, policies, and procedures to protect the institution’s digital assets
• Mitigate cybersecurity risks to maintain uninterrupted network and system operations, ensuring the highest level of security for the institution’s critical digital assets.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement information systems security policies, procedures, and protocols to protect Africa CDC’s technology systems and networks.
• Lead the monitoring and assessment of potential information systems security threats and vulnerabilities, and take proactive measures to address them.
• Implement and manage firewall configurations, intrusion detection systems, and access controls.
• Collaborate with other departments to identify security risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Manage the overall security of Africa CDC’s systems and network infrastructure.
• Liaise with stakeholders to address security concerns and provide expertise on security matters.
• Lead the implementation of cybersecurity measures to safeguard Africa CDC’s information assets.
• Develop and update security policies in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Respond promptly to security incidents, conduct forensic investigations, and implement corrective actions.
• Keep abreast of evolving cybersecurity threats and technologies to adapt security measures accordingly.
• Educate and train staff on ICT security best practices and awareness
• Perform any other duties as may be required.

Required Skills

• Ability to lead professional exchange of information with colleagues in the professional community on such questions as use of language and software and with vendors to collect/exchange information on technology.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with stakeholders on security matters, to meet and deal with persons of diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent narrative reporting skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Resourceful and skilled at collecting, analyzing and using data to recommend, make and communicate decisions of a technical nature lay audiences;
• Demonstrated ability with regards to usage of computer MS Office applications.

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies