Nethope Rapid Response Roster Emergency Response It / Networking Contractor At NetHope

About NetHope
NetHope enables humanitarian and conservation organizations to better serve people and places throughout the world through digital and data technologies and partnerships. Working at the intersection of the international NGO sector, private business and digital innovation, NetHope is a Membership organization currently serving over 60 leading humanitarian, development, and conservation organizations around the world. NetHope empowers our Member organizations to collaborate, innovate, and leverage the full potential of information and communications technology to support their work in 190 countries. NetHope and our Members partner with over 50 of the world’s leading technology firms to create innovative solutions to existing and emerging challenges, and to reimagine how technology can improve our world

The Opportunity

NetHope’s Rapid Response Roster is a pool of experienced and qualified candidates who are available to deploy to a humanitarian response on short notice. Over the last 20 years, NetHope has a played a key role in providing digital solutions to assist relief workers and impacted communities in response to some of the most devastating crises globally. NetHope has responded in a variety of disaster situations, ranging from the Syrian Refugee Crisis to the Ebola outbreak to the Nepal Earthquake of 2015 and the devastating Caribbean hurricanes in 2017. Visit our webpage to learn more about NetHope’s work on Emergency Preparedness and Response.

NetHope’s Rapid Response Roster positions are subject to deployment for around the clock emergency response operations, which requires irregular work hours and include duties other than those specified in the official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations is extensive in nature (several weeks), with little advance notice, includes travel to countries with sensitive political environments, and requires temporary relocation to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions.

Acceptance to the Roster does not guarantee deployment but it pre-qualifies candidates to join a future emergency response if qualifications match the staffing need of an intervention. To become eligible for deployment, selected candidates will be required to complete a series of training courses as part of the onboarding process and require a passport with expiry date in excess of one year. Depending on the country of a response, deploying Roster members may also be required to acquire internationally required immunizations. Compensation will be offered to Roster members deploying to a humanitarian response based on the candidate’s level of experience and skills.

Scope of Work
Project Scope:

The IT/Networking Contractor designs, installs, and maintains the IT networks and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems NetHope deploys in the aftermath of an emergency or a disaster.

The specific responsibilities vary based on the intervention, but areas of work for this Roster position may include:

LAN, WLAN and WAN functionalities and VSAT stations

• Conduct comprehensive site assessments.
• Develop and implement LAN, WLAN and WAN functionalities and VSAT stations.
• Create internet domains and optimize intranet performance.
• Test data exchange between computer, routers, modems, and servers.
• Install, update, and configure end-user networking accessories.
• Install, maintain, and repair the electronics systems and equipment of the VSAT system.
• Repair or replace wiring equipment or fixtures using hand or power tools.
• Examine system of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, oscilloscopes, etc., to confirm compatibility and safety of system.
• Connect, monitor, control, and configure networking equipment.
• Diagnose faulty systems, apparatus, or parts using equipment and hand tools to find the source of any breakdown and correct the problem at hand.
• Install connections of RF, DC power and CAT5 cables to equipment, such as motors and gears.
• Apply safe working practices, especially when working at heights.
• Effectively communicate with electricians and engineers on power system design and implementation and seek sustainable green power technology alternatives.

Technical maintenance and security

• Conduct maintenance and performance testing through a structured approach.
• Reliably manage asset and equipment control.
• Document installation, network diagrams, and the location of equipment.
• Implement and maintain secure networks, and develop backup, archiving, and data retrieval procedures.
• Effectively configure and deploy point-to-point links and external equipment, including emergency maintenance.
• Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or parts to spot defects, any necessity for adjustment or repair, or any hazards. Inspect for and confirm compliance with codes and enforce strict adherence to safety regulations.
• Engage in conversations with electricians and engineers on power system troubleshooting, give recommendations for resolution; calculate and provide estimates for repair, replacement, and installation solutions and repair/replacement recommendations.

Technical Support

• Develop and deliver effective help desk facilities and technical support.

Capacity and SOP Development

• Handover and coaching to incoming Roster members.
• Support capacity building of local actors, which includes explaining the network using documentation of networks, equipment and configuration.
• Document mission-specific SOPs, referring to agreed policy and standard SOP practices.

Qualifications:

Required competencies

• Certification in Telecommunications/ICT and VSAT Certification (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated understanding of basic networking skills and local standard IT solutions.
• Experience in designing and/or developing LAN/Wi-Fi networking infrastructure/distribution networks and VSAT ground station installations.
• Experience in configuring and/or deploying advanced networking infrastructure (SonicWALL, L3 switches, etc.).
• Extensive knowledge of network connectivity, technologies, protocols, and security.
• Great organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently without detailed work orders and deliver rapid evaluations and decisions.
• Strong decision-making abilities, making well-informed choices based on thorough analysis, critical thinking and consideration of potential consequences and risks.
• Excellent at working collaboratively in a team; demonstrating strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrate active listening skills, paying close attention to others’ ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for effective problem-solving, particularly under high-pressure environments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information, ensuring that data and sensitive matters are handled appropriately and securely.
• Ability to commit to deployment within 72 hours of notification of assignment for a minimum of 2 weeks.
• Willingness to visit harsh locations and work long days with very limited time off during an emergency response. Ability to adapt behaviour depending on the emergency environment.

Preferred competencies (great to have but not required)

• Experience in disaster response internationally or domestically.
• Fluency in another language, especially Arabic, Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese.

General Conditions:

• NetHope is a virtual organization, so our team, our Members, and our Partners are located around the world. Due to the global nature of the organization, meetings may thus be required at any time of the day to meet with our stakeholders in varying time zones.
• As a global organization, we welcome qualified consultant with diverse backgrounds from locations around the Globe.
• Acceptance to the Roster does not guarantee deployment. Compensation will only be offered in case of a deployment. Expenses for travel to the location of response will be covered.
• Depending on level of experience and skills, a daily rate of $250 – 450 will be offered to Roster members deploying with NetHope.
• All contractors must pass an OFAC screening.