ICT Manager At African ParksAfrican Parks

Context :

1. African Parks

African Parks is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization that assumes sole responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities.

To this end, African Parks has signed a partnership with the Central African government for the management of the Chinko Conservation Area (ACC) for a period of 25 years.

1. Object

African Parks is seeking a full-time ICT Manager to ensure the efficient and secure management of information technology within the Chinko Protected Area. The objective is to ensure the implementation and compliance of IT policies in accordance with applicable regulations. The ICT Manager will play a key role in the protection and management of information systems, while ensuring their accessibility and integrity. They will also work on training teams to strengthen their understanding of best practices in data management and security. Finally, they will ensure the maintenance of a collaborative and secure work environment to optimize operational efficiency.

African Parks is seeking motivated Central African candidates who are passionate about conservation and who are able to withstand stressful situations and adapt to field challenges. The employee will be based at the Kocho Operations Centre , in the heart of the Chinko Conservation Area, located in the east of the Central African Republic and covering three prefectures: Mbomou, Haut-Mbomou and Haute-Kotto.

1. Description of the spots

• Respond to operational and strategic needs as directed by the Park Management Unit.
• Maintain quality service by establishing and enforcing organizational standards.
• Identify problems and implement strategic technology solutions.
• Verify application results by performing system audits of the technologies implemented.
• Preserve assets by implementing recovery and backup procedures and information control and security structures.
• Ensure optimization and full capacity of existing infrastructure, including but not limited to VHF, HF, VSAT, Lora, GIS, WIFI, Thuraya, Garmin networks, phone fleet and various sensors.
• Respond to all mission IT issues.
• Ensures all technical choices for IT in collaboration with the technical referent and in compliance with AP_RCA standards; requests several quotes (min. 3) before any final choice.
• In collaboration with the technical advisor and the head office IT department, defines and implements the use of IT equipment and networks (number of connections per day, etc.).
• Ensures that all IT equipment is tested before being made available to users.
• Ensures the correct use, operation and maintenance of computer equipment and networks, in accordance with AP_RCA procedures.
• Ensure the implementation and monitoring of the Mission’s data backup system.
• Ensure that AP_RCA standard software is updated, as well as antivirus software on all Mission computers, according to updates sent by Headquarters.
• Regularly check and clean the Mission’s computers (machine + software).
• Ensure regular checking and maintenance of photocopiers, telephones and fax machines by the supplier.
• Ensure that there is a sufficient stock of spare parts.
• Ensure the preparation of IT equipment to be sent to another project, including functional testing, numbering, packaging and related documentation, in collaboration with the technical referent.
• Provide technical support and assistance to users;
• Define the IT policy for the African parks network (equipment user manual);
• Install, configure and maintain PCs;
• Ensure the maintenance of network equipment;
• Install and configure the server;
• Ensure the administration of servers and the network;
• Implement new network services;
• Ensure the availability and security of the organization’s data;
• He/she may also be involved in the telecom aspects of the organization;
• Oversee the purchase of computer equipment and software;
• Ensure the installation and maintenance of the IT system and various applications;
• Ensure the proper functioning of the organization’s IT infrastructure;
• Ensure the regularity, security and reliability of IT processes;
• Train staff in initiation to Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, etc.
• Ensure the allocation and movement of IT equipment;
• Register and configure all work and visitor computers and phones in the system for Internet connection;
• Manage the proper functioning of the internet connection;
• Maintain contact with Internet service providers;
• Inventory computer equipment and report to management.
• Oversee and support IT and cyberinfrastructure programs.
• Provide weekly and monthly reports.
• Train and strengthen the capacity of staff to function effectively as individuals and as a team.

The position requires:

• Working under the direction of the FOM based in Kocho;
• Working within a multicultural team;
• Collaborate with other Department Managers based in Kocho;
• Collaborate with the community;
• Collaborate with external service providers.

Education and Experiences

• At least five (5) years of experience in technology maintenance and development, preferably with experience working in a national park.
• At least a Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Flexibility, adaptability and creativity to develop innovative solutions in difficult situations.
• Strong verbal and written skills in English.
• Understanding French will be an advantage.
• Willingness to live in a remote environment and prior experience of living in Africa.