USAID Computer Management Specialist – Deputy Systems Manager at U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria comprises of the Embassy in Abuja, FCT, and the Consulate General in Lagos. U.S. Consulate General Lagos is the Mission’s representative to the Nigerian people in the southern region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: USAID Computer Management Specialist – Deputy Systems Manager (Current Mission Employees Only) (72062022R10037)

Announcement Number: Abuja-2022-089
Location: Abuja
Supervisory Position: Yes
Promotion Potential: LE-11
Series/Grade: LE – 4005 11
Hiring Agency: Embassy Abuja
Travel Required: Occasional Travel
Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No
Work Schedule: Full-time – 40 hours per week
The job holder is required to perform work-related travel.

Overview

• Hiring Path: Open to the public
• Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:
  • For definitions use URL www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/glossary
  • Employees of Mission – Nigerian Citizens and Permanent Residents only.
• Security Clearance Required: Public Trust – Background Investigation
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Appointment Type Details: Five (5) years renewable, estimated to start on or after November 2022

Summary

• Within the Executive Office of USAID/Nigeria, the Information Technology (IT) unit, the Deputy Systems Manager is responsible for providing computer and telecommunication support services for the Mission.
• The IT equipment systems located at the Mission include a Local Area Network (LAN) consisting of Windows servers, multifunction printers, about 200 workstations with a user community of about 210 staff.

Duties
Network Management, Administration and Operations – 30%:

• The incumbent serves as the Network Administrator and is directly responsible for the management and operations of the existing Local Area Network, connectivity into AIDNet and the connectivity for all other offices.
• S/he manages server operations, user administration and access control for all server-based file repositories to maintain M/CIO policy of need-to-know access for all users.
• The incumbent develops systems in accordance with M/CIO policies which include disaster recovery procedures, software, and user account configurations.
• Maintains software information and manages upgrades as necessary – ensuring M/CIO approved patches and fixes are run as soon as they are identified.
• The incumbent will remedy vulnerabilities in the M/CIO mandated period to ensure security for the mission LAN.
• The incumbent maintains documentation of software, LAN topology and other technical material related to the network.
• The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining a functional LAN at the USAID/Nigeria Director’s residence.

Supervision and Support – 25%:

• The incumbent performs supervisory and management duties as delegated by the System Manager as well as the management of the IT section in the absence of the Systems Manager.
• In addition to delegated supervisory duties, the incumbent participates in developing long-term plans to ensure that adequate hardware capacity and facilities are available to meet the requirements of new systems, establishing and implementing mission automation plans, policies, and goals, preparing the mission automation budget and procurement plan.
• S/he makes outside contacts with vendors on matters concerning Information Systems hardware /software configurations, procurement, installation, maintenance as well as supervising the contractors wherever there is need for any equipment installation or maintenance.
• The incumbent supports mission users on the best and optimal use of IT tools and services.

Systems Analysis, Planning, and Installation – 25%:

• The incumbent carries out analysis of LAN usage and provides the System Administrator with recommendations.
• The incumbent surveys the communication facilities such as routers, switches to ensure efficient and effective use.
• The incumbent prepares specifications for ordering network communication equipment and performs troubleshooting on data communications problems arising between the Mission and AIDNet through the local ISP.
• The incumbent manages hardware and software installation before placing equipment at user locations.
• Designs and maintains schematic diagrams of the LAN connectivity, installs new LAN equipment, and arranges for proper connection to AIDNet.
• Analyzes the effectiveness of systems in use and those currently in the market and recommends to the mission management the appropriate systems.
• The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and/or developing wiring plans based on mission floor plans and equipment location. Distributes and manages the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and coordinates the same with M/CIO
• Incumbent develops and maintains documentation of these plans, which include lists of wiring, equipment model numbers of equipment and locations.
• Recommends and selects the locations for equipment (servers, printers etc.) placement.
• He/she performs the analysis of the needs in the areas of LAN equipment and software management.
• Evaluates users’ needs to determine specific hardware/software requirements and monitors future needs and software upgrades.
• The incumbent is fully responsible for hardware and Server replacement as needed.
• S/he incumbent will conduct migration of data files and software of all types (program, applications, and systems) from one platform to another, when the USAID/ upgrades the working environment, or whenever a need arises.
• The incumbent takes the lead role in office relocation of the entire LAN when a need arises.

Systems Operations, Maintenance and Upgrades – 20%:

• The incumbent is responsible for troubleshooting the network and related peripherals.  Arranges for network repairs, and scheduled equipment maintenance.
• S/he coordinates with local maintenance providers and the Systems Manager.
• The incumbent carries out program modification of various applications in use to incorporate new requirements and needs in accordance with M/CIO guidelines.
• In addition, s/he evaluates computer systems software and hardware to determine future requirements.
• S/he designs, develops, and implements computer systems disaster recovery procedures which minimize loss of data and/or systems in accordance with M/CIO guidelines.
• Provides consultation and coordination services for the mission’s non-technical professional staff regarding software and hardware requirements for USAID project activities.

Qualifications and Evaluations

• Education: Minimum of B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical / Electronics / Computer Engineering, Physics, ICT, or any related discipline required. In addition, computer certifications such as A+, N+, Security+, MCSE, ITIL is required.
• Experience:  Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, primarily in Information Technology management and experience working in a cloud-based and client/server environment is required. Experience must include 3 years IT networking, installing and managing routers, switches, firewalls, etc. and 2 years LAN and WAN management experience.
• Evaluations: Applicants who clearly meet the minimum Education, Experience and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Job Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of automation operation concepts, analysis and management;
• System monitoring and performance fine tuning methodologies, troubleshooting;
• Program and data file integrity and backup strategies;
• Disaster and recovery planning methods;
• Performance fine-tuning; communications and networking concepts and operations;
• Diagnosis, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance procedures and techniques;
• Operating and maintenance concepts on UPS, AVR;
• Relevant computer languages;
• Operations research concepts and applications;
• Information system procedures and standards;
• Standard business work processes and management principles;
• SQL, database system and documentation techniques;
• Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methodologies involving extended relational database structure and analysis is required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills are required to resolve operation-related issues and to develop and maintain two-way communications and promote improved computer services.
• The incumbent must have the ability to effectively manage, operate, repair, and maintain Mission PC/LAN and Laptop/PC hardware, software, and applications; use MS Windows Desktop and Server Family) network operating system, Ethernet connectivity, and LAN protocol.
• The incumbent must have the ability to work outside regular office hours, on weekends and holidays, or any other days as required.
• The incumbent must have good technical skills to trouble-shoot, diagnose, and resolve hardware and software problems, and to maximize the capabilities of computer resources.
• The incumbent must have the ability to relate priorities to the capabilities and limitations of the computer system and components on hand, in order to determine the capability to meet support requirements; the ability to articulate system requirements to managers in order to secure support for the computer program, and to maximize opportunities for automation; and the ability to train Mission staff in the use of software programs.
• Language:  Level IV fluency in English both written and spoken, is required.

Evaluation Factors:

• Knowledge – 15 points
• Skills and Abilities – 10 points
• Language Skills – 5 points
• Interview Performance – 70 points
• Total Possible Points: 100 points

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed candidates. If the interview is conducted, the interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

USAID is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

• All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of age, race, color, sex, creed, national origin, lawful political affiliation, non-disqualifying handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, affiliation with an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
• Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.

Benefits and Other Info

Agency Benefits:

• As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Annual Salary Increase (if applicable)
• Annual and Sick leave
• Annual Bonus

Allowance (as applicable):

• Transportation Allowance
• Meal Allowance
• Miscellaneous Allowance
• Housing Allowance

Other Information:

• USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf
• ‘Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals form (AID 309-2) available at: https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2’
• Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
• Ethical Conduct.  By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.  See: https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Marketing Statement:

• USAID is an independent Federal Government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., USAID fosters transformational development around the world.
• Our work supports economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance.
• We operate in the following regions of the world: Afghanistan and Pakistan, Africa (all of Africa), Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East.
• For more information about USAID, visit: http://www.usaid.gov

Salary
NGN15,890,203 / Annum

Application Closing Date
17th August, 2022.