USAID Computer Management Specialist at the 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 of:

Job Title: USAID Computer Management Specialist (Current Mission Employees Only) (7206202210019) (Systems Manager)

Announcement Number: Abuja-2022-060
Location: Abuja
Hiring Agency: Embassy Abuja
Series / Grade: LE – 0435 12
Work Schedule: Full-time – 40 hours per week
Promotion Potential: LE- 12

Overview

• Hiring Path: Open to the public
• Who May Apply / Clarification From the Agency:
  • For definitions use URL www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/glossary Employee of Mission – Nigeria  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 December 2022
• Supervisory Position: Yes
• Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No
• Travel Required:
  • Occasional Travel
  • Job holder will travel occasionally

Summary

• Under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer, this position administers the Mission’s IT systems by providing optimal use of existing and new computer technology resources through a local area network (LAN) system.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations, installation, modification, and maintenance of the Mission’s local area network (LAN) system, and for providing support to users.

Duties
Systems Administration and Management Advisory Services 60%:

• The Systems Manager is responsible for all aspects of the Mission’s telecommunications and automation activities. Provides computer and automation related management advisory services to the Mission.
• Ensures that computer hardware systems and peripheral equipment are operated in accordance with Agency and/or Department of State computer security policies, standards, and guidelines.
• The incumbent is responsible for developing IT Mission orders laying out policy and procedures relating to use of computer equipment within the Mission, and after Executive Officer and Mission Director’s approval, enforces this policy, and Provides advice to the Mission and client Missions on USAID policies governing computer configuration, procurement, installation and maintenance of hardware and software, and utilization of various software packages and hardware.
• The Systems Manager develops long-range strategic office automation plans for the Mission, establishes and implements IT goals; identifies and evaluates hardware, software and peripheral capabilities to meet these goals.
• Advises the Mission’s EXO on what types and levels of computer media and stationery are required for the support of the computer operations (e.g. disks, tapes, cartridges, printer service kits, paper, etc).
• 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, designs, develops and implements computer systems disaster recovery procedures which minimize loss of data and/or systems, and ensures quick recovery from such disasters by implementing workable contingent system operation plan(s), prepares the annual mission IT budget which is included in the mission Annual Budget Submission to AID/W. May perform and/or direct record keeping for receipt and verification against purchase orders of new hardware, software, and documentation, and enter into the agency’s automated IT inventory system.

Computer Systems Engineering 25%:

• The incumbent is responsible for the evaluation design/configuration and implementation of the computer systems in the Mission.
• Analyzes functions, procedures, processes, etc., to determine whether they are appropriate for automation and develop specifications and system architecture,
• Performs the analysis, testing and evaluation of computer operating systems and utilities to determine their effectiveness relative to systems in use and their support capability and compatibility with program applications being run. Recommends as necessary, equipment and software upgrades and/or new IT equipment procurement to the Executive Officer.
• The Systems Manager is responsible for design and implementation of IT equipment layout and installation including LAN wiring topology covering LAN file servers, and LAN wiring materials, serves as the telecommunications (TC) engineer with various duties including evaluating the feasibility of installing TC equipment; preparing specifications for ordering TC equipment (e.g. modems, Microchannel Adapters -ICA, etc); planning, designing and implementing TC training plans for the mission.
• Performs troubleshooting on data communications problems with AID/W high-speed data lines including the VSAT and ISP used for internet and world wide web.
• The Systems Manager serves as primary support to the Mission’s ISSOs and oversees all areas of data, software and equipment security; alerts designated ISSO to problem areas; and takes corrective actions to minimize the chances of malicious or inadvertent destruction of information or equipment.

Systems Analysis and Programming 15%:

• The incumbent performs and/or directs tasks which includes, feasibility studies of potential applications to automate users work and where necessary major system modifications thereto if necessary; adapting, modifying, or integrating existing systems; analyzing program applications developed by AID/W or other sources to determine impact on overall system workload, compatibility with other program applications being run, and with computer operating systems being used.

Qualifications and Evaluations
Requirements:

• The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
• Education Requirements: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical / Electronics / Computer Engineering, Physics, ICT, or any related discipline is required. In addition, one of the following computer certifications such as A+, N+, Security+, MCSE, ITIL is required.

Evaluations:
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.

Qualifications
Prior Work Experience:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in a cloud-based and client/server environment primarily in Information Technology management is required.
• 3 years IT networking experience installing and managing routers, switches, firewalls, etc. is required. 3 years LAN and WAN management experience is required.

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; principles, techniques and methodologies involving extended relational database structure and analysis is required.

Skills and 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 requires 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 requires the ability to work outside regular office hours, on weekends and holidays, or any other days as required.
• The incumbent requires good technical skills to trouble-shoot, diagnose, and resolve hardware and software problems, and to maximize the capabilities of computer resources.
• The incumbent requires 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 Proficiency:

• Level IV (fluent) in both written and spoken English language is required.

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
• PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses
• 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.
• ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)
• (a) Definition. As used in this clause –
  • United States or its outlying areas means—
  • The fifty States.
  • The District of Columbia.
  • The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and
  • The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.
  • Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).
  • Personal Services Contracts with individuals.  As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.
• Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042
• USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.
• Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.
• 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
• PSC Ombudsman – The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the Agency  Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

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.

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
NGN 17,733,456 – NGN 26,496,574 Annually.

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

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

Allowances (as applicable):

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

Application Closing Date
10th June, 2022.