EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC) is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

The goal of the five-year, USAID-funded Integrated Child and Youth Development (ICYD) Activity is for Ugandan children and youth, especially the most vulnerable, to receive the support and services necessary to lead resilient, healthy, and productive lives. The ICYD Activity is expected to achieve the following:

1. Children and youth have improved learning outcomes;
2. Children and youth are safe and healthy in their community and learning environments; and
3. Youth practice positive behaviors and are able to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships.

Working in partnership with Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MGLSD), district and zonal officials, and other Ugandan government and civil society partners, ICYD will comprise a series of activities to: support improved basic education for Ugandan children; address school-related and gender-based violence; facilitate enhanced child protection and support for vulnerable youth; provide support to HIV-affected orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their caregivers/families; and support HIV care and treatment outcomes in close collaboration with clinical and community structures. ICYD will also contribute to improved systems within the MoES and MGLSD to promote Early Grade Reading (EGR) and child protection.

Position Description

Under the supervision of the IT Manager, s/he will coordinate the administration of IT services at the ICYD headquarters and in five zonal offices in Gulu, Hoima, Jinja, Mbarara and Wakiso. S/he will be responsible for installing or upgrading components, setting up software, assisting with network administration, and resolving all IT support issues. S/he will also participate in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the organization and ensure that system hardware, operating systems, and software systems are fully operational. This position will work in close collaboration with HQ field office support and HQ Help Desk. This position reports to the IT Manager. This is a full-time position based in Kampala, Uganda.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor and maintain the LAN, network servers, routers, printers, LAN points, and switches, patch panels, access points, to prevent faults occurring.
• Assist in the administration of virtualization platform infrastructure and ensure they are always available.
• Providing first-level support and ensure that IT problem recovery is done as quickly as possible and make regular system back-ups.
• Assist with the installation of the software packages, basic repair/maintenance of computer hardware, printers, tablets and network equipment.
• Providing support in conferencing with ICT and audiovisual equipment as and when requested.
• Support staff onboarding and data maintenance, security, and confidentiality.
• Train ICYD staff on email and EDC Management Information Systems and utilization of handheld devices.
• Continually explore, evaluate, and recommend advanced technologies to provide higher quality service, scalability, and modern architectural standards.
• Provide timely and cost-effective procurement of IT resources, working closely with colleagues in Operations and Finance to source appropriate IT items, solutions, and equipment, using relevant frameworks and ensure value for money.  
• Provide support on the Financial Management System (QuickBooks) to the project finance team.
• Ensure anti-virus software is kept current. 
• Maintain the inventory of ICT equipment and keep track of movements of ICT equipment.
• Reviews vendor contracts and coordinates IT purchases (hardware, software and services) to ensure effective deployment of solutions aligned with user needs.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, objectives, short- and long-term IT planning.
• Escalate incidents where they cannot be resolved at the office level.
• Perform other related duties as required.

The candidate for the position of IT Officer shall have at a minimum the following qualifications:

Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems sciences or related field.

Skills and Experience:

Must have at least 5 years of experience in IT systems management;

Candidates who demonstrate previous experience working on USAID-funded projects is preferred;

Demonstrated experience supporting Windows PCs, Linux OS, servers, and troubleshooting network issues.

Experience in Hosted Virtual Desktop environment.

Knowledge of hardware technology and concepts

Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with teams;

Excellent people skills at all levels, cultural sensitivity, ability to work well under pressure, negotiate diplomatically, and the ability to work well in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary work environment;

Effective oral and written communication skills in English;

Willingness to travel in all program areas, as necessary.

Language:

Fluency in English is required.

Application Instructions:

Applications submitted without a resume or CV will not be reviewed. Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls, please.

Job application closing date: 26 May 2023

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This announcement is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this notice are the sole responsibility of Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.