Systems Administrator at Marie Stopes UG, Kampala, Uganda

Job Description

The Role
The Systems Administrator reports to the ICT Manager MSU. The purpose of this post is to ensure the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of the organization’s computer systems and servers. You will work on a variety of tasks, including managing virtual machines, ensuring high availability, maintaining user accounts, and overseeing system backups.

Key Responsibilities
System Installation, Configuration, and Maintenance
• Install, configure, and maintain servers and Virtual machines, ensuring their optimal performance for the enterprise environment.
• Configure and sustain the virtual infrastructure that supports virtual machines across distributed Development, Test, and Production environments.
• Facilitate the procurement and deployment of new hardware and software, ensuring systems stay up to date with the latest technology.
• Administer user accounts, permissions, and access rights on various systems, ensuring secure and efficient access for all employees.
• Lead the integration of various complex enterprise-level servers and systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and functionality.
• Troubleshoot system issues and provide timely resolution to minimize downtime.
• Plan, design, and implement identified special technology projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

System Monitoring and Optimization
• Conduct capacity planning, monitor, and fine-tune IT infrastructure to maintain high availability.
• Design and implement performance monitoring processes to optimize the benefits of virtualization and ensure the reliability and efficiency of our systems.
• Ensure that temperatures at the data Centers are consistently monitored, with automated alerts set up to notify the IT Team of any irregularities.
• Compile monthly systems and Datacenter Performance reports for the IT Manager, providing key insights into system performance and areas for improvement.
• Coordinate troubleshooting and support calls with staff and external providers, ensuring quick resolution of any issues.
• Perform root cause analysis of complex server system problems and implement corrective action.

User support, Systems Security, and Disaster Recovery
• Perform regular system backups, ensuring the safety and integrity of our data.
• Provide IT support to the teams in the field and at the support office.
• Ensure the security and integrity of systems by implementing and maintaining appropriate security measures and protocols.
• Implement and improve disaster recovery plans, leveraging virtualization benefits to ensure quick and efficient recovery in the event of a disaster.
• Work with a change control policy on any changes, providing monthly change reports during the DIT monthly meetings.
• Execute duties in accordance with ITIL framework guidelines, ensuring consistent and efficient IT service management.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the IT Manager.

Knowledge Skills and Attitudes
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in system administration, including server management, user administration, and security protocols.
• Strong knowledge of operating systems, such as EXSI, VMware Windows, and Linux, and proficiency in system monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with cross-functional teams.

• Professional certification (e.g. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)) is a plus.

Skills/Experience:
• Three years proven experience in IT service administration and virtual Environments.
• Previous experience working with a fast growing and busy NGO.
•Knowledge of system security (e.g. intrusion detection systems) and data backup/recovery.
• Proven oral and written.
• Ability to work and support multi-site Environment.
• Strong people management skills
• Able to work as part of a team, building consensus and driving change.
• Excellent time-management and prioritization skills.
• Able to manage multiple issues in a high-pressure environment.
• Good planner
• Good analytical skills

Attitude / Motivation:
Successful performance at MSU is not simply defined in terms of ‘what’ people achieve, but equally is about ‘how’ people go about their jobs and the impact that they have on others. There are 13 key behaviours that MSU encourages in all employees and they are defined below:
• Initiative: Thinking ahead and taking action to make the most of opportunities by finding the optimum solution
In this role, you must be alert to strategic programme opportunities and threats and take action to use them
You will take initiative with your team and across the ET to realise efficiencies and impact
• Innovative: Thinking creatively so that ideas generated create a positive outcome
In this role creativity will be needed to realise new sources of funds and new ways of creating CYPs
• Effective Communication: Communicating through active listening and good questioning techniques, using appropriate body language, ensuring information is clear and concise.
• Team Player: Working as part of a team by being supportive, flexible and showing respect for each other
• Responsive Being responsive to changing priorities and demands.

Your plan will be clearly made out and changes will be agreed and reported regularly and on time
• Working Efficiently: Planning, prioritising and organising work to ensure work is accurate and deadlines are met
As part of the ET and in order to meet the needs of contractual obligations to investors/donors your work will be clear accountable and effective
• Sharing Information: Sharing information and knowledge whilst maintaining confidentiality
Timely action will be taken on information regarding your areas of responsibility
• Focus on Learning: Taking responsibility for keeping knowledge and skills updated and for seeking opportunities to develop further.
This post-holder must actively seek knowledge that can be shared and keep the teams up to date on latest views
Commitment: Awareness and understanding of goals, vision and values and how your role impacts on this and going the extra mile to meet role requirements
• Driven: Drive and determination to deliver results
Regular reporting will indicate ability to conceive, design and deliver on results
• Accountable: Taking responsibility for appropriate decisions that you make, and the actions and behaviour you demonstrate
• Embracing Change: Openness to embracing change within the organisation and being able to adjust plans/activities accordingly
• Motivated: Motivation towards achieving quality results to maximise potential