Kwara State Government - The International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC) is a charitable non-governmental educational institution with a vision to promote inclusive human capital development within the context of evolving national (Nigerian) needs and global competitiveness. IVTEC is a pioneering technical and vocational education model initiated by the Kwara State Government (KWSG). KWSG provided the initial funding and partnered with a world-renowned City & Guilds International for the design and construction of campus facilities, which were completed in 2015. As an NGO, the organizational and financial structure of IVTEC allows for an array of partnerships and collaborations with individuals, business and industry from within and outside Nigeria to ensure its future financial sustainability.

IVTEC is scheduled to commence operations in October of 2016 with the first set of instructional programs in Automotive, Building/Construction, Welding, Electrical, and HVAC trades. The State University of New York College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State College) has partnered with IVTEC and the Kwara State Government to operate and manage IVTEC during the first two years of operations.

Hence, Kwara State Government is seeking individual with uncommon dedicated who are high-achieving, highly dynamic and innovative with proven target driven orientation to fill the position below in the IVTEC:

POSITION : IT Specialist/Manager IT Systems

Purpose of the Post 
The incumbent is responsible for:

• The planning and installation of corporate systems
• Administering and maintaining these systems
• Ensuring the overall security and integrity of these systems
• Managing the corporate systems databases
• Ensuring effective systems backups that will allow for restoring and recovery of these systems
• Acquiring corporate hardware and software
• Providing the ICT technology infrastructures for the organisation
• Contributing to organisational policy with regard to quality standards, security standards, and strategic planning
• Providing and ensuring the provision of support to the corporate systems users

Key Performance Areas and Tasks

Key Outputs / KPAS/Main Tasks - Initiatives/Tasks/Activities
Management and Supervisory Duties:

• The incumbent is responsible for directing the work of systems administrator(s) and assistant administrator(s), support specialists, and other computer-related workers. Standard activities for the incumbent include:
• Evaluating organisational needs i.t.o. systems, security and infrastructure;
• Ensuring that ICT facilities meet the needs of the organisation and projects;
• Planning, developing, implementing, and controlling the ICT budget for the section, obtaining competitive prices from suppliers, where appropriate, to ensure cost effectiveness;
• Scheduling upgrades and security backups of hardware and software systems;
• Researching and installing new systems;
• Ensuring the smooth running of all ICT systems;
• Ensuring that software licensing laws are adhered to;
• Providing secure access to the systems for users;
• Ensuring the security of data from internal and external attack;
• Providing users with appropriate support and advice
• Managing crisis situations, which may involve complex technical hardware or software problems;
• Mentoring and training new ICT support staff;
• Setting priorities, coordinating, and the reporting of group/team activities;
• Contributing to the overall BU strategy and policies;
• Providing senior technical leadership to BU and the organisation, including being conversant with the future direction of enterprise systems, how that direction will impact the organisation, and how future and current systems can be exploited for the benefit of the organisation;
• Serving as a source of documentation and standards to help direct the activities of BU as a whole;
• Overseeing the activities of the systems administration section, including system management and systems security management;
• Negotiating SLA contracts;
• Liaise with and maintain contact with systems operations staff, technology vendors, managers and executives in charge of the key business units using ICT services, and sales and technical support personnel from hardware and software vendors for troubleshooting and the development of specifications;
• Managing the personnel of the systems administration section;
• Keeping up to date with the latest technologies.
• The incumbent may be expected to deal with change management. This requires an understanding of the capabilities and constraints of technology and resource implications in terms of budgets, plus the training and recruitment of specialist staff.

System Administration Plans:

• Determining major areas/issues on the corporate systems that require attention due to re-occurring or continuous problems. Prioritising the issues, attend to them, and/or delegating as the situation permits.
• Identifying the necessary systems updates and upgrades based on the incumbent’s knowledge and experience, BU plans, and supplier information. Performing detailed disaster recovery planning to prepare for eventualities within the framework provided.
• Drawing up the plans for all major activities to be undertaken on all systems during a given year (updates, system changes/additions, patches, monthly backups, disaster recovery testing, etc.), in line with established needs, overall plans, and best practices.
• Scheduling the various events, and communicating the schedules and plans to all stakeholders (users, managers, analysts, etc.)
• Deciding on the specific plans in line with operational priorities, and based on various system needs. Agreeing major objectives with the General Manager, while providing the essential detail and required expertise.

Systems Administration Procedures and Standards:

• Identifying all points within the Operating Systems (OS) processes that may negatively impact on security, software compliance, or data integrity within all the systems. Compiling standardised procedures for dealing with the identified problem areas: e.g. security procedure for data backups, spare hardware required to ensure systems operations continuity, etc.
• Laying down and implementing operational security standards to ensure a high level of control over access, usage, and manipulation of systems. This also relates to backup procedures and steps that are enforced to ensure and monitor security.
• Determining and implementing standards of data integrity, and assisting operational staff in the application of these standards, so as to counter data loss, contamination of data, or shifts/migration of data.
• Monitoring compliance to standards and procedures, intervening where contraventions or deficiencies are detected, and remedying these immediately through coaching of users and/or IT staff, and enforcement of the standards.
• Deciding on the specific procedures and standards required to ensure a high degree of uniformity, control, availability and predictability within the corporate systems environment.

Systems Updates/Upgrades Duties:

• Performing operating systems and software updates in line with plans, or as the need arise, due to systems/user requirements or supplier recommendations (mostly part of contractual obligations).
• Liaising closely with super users and applications analysts in order to get them to prepare for the update and the potential impact on operational work flow during implementation. Making provisions for operational minimum requirements.
• Identifying aspects that will bear direct impact on users in terms of operating changes, and arranging training through suppliers or helpdesk/skills administrator. Coaching of affected staff on the job, in case of minor impact.
• Performing post implementation checks to ensure that the update/upgrade has been successfully implemented, and monitors systems based on key criteria to ensure that its operational functionalities are as intended.
• Engaging suppliers (wherever necessary) to deal with apparent deficiencies of the update software and/or new hardware in order to ensure that implementation is to intended standards, as indicated by suppliers.
• Monitoring user responses as well as actual benefits that are derived from the update, so as to be able to make calculated judgements about future updates/upgrades.
• Deciding on the prioritisation of the various updates/upgrades to be performed as well as the specific planning and implementation of these. Acts in capacity of project leader on big updates and coordinates staff tasks.

Systems Maintenance Duties (Software):

• Identifying key points and measures that will provide reliable assessments on the performance and integrity of the software on all systems within IVTEC.
• Customising software to cater for specific needs as requested by users or where necessary, arranges with suppliers for this.
• Performing regular checks on systems to ensure that system files are current and up to date, that the systems have sufficient space, and making adjustments as required. Optimising available capacity on system prior to expansions.
• Making changes to report formats in line with user requirements and liaising closely with suppliers on specific needs that systems are not catering for.
• Ensuring that hardware capacity is maintained and arranging for increase in capacity as required.
• Deciding on what needs to be implemented (processes) that will ensure optimal use and maintenance of operating software on all systems.

Systems Maintenance Duties (Databases/DBA):

• Compiling and implementing control sheets at operational level to monitor data integrity on a daily and weekly basis and thus curb data inaccuracies
• Checking data and metadata on a daily basis and identifying any deficiencies. Identifying systems vs. operator faults and correcting the systems faults by means of configuration adjustments/changes, while coaching staff on how to deal with standard operating faults.
• Monitoring specific potential problem areas such as data migration. Engaging suppliers to find enduring solutions where such problems are recurring.
• Ensuring that data backups are performed in order to ensure a high level of security and preparedness in case of default or disaster scenarios.
• Enforcing operational disciplines amongst users to ensure a high level of compliance, and subsequently data integrity and availability.
• Deciding on the mechanisms and steps to be implemented to obtain a high degree of control over data capturing, backup approaches and maintenance.

Systems Security/Integrity Management Duties:

• Defining all security and potential risk points on the various systems at an operational and strategic levels and, keeping a record on incidence and defining the nature of risk.
• Developing security mechanisms (backups, incidence reports, etc.), procedures (intermittent checks, password control, etc.), and policies that will ensure that security is managed at operational and strategic levels. Performing intermittent checks on key security points (access points, database security profiles, etc.)
• Maintaining checklists and records on incidence and analyses causality of such incidents, putting in place adequate remedies to constantly reduce risk. (E.g. a user may have accidentally gone into secure fields within the system – the incumbent needs to review user’s authorizations and coach user on appropriate use of systems in these cases.)
• Liaising closely with suppliers on security control mechanisms and implementing them as required; keeping abreast with developments in this area.
• Ensuring that operational staff are clear on the consequences of non-compliance and reminds staff on essential process steps to maintain integrity of systems hardware, databases and operating software.
• Deciding on the aspects of the systems that need to be controlled and how to achieve this most effectively.

Statistics, Reports and Advice:

• Compiling standard reports on performance and incidence of events (down time, data losses, etc.) in line with managerial/user requirements, and ensuring that the information presented is clear, accurate, and in line with user’s needs; keeping in mind that information is used for decision making (e.g. average uptime, incidents of systems failure, etc.)
• Responding to ad hoc requests for information or analysis of systems information, that have to be prepared for specific uses, and providing the information as agreed (e.g. capacity assessment and need for additional capacity).
• Adding value to all information provided by giving meaningful summaries and explanations that deal with reasons, causalities and consequences.
• Providing advice on request and offering advice on matters that are concerned with systems functions, capacity, recurring problems, updates, etc. Serving as an expert advisor on systems operations, operating software, and data base integrity issues.
• Follows-up periodically with users as to changes in requirements and makes changes so that user satisfaction remains high on standard reporting.
• Deciding on how best to add value to the decision making process within IVTEC’s systems maintenance environment, and to positively contribute to operational systems effectiveness and availability.

Systems Operations Implementation Projects:

• Taking on responsibility for specified projects, such as the implementation of additional modules to existing systems in terms of hardware and software functionalities, researching the market for monitoring systems that allow better control, capacity expansions, etc.
• Performing both desk research (via Internet and other means of obtaining information) and field studies, in order to assess and compare the specific situations and practices found within NamPower’s systems operations, to those found in other companies’ systems operations.
• Defining the project specifications, and planning the project in detail, ensuring that priorities are highlighted and logically ordered (e.g. it is more important to select practical solutions than hi-tech solutions that have no local support).
• Finalising all inputs, making sure that all requirements have been met.
• Doing presentations to iServ General Manager with firm recommendations and reasoning, which carry a strong weight at this level.
• Playing the leading role in project implementation, and also performing expert/complex operational activities. Coordinating the various inputs and ensuring that targets/deadlines are met. Liaising closely with applications staff to coordinate activities and consequences.
• Deciding on the specific approach that needs to be followed and what recommendations to offer in order to add maximum value.

Systems Administration Efficiencies:

• Categorising services in order of complexity and importance, as well as impact on operational effectiveness, and sets personal targets of improvement.
• Finding ways of improving on general efficiencies by employing means such as training of users, taking proactive steps to reducing systems overloads through capacity additions, performing preventative maintenance steps that reduce actual down-time, re-routing configuration during peaks, etc.
• Always maintaining good communication with users on queries and negotiating delivery times in such a way that usage of time is optimised.
• Liaising with suppliers of software on time saving features that will optimise the use of time and reduce time usage on minor issues.
• Performing proper planning at monthly, weekly and daily level to improve on time usage.
• Performing analysis of faults or problems, and resolving them efficiently so as to reduce comebacks.
• Deciding on best approaches to take, and how best to plan in accordance with optimal efficiency considerations (e.g. what contributes most to uptime).

DRP (Disaster Recovery Plan) and BCP (Business Continuity Plan) coordination:

• Compiling the DRP and BCP. Coordinating and planning DRP and BCP for all iServ servers and systems in close coordination with General Manager: Iserv.
• Implementing and testing DRP and BCP and identifying deficiencies. Correcting deficiencies (with assistance of suppliers where necessary).
• Maintaining DRP & BCP and evaluating needed changes as systems requirements and network patterns change.
• Highlighting risk areas and discussing solutions with General Manager: Iserv.
• Making IVTEC management and colleagues aware of any trends of decline in security environment and coordinating remedies.

Firewall Administration and Improvements Duties:

• Performs systems administration tasks as prescribed within the firewall component of the IVTEC systems.
• Controlling the internet accessibility function by appropriate authorisation, profiling and monitoring means.
• Monitoring effectiveness of the firewall by checking critical points regularly and identifying areas for improvement and additional control. Developing and implementing improvements. Managing security monitoring features on the IVTEC website; i.t.o. attacks, footprints, etc.
• Maintaining a high availability of the internet while managing the interfaces closely.
• Scanning the environment i.t.o. firewall features, new developments, etc. and recommending and implementing improvements from time to time.
• Implementing upgrades and updates (with supplier of firewall system if necessary).

IT Accessibility Management and Services Duties:

• Developing a systematic and controlled approach to accessibility management within IVTEC.
• Establishing authority levels as well as accessibility needs of various types of users.
• Developing standard profiles on the system that can be utilised for different users, as well as adjusted where necessary.
• Establishing responsibilities amongst users for accessibility control and providing feedback to major users on problems in this area.
• Monitoring utilisation of accessibility profiles and improving them where necessary.
• Developing and implementing accessibility controls, and monitoring controls and measures to sensitive IT areas within IVTEC (both physical and within the total network).
• Developing and implementing adequate measures to control access to file servers, monitoring utilisation and adherence/breaches, and making improvements as breaches/loopholes are detected.
• Securing IT equipment/components within the network against physical hazard (e.g. fire) and developing a systematic approach to securing all physical components.

General IT involvement and Personal Development:

• Participating in management meetings and interacting with General Manager: Corporate Services with regards to system developments and other related matters;
• Reading journals, magazines and reports on developments and trends in the Systems Administration field.
• Attending seminars that are relevant to the field and where improvements can be gleaned. These should also contribute to knowledge ability.
• Determining together with General Manager what specific training is necessary in order to enhance the incumbent’s competency and ensuring that the incumbent receives such training through liaison with the training department or self-arrangement.
• Obtaining feedback from General Manager on perceived competency as well as inputs as to what the incumbent can do to generally improve, e.g. exposure.
• Ensuring that the incumbent is aware how other power utilities manage this area, and may visit organisations which have a high standard in this area.
• Deciding on what the incumbent needs to do to develop his abilities using others as feedback sources.

Job Requirements
The post requires skills in:

• Planning and organising - Ability to establish courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Communication - Ability to clearly convey information and ideas to individuals or groups in a manner that helps them understand and retain the message.
• Building Parent, Community and Industry relations - Ability to effectively meeting customer needs, building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Qualifications

• At least an Honours Degree in IT or related field (Master’s is preferred) with at least 8 years of practical experience at an appropriate level.

Training:

• Continued Professional Development (CPD) as required and approved by the Board of Trustees

Statutory / Organisational Requirements:

• Sign a contract

Skills
The post requires skills in:

• Analytical Thinking: Interpreting, linking and analysing information to understand issues.
• Application Development / Support and Maintenance: Knowledge and ability to design, define, construct, enhance, support and maintain application software on one or more platforms
• Applied Learning - Ability to assimilate and apply new job-related information in a timely manner.
• Building Customer Loyalty - Ability to meet customer needs; building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Business Analysis: Knowledge and ability to apply the principles of business analysis in the planning, reengineering, requirement gathering for government business environments, operations, processes and practices.
• Business Insight
• Client Focus: Identifying and responding to current and future client needs; providing service excellence to internal and external clients.
• Communication - Ability to clearly convey information and ideas to individuals or groups in a manner that helps them understand and retain the message.
• Communication: Listening to others and communicating in an effective manner that fosters open communication.
• Computer Literacy - Ability to operate a computer to register a case on CAS.
• Continuous Learning: Identifying and addressing individual strengths and weaknesses, developmental needs and changing circumstances to enhance personal and organizational performance.
• Contributing to Team Success - Ability to actively participate as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
• Database Design & Management: Knowledge and ability to apply the methods, practices and policies that are used in the design and the management of databases.
• Decision making. - Ability to identify and understand issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions, taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences.
• Dedication and willingness to put in extra effort and time when required
• Driving - Ability to drive light duty vehicle.
• Emotional Maturity
• Innovative Problem Solving
• Integrity
• Managing Conflict - Ability to deal effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and method to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people.
• Managing Work - Ability to manage one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Passion
• Patience
• Prioritization skills
• Quality Orientation - Ability to accomplish tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small, showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
• Results Orientation: Focusing personal efforts on achieving results consistent with the organization’s objectives.
• Safety Awareness - Ability to be aware of conditions that affect employee safety.
• Security / Information & Application Protection: Knowledge and ability to ensure there are adequate technical and organizational safeguards to protect the continuity of IT infrastructure services by the implementation of IT security principles, methods, practices, policies and tools that are used in securing IT resources including information and operations security, physical security, business continuity/disaster recovery planning, methods to deal with security breaches and security assessment in a technical environment.
• Self-Management Skills

Assertiveness

• Stress Tolerance - Ability to maintain stable performance under pressure or opposition; holding stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organisation.
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals and positive results
• Testing: Knowledge and ability to perform testing of software and/or hardware using a systematic approach (i.e., the orderly progression of testing in which software and/or hardware elements are combined and tested until the entire system has been integrated).

Other Requirements:

• Successful candidate will be expected to participate (in-residence) at a semester-long professional development program offered by our international partner, the State University of New York College of Technology at Alfred, New York, from January to April 2017. IVTEC/ASC will cover transport and room/board costs associated with this professional development program.

Remuneration
Competitive salary and benefits package.

How To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents by email to: praxisatlantis@praxisatlantis.com 

Required Documents

• Letter of interest
• Updated CVs
• Three reference letters from individuals familiar with your professional background.

Note

• Applications received by Closing Date stated above will be given priority. Review of applications will start immediately.
• Successful candidate would dbe expected to travel to New York for a semester-long (in-residence) professional development program offered by our international partner, the State University of New York College of Technology at Alfred, New York, from January to April 2017.
• IVTEC/ASC will cover air travel and room/board costs associated with this professional development program
• Only applicants with the desire and the ability to be away from Nigeria for this period of time and with a valid International passport will be selected.