ICT Assistant – Network Administration

Reporting to the Head of ICT, the successful candidate will be responsible for assessing information risk and facilitating remediation of identified vulnerabilities for IT security and IT risks across Kenya Tea Packers. They will also coordinate ICT system support in liaison with the Database Administrator Business Intelligence and Reporting, ensuring secure network connectivity within Ketepa offices, and safeguarding the integrity and security of Company Systems.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Network Performance & Management: Establish optimal network performance by evaluating connectivity KPIs (availability, utilization, throughput, and latency). Plan and execute the selection, installation, configuration, and testing of ICT equipment.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Monitor and manage all communications and resolve networking problems through effective implementation of preventive measures for IT Network, systems, and software applications. Maintain network performance by performing network monitoring, analysis, and performance tuning, troubleshooting network problems, and escalating issues to vendors.
• Security & Vulnerability Assessment: Report findings and recommendations of identified vulnerabilities to the Head of ICT for corrective action. Perform vulnerability assessments using IT security tools and methodologies to report any IT security/risk exposure within the IT network, systems, and software applications.
• Network Specifications: Establish network specifications by conferring with users, analyzing workflow, access, information, and security requirements; and designing router administration, including interface configuration and routing protocols.
• Cyber Defense: Secure the network by developing network access, monitoring, control, and evaluation systems, and maintaining updated documentation. Conduct periodic reviews of firewall rules, configurations, and logs with the Head of ICT. Enhance cyber defense and security by defining access privileges, control structures, and resources.
• Policy Support: Assist the ICT Manager in recommending updates to all ICT policies: Disaster Recovery Plan, ICT strategy for the Company Technology infrastructure, and Systems & BCP SOP.
• User Support & Training: Log, update, and follow up on the ICT support helpdesk system to provide efficient, effective, and continuous support to all users of the information and telecommunication systems. Provide basic training/support in accessing the network and use of various software applications, and aid the ICT Manager in maintaining documentation for all information systems.
• Vendor & SLA Management: Work with vendor support contacts to review and update SLAs and resolve technical problems with end-user hardware, software, and MPLS/SD-WAN/internet.
• System Upgrades: Ensure all PCs, Laptops, and servers on the domain/network are running on licensed/updated operating systems and updated versions of endpoint security. Ensure all computers interconnect seamlessly with diverse systems including associated validation systems, file servers, email servers, application servers, and administrative systems.
• Budgeting: Assist in the formulation of annual ICT training CAPEX and OPEX budgets in liaison with the Head of ICT.

Key Result Areas

• Design, deploy, and administer network infrastructure, security architecture, and support.
• Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments on information systems.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of threat and vulnerability management.
• Provide technical support for end-users.
• Plan the installation and implementation of new hardware and software. Coordinate firmware and upgrade of applications and software.
• Liaise with vendors to resolve software and hardware errors.

Core Competencies

• Hardware: Excellent knowledge of computer hardware and an understanding of how it integrates with computing systems and databases. Awareness of capabilities and limitations of various devices.
• Networking: General knowledge of network connectivity, integration, and protocols.
• Software Development: Knowledge of software development theories, methodologies, and standards.
• Operating and Database Systems: Operating system/database installation and upgrading, software package installation, updating, and distribution, operating system/database tuning, and performance monitoring.
• Problem Solving: Ability to apply knowledge of a broad range of technologies to achieve effective solutions.
• Communication Skills: Ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to effectively organize and prioritize tasks.