The Network Engineer plans, installs, and maintains data, voice, and other information technology infrastructure across Mission Nairobi's offices and residential facilities. This includes physical and logical infrastructure support for 61 ICASS level agencies and 1700+ Open Net users across the main Chancery compound and 9 tail sites. The incumbent administers and maintains the Mission's Dedicated Internet Network (DIN), Enterprise Wi-Fi at the Chancery, and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) at official residences and tail sites.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and Configure Logical Area Networks (40%): Plan, design, maintain, and configure Open Net, DIN, and other agency networks including switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and controllers. Implement VPNs, VLANs, IPV4/IPV6 subnets, NAT, WLANs, Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, bandwidth limits, and proxy services per Department of State guidelines.
- Physical Local Area Network Infrastructure Installation and Maintenance (20%): Install, terminate, and cross-connect copper, fiber, and coaxial cabling per industry standards. Design and install structured network management systems (cable ladders, patch panels, wall jacks) and troubleshoot network performance issues using standard hardware and software diagnostics tools.
- Wide Area Network Circuit Support (15%): Support Nairobi's WAN network across 9 offsites and 1700+ end users. Collaborate with service providers to recommend, install, and maintain WAN circuits (wireless peer-to-peer, leased lines, microwave links, ISDN, E1, PRI). Support telecommunications requirements for visiting VIP delegations.
- Telecommunications Contracting Oversight (15%): Serve as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and technical Point of Contact (POC) for telecommunication procurements. Oversee vendor performance, negotiate licensing requirements with Kenyan Government Authorities (e.g., CAK, Ministry of ICT), and advise on contract renewals or terminations.
- Monitoring of Wide Area Network (10%): Conduct daily monitoring of WAN, Open Net, DIN, Enterprise Wi-Fi, tail sites, and official residences. Set up alerts, manage performance metrics, and generate reports for data-driven decisions.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Systems Management, Network Engineering, or a related IT degree.
- Certifications: Current Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification AND at least one of the following: CNet Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI), SCTE Broadband Premises Technician (BPT), or BICSI Cabling Installation Certification.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of networking experience with at least 3 years in hands-on network installation/termination and 2 years in network maintenance, design, configuration, and technical documentation.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and hold a security certificate or Public Trust security clearance.
