System Engineer & ICT Consultant

We are seeking a technically capable and solutions-oriented System Engineer & ICT Consultant to manage, maintain, and improve the organization's IT infrastructure and digital systems.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting servers, networks, workstations, cloud services, cybersecurity, data backup, systems administration, and ICT projects while providing technical advice to management, researchers, and project teams.

The role requires someone who can understand the organization's operational and research needs and translate them into reliable, secure, scalable, and cost-effective technology solutions.

The position may also involve supporting research teams in the deployment and use of ICT systems, digital data-collection tools, and technology infrastructure at field locations across Tanzania.

Systems Administration & Infrastructure

• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux servers, workstations, and other IT infrastructure.
• Administer organizational servers, including file servers, application servers, web servers, database servers, and other systems as required.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, access controls, and system configurations.
• Support Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file sharing, and other network services.
• Monitor system performance, availability, capacity, and resource utilization.
• Perform routine system maintenance, patching, upgrades, and configuration changes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of infrastructure, configurations, software, licenses, and system dependencies.
• Assist in the design and implementation of reliable and scalable ICT infrastructure.

Network Administration

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, routers, switches, firewalls, and related network infrastructure.
• Monitor network performance and identify connectivity, bandwidth, and availability issues.
• Implement appropriate network security controls and access restrictions.
• Troubleshoot internet connectivity and network-related problems for office and field teams.
• Assist with network design and deployment for new offices, research sites, and project locations.
• Maintain network diagrams, IP address records, and other relevant documentation.

Cybersecurity

• Implement and maintain appropriate cybersecurity controls across organizational systems and devices.
• Monitor systems for potential security vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, and suspicious activities.
• Assist with endpoint security, antivirus/EDR, firewalls, access controls, and security updates.
• Conduct basic vulnerability assessments and recommend corrective actions.
• Promote secure password management, multi-factor authentication, access control, and safe handling of organizational data.
• Support incident identification, investigation, documentation, and escalation.
• Ensure ICT practices align with applicable organizational policies and relevant Tanzanian data protection and cybersecurity requirements.

Backup & Disaster Recovery

• Develop and maintain reliable data backup and recovery procedures.
• Schedule and monitor automated backups of critical organizational systems and data.
• Test backup integrity and periodically perform recovery tests.
• Maintain appropriate backup copies using on-site, external, cloud, or other approved storage solutions.
• Assist in developing and maintaining ICT disaster recovery and business continuity procedures.
• Document recovery procedures and system dependencies.
• Research Technology Support
• Provide technical support to researchers, data teams, project officers, and field staff.
• Support the deployment and maintenance of computers, tablets, smartphones, servers, networking equipment, and other technology used in research projects.
• Assist research teams in configuring and troubleshooting electronic data-collection systems and devices.
• Support digital research platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, REDCap, SurveyCTO, or similar systems, where applicable.
• Prepare and test devices before field deployment.
• Provide technical assistance during field research activities and project deployments.
• Support secure transfer, storage, backup, and management of research-related digital data.

ICT Consulting

• Assess organizational technology requirements and provide practical ICT recommendations.
• Advise management on hardware, software, infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, networking, and technology investments.
• Conduct ICT needs assessments for new projects, offices, and research activities.
• Develop technical specifications and requirements for ICT procurement.
• Evaluate technology vendors, products, and service providers.
• Assist with preparing ICT budgets, project plans, technical proposals, and implementation strategies.
• Recommend opportunities for automation, digitalization, and process improvement.
• Provide technical input into organizational and research project proposals where ICT components are involved.
• Support management in evaluating the technical feasibility, risks, costs, and benefits of proposed ICT solutions.

Cloud & Digital Systems

• Support administration of cloud-based services and organizational applications.
• Manage cloud storage, email, collaboration platforms, domain services, and other approved cloud technologies.
• Assist with cloud migrations and integration of digital systems.
• Monitor cloud service availability, security, storage utilization, and user access.
• Support website hosting, DNS, SSL certificates, domain management, and basic web infrastructure where required.
• Assist in integrating different organizational systems and digital platforms.

IT Support & Helpdesk

• Provide first- and second-level technical support to employees.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, operating system, network, printer, and peripheral issues.
• Install and configure computers, applications, printers, scanners, and other IT equipment.
• Maintain an ICT helpdesk or ticketing system and ensure incidents are properly documented.
• Escalate complex technical issues to specialized vendors or service providers when necessary.
• Develop basic user guides and provide technical training to staff.

ICT Asset Management

• Maintain an accurate inventory of computers, servers, network equipment, software, peripherals, and other ICT assets.
• Track equipment allocation, movement, maintenance, repair, replacement, and disposal.
• Ensure organizational ICT equipment is properly configured and secured.
• Conduct periodic ICT asset audits.
• Assist procurement teams with technical specifications and evaluation of ICT equipment.

ICT Projects

• Participate in the planning, implementation, testing, and deployment of ICT projects.
• Develop technical project documentation, requirements, implementation plans, and reports.
• Coordinate with internal departments, researchers, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct system testing and user acceptance testing before deployment.
• Monitor project implementation against agreed technical requirements, timelines, and budgets.
• Provide post-implementation support and recommend improvements.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in systems administration, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or related areas are an advantage.
• 2–5 years of relevant professional experience in systems administration, network administration, IT infrastructure, ICT consulting, or a related position.
• Practical experience administering Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Experience with network configuration and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of server administration, virtualization, databases, storage, and backup systems.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles and ICT risk management.
• Experience with cloud platforms and cloud-based applications is an advantage.
• Experience supporting research organizations, NGOs, healthcare, academic institutions, development projects, or field-based operations is an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project and research sites within Tanzania when required.

Technical Skills

Candidates should ideally have practical knowledge of several of the following:
Systems

• Windows Server
• Linux
• Active Directory
• Group Policy
• DNS
• DHCP
• File and print services
• Virtualization
• Server monitoring

Networking

• TCP/IP
• LAN/WAN
• VLANs
• Wi-Fi
• VPN
• Routing and switching
• Firewalls
• Network troubleshooting

Security

• Endpoint security
• Access control
• MFA
• Vulnerability management
• Security monitoring
• Patch management
• Data protection

Backup & Recovery

• Backup solutions
• Cloud backup
• Disaster recovery
• Data restoration
• Business continuity

Cloud & Digital

• Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace
• Cloud storage
• Domain and DNS management
• SSL/TLS
• Web hosting
• SaaS administration

Research Technology

• KoboToolbox
• ODK
• REDCap
• SurveyCTO
• Mobile data-collection devices
• GPS-enabled devices

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong systems troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Analytical and structured approach to technical problems.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure and systems.
• Ability to translate organizational requirements into technical solutions.
• Excellent documentation and reporting skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple technical priorities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good project coordination skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Willingness to continuously learn and adapt to emerging technologies.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.