Job Vacancy at Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd – Information Technology Officer (IT Officer)

The Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd. is a Sierra Leone registered organisation which provides financial and technical assistance to Sierra Leone credit unions (financial cooperative organisations), NaCCUA (the Sierra Leone credit union Apex body) and relevant government authorities. In its work ILCUF Ltd. adheres to a Code of Conduct that sets out the ethical principles of its work in the country and its commitment to the highest standards of openness, transparency and accountability; its nature of work is apolitical, secular, democratic and non-discriminatory.

The Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd. is seeking for an experienced IT professional to monitor, manage and maintain ICT systems for financial cooperatives in Sierra Leone. This individual will be a creative, driven problem solver who can work in a highly collaborative environment to spearheading the transformation and implementation of Credit Union ICT system and deliver ongoing supports to ensure efficiencies and effectiveness of the system.

Candidates should possess vision and commitment in achieving excellence in IT service provision and experience in the support and development of a dynamic and complex IT system. Service delivery will include liaising with IT service providers, IT users and third parties alike.

Main Purpose of the Job: Monitor, Manage and Maintain ICT Systems in Credit Unions in Sierra Leone.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: 

The duties of the IT Officer shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Managing & Maintaining IT infrastructure:

• Manage and maintain the IT Infrastructure (Hardware & Network) component of ILCUF Ltd, NaCCUA and their affiliate credit unions.
• Manage and maintain ILCUF Ltd, NaCCUA and affiliate credit union software and databases under the supervision of ILCUF Ltd.
• Support the procurement of hardware and introduce hardware.
• Ensure the maintenance of ILCUF Ltd systems, including, general computer support, software installations, license management, server setup and management, database administration, web applications and contents management, network, printers, audio and audio conferencing and remote support.
• Support ILCUF Ltd. and credit unions to achieve optimal connectivity from local ISPs.
• Manage and maintain a database of all software and hardware assets within ILCUF Ltd.
• Maintain the security of ILCUF’s IT environment using best practice security measures including but not limited to the use of passwords, anti-virus software.

Support the Credit Union movement on use of appropriate software:

• Support the process of identifying and procuring a suitable credit union software for credit unions.
• Liaise with credit union software providers to support NaCCUA and their affiliate credit unions in their use of the software.
• Provide technical assistance and support to credit unions in computers and credit union management software, especially the GnuCash accounting software.

 

• Develop and deliver training courses in basic computer literacy (operating computers, computer maintenance & Troubleshooting, internet Applications and Video conferencing, Microsoft Office suite) and credit union management software.
• Organise trainings, meetings and field trips involving participating credit unions and contribute to the production of reports.

IT Policy and Security:

• Develop IT Policy and Procedures for ILCUF Ltd. office and monitor progress with the General Manager.
• Support ILCUF Ltd, NaCCUA and their affiliate credit unions to introduce and monitor appropriate IT policies.
• Keep abreast of trends in IT security and implement the latest measures where appropriate.
• Ensure that ILCUF staff are aware and adhere to best practice security measures

General Management:

• Monitor and manage content published on the NaCCUA website.
• Plan project activities in the area of credit union IT development with the General Manager.
• Monitor IT budget component with the General Manager and ensure accountability and transparency.
• Support ILCUF Ltd in the management of vendors and related procurement activity as required.
• Investigating the price, lead-time and options available in the procurement of an asset.

Reporting:

• Ensure timely submission of reports to the General Manager, ensuring that they are consistent with ILCUF and donor reporting requirements.
• Support ILCUF Ltd Staff and credit unions in the development and updating of Excel based credit union reporting templates (Monthly Financial Report, Loan Ageing Report, CU analysis Report, CU Delinquent leaders and staffs, work plans).

 

KEY COMPETENCY AREAS:

HARDWARE & NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE 

Essential Skills:

• Understanding and experience in the set-up, configuration, and troubleshooting of desktops, laptops, servers, printers, outers and modems.
• Understanding and experience in the upkeep of hardware and network infrastructure components including capacity management, updates, upgrades, and other maintenance tasks.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in the management of LANs and wired/wireless networks to connect various devices.
• Knowledge of different architecture approaches, cloud configurations, hybrid models, and onpremise solutions.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, SCRIPTING & DATABASES 

Essential Skills:

• Experience in working with variety of software in the context of operating systems and supporting software environment (Windows, Linux, Java etc.).
• Experience in the supporting and maintaining data and database systems to meet business delivery specifications and needs, including knowledge of MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server and/or other DB System Software.

Desirable Skills:

• A working knowledge of how various software components interact within a system and an ability to troubleshoot related problems.
• Basic understanding of coding and scripting for reports.
• Experience in the design and development of test plans.
• Experience with programming and the use of advanced SQL queries.
• Experience with Administration of MS SQL server (backups, data migration).  GENERAL IT MANAGEMENT & TRAINING 

Essential Skills:

• Excellent skills in communications technology and computer applications, in particular applications relating to finance and accounting.
• In depth experience of maintaining security in the IT environment which extends to multiple regions and a high number of users, most of whom are inexperienced.
• Ability to develop and deliver training courses in MS Office software and other packages as required, in particular to individuals with limited computer literacy.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn quickly to adapt to ever changing challenges in dynamic environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience of reporting to management on project progress.
• Ability to work to strict communication schedules.
• Willingness to undergo professional training and development in order to gain expertise to international standard.
• Ability and readiness to travel and work in the regions of Sierra Leone.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of financial institutions and management.
• Sound understanding of credit union financial structures.
• Understanding of microfinance and its role in development, especially rural development.
• Understanding of Project Management techniques for the delivery of IT Projects.

Other 

• Undertake other related duties as may be assigned by the General Manager.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES

   Essential

• Degree in relevant field – Computer Science, Information Technology or equivalent It Related Qualifications.
• Desirable
• An IT related post graduate qualification certificate will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a technical IT role, preferably an established and renowned financial institution.
• Excellent technical Knowledge of and experience with a variety of Technologies, including, MS office suite, MS SharePoint, office 356 etc.
• Knowledge of adult training theories and participatory methods.
• Experience in Maintaining system backups and configurations of applications
• Strong knowledge in Software development.
• Excellent analysis and interpretation skills of financial and non-financial information
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel within and outside Freetown to credit unions occasionally
• Fluent in written and spoken English, spoken Krio and knowledge of other local languages is an added advantage.
• Strong sense of ethics and a commitment to work in an open, transparent and accountable manner.
• Experience working in a financial institution in the area of bookkeeping, accounting or finance.
• Strong commitment to poverty reduction through community, cooperative and voluntary initiative.
• Familiar with credit unions and cooperatives.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Application should be submitted to: Mr. Solomon Mwongyere, General Manager, ILCUF Ltd., 45 Fort Street, Freetown. Email:

[email protected]

Application deadline is June 5, 2021 

All applicants are thanked for their interest in the assignment. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

 

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