IT Specialist

Position: IT Specialist

Department: Operations

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Reporting to: Operations Manager

About TechnoServe:

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the IT Specialist is a dynamic position that will support the efficient and effective operations of the country office IT systems.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

TechnoServe will expect the Information Technology (IT) Specialist to provide the following services to ensure maximum uptime for TechnoServe’s IT services and equipment:

IT Operations and Support

• Ensure maximum uptime and reliability of all IT systems, infrastructure, and services across the main office and sub-offices.
• Perform routine monitoring and maintenance of IT hardware and software to ensure optimal performance.
• Install, configure, and deploy laptops, mobile devices, and software in line with corporate IT standards and security policies.
• Manage end-user support, diagnosing and resolving technical issues related to laptops, desktops, printers, scanners, mobile devices, CCTV systems, biometric systems, and other peripherals.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot printers, networks, and end-user devices.
• Maintain and manage a pool of spare IT equipment in accordance with organizational policies.
• Support onboarding of new staff by provisioning devices, configuring accounts, and ensuring seamless access to systems.
• Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot network infrastructure (routers, switches, access points), ensuring continuous connectivity and performance.
• Perform firmware updates and preventive maintenance for all IT infrastructure and equipment.
• Collaborate with the Regional IT Manager to implement and enforce corporate IT policies and procedures across offices.
• Work closely with Operations to develop and refine local IT procedures aligned with global standards.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance IT service delivery.
• Provide input into IT budgeting, planning, and strategic initiatives.
• Deliver user training and guidance on IT systems, tools, and best practices.

Vendor & Service Management

• Engage with vendors and service providers to review, evaluate, and provide technical input on proposals, ensuring alignment with organizational requirements and standards.
• Conduct technical bid analysis, comparing vendor proposals based on specifications, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with IT policies.
• Oversee the receipt and verification of IT equipment, ensuring delivered items meet required specifications, quality standards, and procurement expectations.
• Coordinate with vendors for issue resolution, warranty claims, and service-level compliance.
• Manage ISP relationships, including account administration, performance monitoring, issue escalation, and optimization of internet services across all offices.

General & Administrative Support

• Provide logistical and operational support as needed across the organization.
• Support organizational security initiatives and serve as an advisor on IT-related security matters.
• Manage the allocation and distribution of data/airtime resources for staff on a monthly basis.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

Asset & Inventory Management

• Develop, maintain, and continuously update a comprehensive IT asset and inventory register.
• Ensure all IT assets are properly tagged, tracked, and recorded in accordance with organizational standards.
• Conduct periodic (quarterly) asset verification and tracking across all offices.
• Maintain a centralized digital inventory of all assigned and unassigned IT equipment using approved tools.
• Lead the transformation of the asset register into an interactive, user-friendly digital database.
• Ensure accountability, accuracy, and compliance in all asset management processes.

Basic Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field and other relevant certifications with 3 years of experience in IT support and administration. Alternatively, Master’s degree and a minimum of 1 year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional qualifications that would make a candidate more desirable.

• Experience working in Nigeria
• Experience working with an INGO
• Experience working on donor-funded projects

Required Languages: Excellent written and spoken English

Travel: Occasionally

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

This section should highlight the competencies that would make a candidate successful in the role such as

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of data management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of network protocols, security principles, and best practices.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Proactive with strong initiative and follow through.
• Strong technical knowledge of cloud computing technologies (such as Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure), computer hardware, and networks.
• Familiarity with operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Supervisory Responsibilities -None.

Closing Statements:

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact the Human Resources at [email protected] or call +1 202 785 4515.