Assistant Systems Administrator job at University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM)

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM) invites applications from suitably qualified, competent and motivated individuals for various academic, administrative, technical and support staff positions. The available opportunities span different areas of the University, including teaching and research, student affairs, human resource management, academic administration, library services, ICT, estates and facilities, sports, health, records and examinations, and security.

Responsibilities or duties

The Assistant Systems Administrator will support the management, maintenance, security and reliable operation of the University's ICT systems, servers, networks, applications, databases, user accounts and digital platforms. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of ICT and other ICT personnel to ensure that University systems remain secure, available, efficient and responsive to the needs of students, academic staff, administrative staff and University Management.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline from a recognised university,
• Demonstrable knowledge of computer systems, networks, servers and operating systems,
• Practical experience in troubleshooting hardware, software and network problems,

Experience needed

At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in systems administration, ICT support, network administration or a related area,

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Scale Scale USJM-8.2

Terms of Service: Contract, subject to satisfactory and successful completion of six months probationary period

Relevant professional ICT certifications will be an added advantage.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate knowledge or practical competence in: Windows and Linux operating systems, Server administration and virtualisation, Network administration and troubleshooting, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP and related network services, Active Directory and user account management, Database administration and basic SQL, Backup and recovery systems, Cloud computing and cloud-based services, Cybersecurity and system security, Software installation, configuration and patch management, ICT asset and systems documentation, Learning Management Systems and institutional information systems, Basic scripting and automation, Remote technical support and helpdesk systems.

Professional certifications such as CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, CCNA, Microsoft, Linux, AWS, Azure, ITIL or equivalent certifications will be an added advantage.

The Assistant Systems Administrator will be assessed on: Systems Availability and Reliability, Server Administration and Maintenance, Network and Connectivity Support, User Account and Access Management, Cybersecurity and System Protection, Backup and Disaster Recovery Support, ICT Helpdesk and Technical Support, Software and Systems Maintenance, Database and Application Support, ICT Documentation and Asset Management, System Upgrades and ICT Projects, Quality and Timeliness of ICT Service Delivery.

The successful candidate should demonstrate: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, Excellent attention to detail, Ability to work under pressure and respond to system incidents promptly, Strong communication and interpersonal skills, High levels of integrity and confidentiality, Ability to work independently and as part of an ICT team, Willingness to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, Strong customer-service orientation, Commitment to professional ethics and continuous professional development.

• Assist in the administration, configuration and maintenance of University servers, systems and ICT infrastructure,
• Monitor the performance, availability and security of ICT systems and services,
• Assist in the installation, configuration, updating and maintenance of operating systems and application software,
• Support the administration of Windows and Linux server environments where applicable,
• Assist in managing user accounts, passwords, permissions, authentication and access controls,
• Provide technical support for University information systems and enterprise applications,
• Support the operation and maintenance of student information systems, Learning Management Systems and other institutional platforms,
• Assist in the administration and maintenance of databases and related applications,
• Monitor network and system performance and escalate faults and security incidents appropriately,
• Assist with system backup, data recovery and disaster recovery procedures,
• Support the implementation of ICT security controls and cybersecurity measures,
• Assist in monitoring systems for unauthorised access, malware, vulnerabilities and other security threats,
• Maintain accurate documentation of system configurations, assets, procedures and technical activities,
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to students and University staff,
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, network and system-related problems,
• Support the installation, configuration and maintenance of computers, servers, printers and other ICT equipment where required,
• Assist in software deployment, patch management and system upgrades,
• Participate in testing and implementation of new ICT systems and applications,
• Support system integration and data exchange between University applications where required,
• Assist in maintaining system availability and ensuring minimal disruption to University operations,
• Participate in ICT projects, system upgrades, digital transformation initiatives and technology deployments,
• Assist in monitoring ICT infrastructure and reporting system failures and performance issues,
• Maintain ICT service and incident records and contribute to ICT performance reports.
• Provide user guidance and basic ICT training to staff and students,
• Comply with University ICT policies, data protection requirements, cybersecurity procedures and professional standards,
• Keep abreast of emerging developments in systems administration, cloud computing, cybersecurity and ICT infrastructure,
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of ICT or other competent University authority.

• Windows and Linux operating systems,
• Server administration and virtualisation,
• Network administration and troubleshooting,
• TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP and related network services,
• Active Directory and user account management,
• Database administration and basic SQL,
• Backup and recovery systems,
• Cloud computing and cloud-based services,
• Cybersecurity and system security,
• Software installation, configuration and patch management,
• ICT asset and systems documentation,
• Learning Management Systems and institutional information systems,
• Basic scripting and automation,
• Remote technical support and helpdesk systems.

• A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline from a recognised university,
• At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in systems administration, ICT support, network administration or a related area,
• Demonstrable knowledge of computer systems, networks, servers and operating systems,
• Practical experience in troubleshooting hardware, software and network problems,
• Relevant professional ICT certifications will be an added advantage.