JOB ADVERT: Information Technology Assistant

The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde has an opening for an Information Technology Assistant. This position is located in Yaounde.

Position: Information Technology Assistant, FSN-07; FP-07

Work Hours: Full time; 40 hours/week

Grade: FSN-07; FP-07

Closing Date: June 04, 2015 at 16:00

NOTE: ALL NON-CAMEROONIAN APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/ORRESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

Under the direct supervision of the Information Systems Manager, the incumbent oversees theInternet Home Program (IHoP) and the Dedicated Internet Network (DIN) infrastructure, whichinclude: performing server and client hardware and software installation; applying network securityand standard settings as prescribed by the Department of State; installing hardware in residences,troubleshooting anomalies and monitoring the network activities; providing technical assistance tocustomers and ensuring the operational availability of the IHoP (Internet and Telephone) at allresidences and at all times; assessing the effectiveness of technology resources already in use anddetermining the practicality of changes as needed; consulting with the Information Systems Center(ISC) staff regularly and, working closely with the local Internet Service Provider (ISP) and vendors inresolving technical and administrative issues.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Installation and Operational Support: 15%

The IT specialist installs and configures the IHoP network and operations on the DIN and the residences. Using off-the-shelf hardware and network software the ITS, will support IHoP network and, maintains a fully operational system at all times.  The ITS is responsible for configuration and maintenance of servers, switches and routers with the latest software releases, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and policies, as applicable on the network. The ITS is responsible for the installation/removal of the equipment from residences, as necessary.

Analysis, System Performance and Operations: 10%

The ITS is responsible for monitoring and tracking the IHoP operation, connectivity at all times and resolves technical issues, signal interferences and procedural anomalies, as  noticed.  The ITS will assist the ISC personnel with the antivirus software and definition updates and monitors activities to ensure the system integrity.  The ITS is responsible for assisting the ISC personnel with the review of logs and system anomalies and implementation of proper corrective action. The ITS performs daily/weekly/monthly IHoP subscriber’s usage rate and reports data to IMO or his appointed individual.

Customer Services and Technical Support: 55%

The ITS is responsible for the design, test, validation and deployment of new technologies that will improve end-users work processes, contains costs and increases efficiencies. The ITS is responsible for assisting the ISC personnel with the batch scripts, databases and other post-specific applications.  The ITS is responsible for providing customer support, user technical support, develop training program and train users, as needed.  The ITS is responsible for creating a technical database to compile, track and store records of anomalies, reported issues and the corrective measures takes to resolve the issues.  The ITS is responsible for submitting weekly activity report to IMO and the lead FSN supervisor. The ITS is responsible for disseminating information via email or mass notification on issues related to IHoP scheduled maintenance, system availability, system upgrades or planned outage.

Hardware and Technical Skills and  Analysis and Network Performance:  10%

Using industry standards, the IT specialist is responsible for the repair and/or replacement of Embassy issued hardware and equipment.  The ITS is responsible for installation of terminal boxes and strings lead-in-wires, using electrician's tools, repair cable system, defective lines, and auxiliary equipment.  The ITS must be able to ascend poles or work in a rugged terrain to string lines and install terminal wiring or electronic equipment.  The ITS must be able to pull lines through ducts by hand or with use of winch; computes impedance of wire from pole to residence and must be able to determine additional resistance needed for reducing signal to desired level; connects the IHoP system to wiring/cable system, measures signal strength at utility pole, using electronic test equipment and evaluates incoming signal to ensure optimum reception at residence. The ITS is responsible for inspecting and testing cable equipment, labeling cables, identifying malfunctioning equipment and laying cable lines. The ITS must have technical skills for Use of cable reels, signal generators, sheers, stripping and crimping tools.

The ITS is responsible for the daily monitoring of the networks and ensuring optimize performance for both the Internet and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.  The ITS is responsible for analyzing the network percentage of efficiency and availability to minimize the network latency or packet-loss issues.  The ITS is responsible for coordination of technical plans with Embassy radio technicians to determine the placement of optimum tower location, tower height and antennas, to maintain the best connectivity and link for the prescribed network or customer.

Management Controls:  10%

The IT specialist is responsible for tracking of expendable supplies and equipment spare parts, on a regular basis. The ITS is responsible for procurement and re-stocking of tools, equipment, cable, fiber optics, etc., when stock is low.  The ITS is responsible for annual inventory of all items in the database.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Computer Science, Information Technology,Network Engineering, or Computer Engineering, from an accredited university is required.

Experience: At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in computerapplications, network design and management in a multi-subnet environment using Microsoft Windows (i.e, Windows-7) operating system is required.

Language: Level III (Good Working Knowledge) Speaking/Reading/Writing English and French are required and will be tested.

Job Knowledge: The applicant must have a thorough knowledge of Cisco based local area networks and computer repair principles; the technical aspects of analysis and troubleshooting principles of both hardware and software applications; systems analysis and design techniques, computer equipment and operations management, hardware and software technology; and the technical aspects of analysis, computer application programming, network security, network maintenance,operating systems, backups and acquisition policies and procedures relative to computer hardwareand software. Job knowledge may be tested.

Skills/Abilities: The incumbent must be able to perform a variety of tasks such as providing customer service, solving IT problems, setup and configure workstation (computers and relatedsoftware applications). He/She must be able to collect data, compile information and prepare reports, perform records maintenance, database management, statistical reporting, organizational skills, identify resources and establish priorities. In addition, the applicant must be able to troubleshoot, analyze and solve problems, make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments, and create, compose, and edit written materials. The applicant must possess strong interpersonal skills to interact with end-users, as well as other internal/external customers or vendors; must be able to communicate effectively all network related topics, concerns or issues to senior management and non-technical audience. The applicant must possess a valid Class B Driver’s License. Skills and abilities may be tested.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following documents to the Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 817, Yaoundé OR via email at: ydeapplicants@state.gov (please, indicate the title of the position on the “subject”: line) electronic applications are strongly encouraged.

1. Universal application for employment (DS-174) available online at http://yaounde.usembassy.gov; or
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the DS-174