Position Summary

The Network Support and Software Engineer position will be entrusted with the overall responsibility of leading software development, procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation. The role holder will also be in charge of configuring firewalls, routing and switching to maximise network efficiency and security in the Kenya office and schools and support the IT requirements of selected Foundation programs in the region as needed e.g. The Pharo Diagnostic Centre in Assosa. The Network Support & Software Engineer will take the lead in setting up and maintaining networks within the organisation in Kenya and offer day-to-day support to users. As such, they need to have good troubleshooting skills and be able to collaborate with other employees to resolve issues.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, support and develop Laboratory Information System (LIS) written in PHP, MySQL, and node-js.
• Maintain and develop SharePoint sites.
• Automate processes using forms and lists via Power Automate and other tools.
• Install and maintain network and desktop infrastructure.
• Provide first-line support on all software and hardware issues to Nairobi HQ staff.
• Manage issue ticket creation and IT asset tracking.
• Create automated build processes for laptop and desktop deployment.
• Work on data classification and data leak prevention setup.
• Manage service provider and vendor communications for the local site.
• Communicate technical information, verbal and written, to a wide range of end-users and clients.
• Manage on-premises server room infrastructure.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent certifications is a plus.
• Programming experience is a must-have.
• Desktop and networking experience is an added advantage.

Behavioural Competencies

• Great attention to detail and a flexible approach to work.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• Structured and process-oriented.
• Excellent time manager who can balance multiple priorities.
• Motivated to learn and perform and not afraid to ask questions.
• Keeps informed of new trends, skills, and practices in technology.
• Good communicator and comfortable working in a team environment.

Application Procedure

Review of applications will begin as soon as received, and only complete applications will be considered. In the event that an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline.

Application Requirements

• A detailed CV.
• Cover letter – In your cover letter, please state where you heard about this position or saw it advertised e.g. through our website, jobs board, etc.
• An updated list of at least (6) referees with their names, titles, current email addresses and phone numbers as follows; two supervisors, two peers, and two direct reports.
• Essay of not more than 1,000 words outlining the experiences you have gained that make you the most qualified candidate for the role.

Organisation Overview

The Pharo Foundation (the ‘’Foundation”) is a privately funded entrepreneurial organization that runs philanthropic programs as well as a for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures. The Vision of the Foundation is an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa. The Mission is to achieve the Vision by investing in the human and physical capital of Africa, with a strong focus on job creation.

Established in 2011, The Foundation has been implementing numerous programs in Ethiopia and Somaliland and is in the process of expanding into Rwanda and Kenya. The strategic pillars of the Foundation are education, health, water, and agriculture. In 2020, the Foundation also established Pharo Ventures, its wholly owned social enterprise arm, with the objectives of economic value and job creation in East Africa. Pharo Ventures has already embarked on a series of ambitious businesses in Somaliland and Ethiopia in the construction and agro-processing sectors.

Headquartered in London, the Foundation has an operational head office in Nairobi, Kenya with country offices in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa and Assosa), Somaliland (Hargeisa), and Rwanda (Kigali) with further expansion plans in Africa.

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