Description
Job Description
Job Title:
Vacancy Announcement - IT Specialist
Work Location:
Koidu Government Hospital/MCOE, Kono
Department:
Operations
Report to:
IT Manager
Requisition Number:
4649
Line Management
Yes
Position Overview
The IT Specialist plays a critical role in supporting, maintaining, and enhancing the organizationโs technology systems. The ideal candidate will ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of all IT infrastructure and provide high-quality technical support to users across multiple sites. This role requires strong hands-on technical expertise, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to deliver customer-focused IT services in a fast-paced environment. The IT Specialist also acts as a key technical lead and deputy to the IT Manager in coordinating daily IT operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical Support & User Assistance
- Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 technical support for hardware, software, network, and connectivity issues.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve system incidents; escalate unresolved issues to the IT Manager.
- Manage service requests and incidents through the IT ticketing system while ensuring adherence to SLA timelines.
- Deliver remote and onsite support to users across various PIH-SL sites.
- Maintain accurate documentation for all troubleshooting steps, resolutions, and service desk activities.
- Conduct user training and awareness sessions on digital tools, systems usage, IT policies, and cybersecurity.
2. System Administration & Maintenance
- Install, configure, and maintain workstations, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and business applications.
- Perform routine system updates, security patches, and endpoint protection deployments.
- Monitor system performance, identify risks, and implement preventative maintenance solutions.
- Manage user accounts, access rights, and permissions on relevant platforms (Active Directory, email systems, software tools).
- Maintain IT asset lifecycle records, including deployment, repairs, replacements, and decommissioning.
3. Network & Infrastructure Management
- Support the administration and maintenance of LAN/WAN infrastructure, including routers, firewalls, switches, and wireless access points.
- Assist in configuring VLANs, routing protocols, IP management, DNS/DHCP administration, NAT, VPN, and QoS.
- Monitor network availability, bandwidth utilization, link stability, and detect bottlenecks using diagnostic tools.
- Implement and enforce network security controls such as authentication, access rules, and encryption.
- Ensure uptime and reliability of network services through proactive monitoring and maintenance.
4. Cybersecurity, Compliance & Data Protection
- Ensure compliance with organizational IT policies, data protection requirements, and cybersecurity standards.
- Execute endpoint protection, antivirus, vulnerability mitigation, and security monitoring tasks.
- Support security incident responses, risk identification, and containment of cybersecurity threats.
- Implement and periodically test data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information in alignment with PIH policies.
5. IT Projects & Systems Improvement
- Support planning and execution of IT projects such as infrastructure upgrades, system deployments, and network expansions.
- Participate in evaluating new technologies, tools, and systems that meet organizational needs.
- Provide technical recommendations for improving IT operations, efficiency, and service delivery.
- Assist with procurement specifications, vendor assessments, and technical evaluations during sourcing of IT equipment and services.
- Lead or support technical implementation tasks, documentation, and project reporting.
6. Operational Coordination & Leadership Support
- Act as deputy to the IT Manager in coordinating daily IT operations.
- Provide technical guidance to junior IT staff and interns and support capacity-building activities.
- Prepare and maintain documentation such as SOPs, network diagrams, configuration records, inventory lists, and disaster recovery documentation.
- Contribute to internal audits, compliance checks, and technology-related quality assurance processes.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
- 6-8 years of experience in IT system administration role
- Relevant certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft, or Cisco) are a plus
Technical Skills
- Operating Systems: Proficient in administering and supporting Windows and Linux operating system environments, including workstation and servers; strong understanding of system configuration, user management, and OS-level security hardening.
- Networking Foundations: Strong grasp of core networking concepts including TC/ICP, subnetting, VLANs, routing, switching, DNS, DHCP, NAT, VPN, and wireless networking principles.
- System Administration: Experience with device provisioning, automated configuration, patch management, endpoint security controls, and lifecycle management of IT assets.
- Infrastructure Management: Familiarity with managing on-prem and cloud-integrated environments.
- Cybersecurity Best Practices: Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity principles such as access control, encryption, vulnerability mitigation, endpoint protection, and incident response fundamentals.
- Service Management: Hands-on experience with IT ticketing systems, service request workflows, SLAs, and ITIL-aligned service delivery processes.
- Remote Support: Proficient in using remote access tools to provide end-user support in a multi-site environment.
- Technical Documentation: Ability to produce clear technical documentation such as SOPs, network diagrams, configuration procedures, and system inventories.
Soft Skills
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Strong communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users
- Customer service-oriented mindset
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Adaptability to rapidly changing technology environments
Organisation Profile
Partners In Health (PIH) is a global health and social justice organization that responds to the moral imperative to provide high-quality health care globally to those who need it most. We currently work in 11 countries, including Sierra Leone, where we strive to ease suffering by placing patients at the center of all care, bringing the benefits of modern medicine to all. In Sierra Leone, PIH is committed to strengthening long-term health system in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, and a commitment to advancing health equity. Partners In Health has built the Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE) as an expansion of the Koidu Government Hospital in Kono district to raise the standard of care for mothers and newborns in Sierra Leone. A cutting-edge facility, the MCOE expands the campus of Koidu Government Hospital, dramatically increasing the number of beds, services, and facilities available to mothers and babies. By introducing new technology, investing in training for health care workers, and offering a preferential option for the poor, this cutting-edge facility will also prove what is possible as a model for care across the continent and beyond.
Misconduct Disclosure
Partners In Health Sierra Leone is dedicated to preventing unwanted behaviour in the workplace, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, financial misconduct, and ensuring the welfare of those we serve. We expect all staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, and volunteers to uphold these values as outlined in our code of conduct.
The successful candidate will receive appropriate training and must adhere to the organisationโs safeguarding policies. Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references and screening checks, which may include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.
As a participant in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, we request information from previous employers about any instances of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. Additionally, Partners In Health Sierra Leone will share records of such misconduct with other agencies upon staff departure, ensuring transparency and accountability. By applying, candidates acknowledge and agree to these recruitment procedures
Method of application