Chemonics seeks an Operations and IT Officer to support education programming in Northwest Syria. The project aims to provide children living in Northwest Syria with safe, inclusive, and quality education that meets their specialized learning, psychosocial, and protection needs. The Operations and IT Officer will provide administrative support, focusing on procurement, IT and asset tracking/management. This position will be based in Gaziantep, Turkey. The Operations and IT Officer will report to the Senior Operations Manager. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.
Background:
More than 2 million Syrian children are out of school, and more are at risk of dropping out; more than 90 percent of Grade 3 children are not reading at grade level, and numeracy rates are similarly low. Nearly 6 million Syrian children need educational assistance. Helping communities, education authorities, and other service providers determine what quality and relevant education entails, and how to monitor and evaluate key learning outcomes, is a challenge in non-regime-controlled areas. Moreover, rebuilding and operating successful education systems is an ongoing and long-term challenge. While maintaining a humanitarian dimension to the education response, in opposition areas, a strategic shift is occurring toward a longer-term approach toward quality learning outcomes. This requires continued strengthening of systems and policy promotion frameworks. It also requires deliberate and specific planning to scale up access and adopt a strong focus on quality, inclusion, equity, and child protection.
Position description:
The Operations and IT Officer will provide general administrative support for project activities, including management of office supplies and equipment. They will work with local or regional vendors and service providers to obtain quotations and/or initiate procurements of requested commodities and services, with a focus on IT, technical equipment, and software. This is a critical responsibility while the project undergoes an expansion its procurement requirements. The Operations and IT Officer will draft, execute, and manage vendor agreements and contracts and follow up as necessary to ensure compliance with terms and conditions. They will oversee the Gaziantep office’s IT infrastructure in coordination with Chemonics UK GTID teams, conduct digital security training for Türkiye-based staff and downstream partners, and provide end user support on basic IT issues for Manahel staff in Gaziantep. They ensure that IT systems confirm to the programme standards, including digital and operational security, meet inter-operability/user experience guidelines, and as needed, initiate integration with other systems. They support the upkeep, tracking, and maintenance of IT equipment in Türkiye and supervise the IT Officer based in Syria.
The Operations and IT Officer will adhere to and act in accordance with Chemonics’ professional code of ethics, “Living Our Values,” and will make the principles of the code a part of the program’s culture and operating procedures. They will also foster and maintain good and professional relations with prospective and actual downstream partners and vendors.
Responsibilities include:
IT Support and Digital Security
- Serve as the first line of IT support for staff, addressing inquiries promptly and resolving technical issues related to hardware, software, connectivity, and basic IT needs. Escalate complex issues to the Sr. Operations Manager or UK GTID as necessary. Manage user permissions, and other IT resources usage.
- Diagnose and resolve technical hardware, connectivity, and software issues.
- Map new staff computers to and train staff on Multi-Function Laser Printer.
- Identify and escalate situations requiring urgent attention and inform management of recurring problems and recommend solutions.
- Train new staff on digital and operational security policies and procedures as well as provide ongoing refresher training to staff.
- Provide digital security training for all downstream partners as part of kick-off meetings.
- Oversee office alarm system and serve as co-liaison to camera and alarm system vendors.
- Ensure IT systems meet programme standards, including digital and operational security. Oversee interoperability and user experience guidelines, and initiate system integration as needed.
- Supervise the upkeep, tracking, and maintenance of IT equipment in Türkiye. Coordinate with the IT Officer in Syria to ensure consistent management and support of IT assets.
Operations Support
- Coordinate with the IT Officer in maintaining inventory list for IT equipment and that all end users are recorded in compliance with donor rules and regulations.
- Manage project inventory, including items in both Turkey and Syria, in compliance with donor and company policies and procedures.
- Provide guidance to staff in developing specifications for IT-related supplies or equipment that will be procured through activities. Ensure availability of necessary computer hardware and parts, diagnostic and repair equipment, and general maintenance supplies for field office.
- Upon staff departures, securely sanitizes all IT equipment and phones.
- Provide general administrative support for project activities, including management of office supplies and equipment.
- Work with local or regional vendors and service providers to obtain quotations and/or initiate procurements of requested commodities and services.
- Draft, execute, and manage vendor agreements and contracts and follow up as necessary to ensure compliance to terms and conditions.
- Maintain a well-organized procurement filing system (both physical and digital) to ensure compliance with Chemonics policies and donor regulations. Assist in preparing procurement-related documentation for donor approvals as required.
- Oversee the inspection of procured goods, ensuring quality and compliance with specifications. Travel to procurement sites as necessary to conduct physical inspections.
- Perform any other tasks or responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications:
- Degree in a relevant field is required.
- Demonstrated experience working with information technology and operational management, preferably in a similar context or region. Strong track record in managing IT infrastructure, digital security, and procurement processes.
- Experience with asset tracking, inventory, and warehouse management required.
- Ability to work in a professional and cordial manner with fellow staff members, visitors, partner institutions including international and local NGOs, governmental entities, support organizations, and the general public.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, and to exercise professional judgment that reflects positively on the team.
- Experience working with international organizations preferred.
- Familiarity with computer operating systems and database technology (design, software and structure) like ‘MySQL, MS SQL Server, MS Access’.
- Good problem solving, analytical and communication skills.
- Experience of taking initiative and being proactive.
- Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
- Professional proficiency speaking, reading, and writing English required. Additional proficiency in Turkish and/or Arabic preferred.
Period of Performance:
The assignment is long-term through the life of the relevant donor contract.
Location:
The assignment will be conducted in Gaziantep with intermittent travel.
Supervision and Reporting:
The Operations and IT Officer will report to the Senior Operations Manager.
Application Instructions:
To apply please fill out this form: SEP II Job Application Form by September 20, 2024. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.
Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
Chemonics values the protection of your personal data. If you are in the European Union, please read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process personal data. You may access the notice via the following link: https://chemonics.com/eu-recruiting-data-privacy-notice/.