Pharo Ventures is the commercial, for-profit arm of Pharo Foundation, driving economic development across East Africa. We aim to harness the power of the private sector to build commercially and environmentally sustainable businesses that create economic value and job opportunities for local communities. Our vision is an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa, and we are committed to investing in human and physical capital to achieve it. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Pharo Ventures operates in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) and Somaliland (Hargeisa).

Why Join Us?

Make a Lasting Impact: Be part of a dynamic organization that fosters innovation and drives economic growth across East Africa. Your work will directly contribute to building sustainable businesses and creating job opportunities in local communities.
Professional Growth: We are committed to your development. With Pharo Ventures, you’ll have continuous learning opportunities, career advancement, and access to enriching experiences in an evolving and impactful organization.
Collaborative Culture: Join a passionate, diverse, and multicultural team working towards shared goals. At Pharo Ventures, we promote collaboration, inclusivity, and collective impact.
International Exposure: With operations spanning Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, Pharo Ventures offers unique opportunities for cross-border collaboration, allowing you to gain valuable international experience.

Position Overview

As an IT Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the IT infrastructure and systems within Pharo Ventures, ensuring the organization’s information systems and applications function smoothly. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining these systems while collaborating with teams across our offices. Your work will be crucial to ensuring the efficient and secure operation of our technology, ultimately enabling the Foundation’s business objectives to be met.

Key Responsibilities

1. ICT Strategy and Implementation

• Implement ICT strategies and integrate new technologies across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with organizational standards, guidelines, and procedures.
• Develop strategies for specific applications and contribute to the overall ICT strategy for major systems.
• Develop training materials and user documentation, and provide staff training on IT systems and applications.

1. Helpdesk and Support Services

• Coordinate ICT helpdesk functions and provide tech support to the Ethiopia country office and other field offices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to hardware and software interrelationships.
• Provide assistance and training on office automation applications like MS Office, MS Teams, MS SharePoint, etc.
• Ensure resolution of technical issues in a timely manner and manage troubleshooting processes.

1. Hardware and Software Management
   • Oversee maintenance and upgrades of hardware and software systems.
   • Ensure hardware and software platforms meet organizational standards and align with business needs.
   • Advise on the acquisition of new ICT equipment and supplies, including technical specifications.
2. Network Administration
   • Manage the local area network (LAN) and wide-area network (WAN) for smooth and responsive operations.
   • Monitor backup procedures and ensure reliable network connectivity.
   • Administer network utilities, security attributes, and user access to ensure data safety.
3. Web Management and Development
   • Maintain and develop internal systems, websites, and intranets.
   • Identify opportunities to convert processes into web-based solutions.
   • Ensure that the organization’s systems and applications are up-to-date and function optimally.
4. Software Development and Integration
   • Develop and maintain computer programs to streamline data processes and ensure smooth integration.
   • Provide support for developing new applications and managing software tools.
   • Ensure security measures to protect sensitive data and systems.
   • Collaborate with business analysts and developers to produce software designs and prototypes.
5. Knowledge Management
   • Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives and document lessons learned.
   • Organize and facilitate training for staff on ICT tools and technologies.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Certifications in Microsoft server administration or CCNA are a plus.
• Experience: 3+ years of equivalent work experience in the IT field, particularly in areas related to network infrastructure, software development, hardware management, and IT support.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in PC hardware, including Microsoft platforms.
• Extensive experience in network infrastructure installation and management.
• Strong understanding of coding practices, especially in languages like VB.net, ASP.net, C#, Java, PHP, Python, and C++.
• Expertise in database management (SQL, NoSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
• Familiarity with tools like Git, JIRA, React, and Spring Boot.
• In-depth understanding of data privacy laws and practices.
• Experience in troubleshooting hardware/software issues, user support, and system maintenance.

Personal Attributes:

• A highly motivated individual with exceptional technical expertise, communication skills, and attention to detail.
• A problem-solver with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Someone who works well both independently and as part of a collaborative team.