Information Technology Specialist Full Time

Job Description

Overview

Organization Summary  
RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition.  Our staff of nearly 6,000 works in more than 75 countries—tackling hundreds of projects each year to address complex social and scientific challenges on behalf of governments, businesses, foundations, universities, and other clients and partners. Through independent research and science-based programs, we are making positive impacts on people and communities around the world. Our diverse team embraces challenges in an inclusive atmosphere that values work-life balance and creates global opportunities for career development. If you’re looking for a dynamic workplace culture, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow, join our team and discover the RTI Difference.

Division Summary 
IDG’s International Education Division supports education development around the world by strengthening education policy, management and practice in order to achieve measurable improvement in teaching and learning. From our well-established reputation in education system strengthening, to innovative work in early grade assessment and learning, RTI is improving education quality, relevance and efficiency through implementation of projects funded by USAID, The LEGO Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other donors and clients.

Project Summary 
The Primary Education in Crisis Activity (PECA), funded by USAID/Ethiopia and the LEGO Foundation, aims to address the critical educational needs of children in Ethiopia. The purpose of this Activity is: improved learning outcomes, wellbeing, and systems resilience for the most vulnerable primary school age children affected by crisis in Ethiopia.

Achievement of the purpose is dependent on success in the areas of the following three Intermediate Results (IRs)

• IR 1: Improved federal and regional capacity to prepare for, coordinate and oversee play based targeted instruction during acute crisis through to recovery
• IR 2: Educators, school and classroom environments, formal and informal, have improved capabilities to support children’s holistic foundational skills and wellbeing
• IR 3: Communities and caregivers have improved capabilities promote children’s holistic foundational skills, wellbeing, and resilience

Position Summary   
RTI is seeking an IT Specialist in Ethiopia. This position will manage and support IT systems for staff located in Dodoma, Addis Ababa, as well as staff located throughout the regions. This position will ensure the efficient operation of IT systems, infrastructure, and services, adhering to RTI’s IT guidelines and regulations. Based in Addis Ababa, the IT Specialist will report to the Finance and Administration Director for daily operations and work under the guidance of RTI’s Global Technology Solutions (GTS) Regional Manager for compliance with technical and RTI IT guidelines, and regulatory standard.

Responsibilities

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:   

• Manage and maintain IT infrastructure, including internet access, firewalls, network devices, file/database servers, printers, backup systems, and other IT-related components.
• Ensure seamless operations through proactive monitoring and maintenance of all IT systems.
• Provide end-to-end support for IT hardware, software, and peripherals, including setup, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Offer technical assistance for computers, printers, scanners, phones, and other IT equipment.
• Manage network infrastructure, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), routers, Ethernet switches, PABX systems, and VoIP systems.
• Ensure optimal network performance and connectivity across all devices.
• Enforce adherence to RTI’s Information Security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain and update antivirus software (e.g., Trellix McAfee and Trellix McAfee FDE) to ensure robust data security.
• Ensure all systems, including Windows 10/11 Pro, macOS, and other critical applications, are regularly updated with the latest security patches.
• Verify that only licensed software is installed on end-user devices and report all new installations to the GTS Regional Office.
• Oversee data backup processes to ensure alignment with RTI GTS policies and procedures.
• Maintain readiness for data restoration in case of emergencies.
• Provide technical support for applications such as MS Office 365, QuickBooks, Adobe products, and other essential tools.
• Resolve hardware, networking, and software-related issues promptly.
• Maintain an up-to-date IT inventory and conduct regular physical checks to ensure accountability.
• Keep spare parts and critical components (e.g., firewalls, RSA tokens) available for quick deployment. Perform
• hardware repairs and restorations as needed.
• Evaluate IT products and services to ensure they meet organizational requirements and efficiency standards.
• Provide on-site technical support to establish and maintain RTI offices in other regions.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of website and database systems, as required.
• Maintain accurate documentation of IT activities, incidents, and resolutions.
• Prepare regular reports for management on IT operations and system performance.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support IT operations and organizational goals.