IT Operations & Security Expert – REMOTE

About the organization

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) is a disaggregated data collection, analysis, and crisis mapping organization. The ACLED team conducts analysis to describe, explore, and test conflict scenarios, and makes both data and analysis open for free use by the public. ACLED material is regularly used to inform journalism, academic research, and public discourse on conflict, and to support the work of practitioners and policymakers. ACLED is the highest quality and most widely used real-time data and analysis source on political violence and protest around the world.

The role

ACLED is recruiting a full-time IT Operations & Security Expert to oversee the relationship with its external IT consultants and provide day-to-day support for ACLED team members. As such, this person will be responsible for coordination and implementation of any IT and cybersecurity initiatives and Information Security Protocols, while working in close collaboration with the external IT Company (MSP), DaaS provider, and Risk Advisory, as well as coordinating and managing the implementation of any IT and cybersecurity initiatives. They will also act as the single point of contact for any day-to-day communications with the team members and contractors.

The IT Operations & Security Expert should combine a strong background in Information Technology with significant practical IT support, coordination and information security & safety experience preferably in the non-profit sector.

This position is fully remote and can be done from any location with reliable internet service. It is open to nationals of any country, excluding those explicitly listed on the Applicants FAQ. This position sits with the Ops department and has no direct reports.

For more information, please review the Applicant FAQs. Please submit your salary range for consideration.

The IT Operations & Security Expert will be responsible for the following tasks:

Hardware and Software support coordination across the organization:

• Support the Head of Operations and Senior Leadership with setting and overseeing the implementation of the internal IT and security related strategic goals and objectives.
• Coordinate timely and proactive IT services and support for operating systems, hardware, software and network environment across various teams at ACLED in close collaboration with the external IT Company and Device provider.
• Work closely with DaaS (Device as a Service) provider, ensuring timely procurement of hardware, endpoint management, and prompt resolution of issues, in cooperation with the external IT Company, and in close collaboration with the Finance Department.
• Prepare documents, reports, or details for any procurements as directed by the Head of Operations.
• Coordinate and manage required renewals of hardware (laptops and mobile phones) and software (subscriptions, licenses) in a timely manner; oversee onboarding and offboarding operations.
• Lead internal Project tasks as directed by the Head of Operations (including but not limited to such projects as Single Sign On and automation projects).

Liaise with the external IT Company and Risk Advisory to accomplish the following:

• Report, escalate, and update IT Tickets to the IT Company and ensure a prompt response towards daily operational issues across the organization.
• Implementation of new IT processes.
• Together with the IT Company and Risk Advisory, coordinate and ensure information security and safety, including authentication, single sign-ons, and travel protocols.
• In close collaboration with the external IT Company and Risk Advisory, develop and further regularly update risk security policy(ies), security protocols and supervise their implementation.
• Provide oversight over the Risk Reference Sheet and together with the IT Company, ensure the implementation of the recommendations within the Risk Advisory guide regarding information security and risk, for employees and contractors traveling to other locations.
• Promptly react to real-time in-person security and safety incidents and take any necessary steps together with the external IT Company and Risk Advisory to coordinate and drive appropriate response, including incidents connected to information security breach which may endanger physical safety of staff members.
• Engage in other ad hoc support tasks and occasional administrative and coordination tasks related to risk and technical security as directed by the Head of Operations.

Administration:

• Conduct the internal operational onboarding and offboarding technical procedures for all new hires and handover processes (add or remove from accounts).
  • Work with external IT Company to:
    • Maintain Google Drive and update its permission settings across Drives.
    • Manage user and group accounts within Google Suite.
    • Coordinate and organize IT & security trainings where necessary.
• Closely work with ACLED departments to understand and respond to their IT needs.
• Manage usage, renewal and billing aspects of all third-party applications and contracts related to IT & Security, and report to the Finance Department in case of required renewals.

Skills and competencies

ACLED is seeking applicants who have the following skills and experience:

• A degree or equivalent in computer science, information systems, data management, software engineering, or an equivalent information technology-related field.
• A minimum of three years of experience in the planning, coordination, development, implementation, maintenance, and support of information systems.
• Knowledge of incident management techniques and developing safety & security protocols to ensure staff’s physical security is preferred.
• Previous experience working as IT & Security Coordinator / Administrator / Manager Officer with NGOs is preferred.
• Deep understanding of remote support tools and remote work.
• Knowledge of basic logistics & procurement principles, administration, document control, and the IT market.
• Excellent communicator with a sense of urgency.
• Experience in gathering, documenting, and analysis of information systems requirements.
• The ability to work independently, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving skills while following strict procedures, supporting multiple projects, and locations is essential.
• Fluency in English is essential, excellent written and spoken communication skills.