Regional Technology Manager

African Parks, is looking for an experienced Regional Technology Officer for ________________ who will be responsible for supporting technology in all AP Parks in the region/country. This role will provide technical support, training and mentorship for park-based Technology Officers (TO) while ensuring AP Technology SOPs are implemented and maintained. In supporting these TOs, this role must ensure the long-term success of technology at a country/regional level. The position requires a team player and a person who can live in and work in remote areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Country Technology Officer should provide support, training and mentorship to park technology officers on the following key aspects of park technology.

•     Ensure that IT and communication equipment is fully operational all the time. This includes backbone network management, Wi-Fi access points and internet connection management to ensure the best possible user experience where work applications are prioritized.
•  Radio network management and repairs including repeaters, radio programming, and software management
•   LoRa network management, including gateways, connected devices, servers, and the coordination and management of tracking devices
• Assist parks in preparing for installations by doing pre-installation checks and readiness assessments
• Install, maintain and monitor solar power systems
• Install, maintain and monitor security camera systems.
• Manage Field GPS and Emergency satellite communication systems
• Management of data collection devices (rugged phones, trackers, camera traps), etc
• Earth Ranger management and sensor integration.
• Microsoft 365 admin centre support
•  Anti-virus and Windows update management
• Cybersecurity awareness and knowledge sharing
• Mentoring and coaching of Park tech Officer
• Assisting with the technology budgets and budgeting process of parks

Procedures, Training, and Capacity Building 

• Coordination with relevant African Parks Network staff to ensure up to date standards and training materials are implemented and available.
• Ensure up-to-date documentation on all installed equipment
• Training staff in the usage of communication and data collection devices such as Smartphones, Garmin GPS
• Train and support staff that work with (conservation) technology applications and on-site software/equipment (Earth ranger, Esri applications, data tool, GIS, control room software.
• Manage procurement of technology related equipment and systems
• Reporting on key metrics for all the parks in the region

JOB SPECIFICATION

• A Degree in computer science, computer systems administration, Information sciences, or equivalent
• At least 3 years’ experience in IT, networking, and conservation-related technology
• Demonstrable experience in IT hardware maintenance and repairs
• Demonstrable experience in managing networks
• Knowledge of digital radio systems (Preferably Motorola)
• Experience in GIS (preferably ArcGIS)
• Physically fit and able to be in the field. Should not have a fear of heights.
• Strong personal integrity and dependability
• Fluent in the English Language (French required for French-speaking regions)
• Team player and hands-on problem-solving mentality
• Willingness to learn and grow
• Valid Driver’s License

Desired

• Any Natural Resource Management or Conservation Qualification

Experience working in remote environments