USAID/Mali Computer Management Specialist – MIS Manager

REF No.:   HR-EXO-004-2017-CMS (must inserted in the subject line of emails)

GRADE LEVEL: CCN PSC-12 (If an applicant does not meet all required qualifications for the position and is selected for the position, s/he may be hired at a lower grade than the position classification grade).

BASIC FUNCTION: The Computer Management Specialist (Management of Information Systems Manager – MIS Manager) is responsible for planning and implementing all Management of Information Systems (MIS) Unit functions, including managing information resources support services of the Executive Office and providing internal and external customers with technical guidance and assistance. The Computer Management Specialist works with technical teams and support offices to ensure that systems are operational on a day-to-day basis and to effectively identify and integrate technology improvements. S/he reports on the status of Agency efforts in MIS functional areas to senior Mission Management and USAID/Washington.

The Computer Management Specialist reports to the Supervisory Executive Specialist-Deputy EXO, and supervises up to five (5) staff.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                             

The Computer Management Specialist leads the Records and Correspondence Management Unit and the CM Unit in the coordination and execution of the following activities:

 Computer & Telecommunication Network Management (60%)

•  Manage USAID/Mali Computer Systems, Voice & Data Telecommunications Network.
• Provide guidance, oversight, and support to Employees, Partners, & partner Missions regarding computer and telecommunication network related issues.
• Design Network Systems and Systems Configurations targeted at improving overall network performance and ensuring the ability to exchange information both internally and externally.
• Ensure the Local Area Network and the USAID network (AIDNET) are fully integrated and that entry points are accessible to staff.
• Ensure that proper protocols are observed and in compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Ensure USAID Wireless network is fully functional and accessible to users and provide staff with voice communication resources.
• Supervise Systems Operation and Systems Installations and serves as backstop support for the USAID Washington CIO office.
• Lead the design, development and implementation of application programs and processes to facilitate the gathering, storage and use of information.
• Serve as a Contracting Officer Representatives (COR) to oversee computer and telecommunication contractors’ effective performance toward stated targets and ensure that contracts serve USAID business needs in a cost-effective manner.
• Support Mission employees in the identification of end-user application solutions to information processing requirements
• Design, develop, and install customized computer systems when needs cannot be met through the use of corporate or standard Agency applications.
• Uphold integrity of the Mission’s computer hardware and ensure functionality of the Agency’s electronic data processing infrastructure.
• Serve as the Accountable Property Officer for the Mission’s Information Technology (IT) resources. In this capacity, the Specialist is responsible for budgeting, accountability, receipt, storage, issuance, record keeping, inventory, reporting, and certification of all IT resources records and reports within USAID/Mali.

 Information Systems Management (40%)

•  Work closely with USAID Washington, service providers, and partners to identify and evaluate information needs and establish information resource plans, projects, and comprehensive short- and long-range strategies for automation in compliance with USAID standards, and with Mission Management.
• Develop and manage multiple‑year budget estimates for acquisition of new equipment, site preparation, and software procurement and/or systems design/development.
• Provide technical assistance and support services to supplement host country-based Information Technology (IT) contractors in areas including strategic planning, systems evaluations, IT system specification reviews, interim IT component projects, evaluations.
• Provide direct supervision of the Communication and Records Unit and MIS Unit.
• Propose solutions to enhance functions of Communication and Records and coordinate implementation of related new procedures.
• Make recommendations and/or develop and implement policy related to various IT operations.
• Develop, test and implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Develop specifications for procurement of office machines such as copiers and telephones.
• Serve as a COR to oversee maintenance contractors’ effective performance toward stated targets and ensure that contracts serve USAID business needs in a cost-effective manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants MUST meet the minimum qualifications below and ONLY preselected candidates will be contacted:

1. Malian citizens or local residents at the time of application;
2. Master’s degree or host country academic equivalent in the fields of information systems management, computer science, or a related field is required.
3. Seven years of progressively responsible work experience in the management and/or administration of complex computer and management information systems. Experience in one or more of the following: systems requirements development, design, implementation, monitoring, maintenance and/or security. Experience with providing user training and support.
4. English and French language fluency at Level IV is required.
5. Expert knowledge of information management, computer hardware, computer programming languages, computer systems operations and management, security, and end user support. Extensive knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methodologies related to computer system and telecommunications analysis, programming, and operations. Knowledge of the policies and procedures related to equipment requirements planning, acquisition, funding, and justification. Knowledge of principles related to personnel, financial, and information technology equipment resource management.
6. Ability to manage federally funded information systems, including assessing, developing, and recommending appropriate information system solutions. Ability to successfully provide day-to-day operational support to end users, including the ability to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness in this support. Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts, both orally and in writing, with a variety of internal and external parties in order to effectively explain and gain acceptance of findings, recommendations, and decisions related to information management, computer system operations and support. Ability to effectively supervise team of up to five (5) subordinate staff and coordinate support services of vendor representatives and contractors. Skills with utilizing administrative and technical reference materials, and relating information therein, to execute technical aspects of management including systems analysis, design of system architecture, development of standards for tests and evaluations. Strong interpersonal skills to diplomatically manage competing user requirements and negotiate acceptable solutions.
7. Candidate must comply with the minimum age for employment i.e. 18 years and the maximum age i.e. 53 years.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education (5 points): Master’s degree or host country academic equivalent in the fields of information systems management, computer science, or a related field is required.

Prior Work Experience (10 points): Seven years of progressively responsible work experience in the management and/or administration of complex computer and management information systems. Experience in one or more of the following: systems requirements development, design, implementation, monitoring, maintenance and/or security. Experience with providing user training and support.

Language Proficiency (10 points): English and French language fluency at Level IV is required.

Knowledge (45 points): Expert knowledge of information management, computer hardware, computer programming languages, computer systems operations and management, security, and end user support. Extensive knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methodologies related to computer system and telecommunications analysis, programming, and operations. Knowledge of the policies and procedures related to equipment requirements planning, acquisition, funding, and justification. Knowledge of principles related to personnel, financial, and information technology equipment resource management.

Skills and Abilities (30 points): Ability to manage federally funded information systems, including assessing, developing, and recommending appropriate information system solutions. Ability to successfully provide day-to-day operational support to end users, including the ability to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness in this support. Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts, both orally and in writing, with a variety of internal and external parties in order to effectively explain and gain acceptance of findings, recommendations, and decisions related to information management, computer system operations and support. Ability to effectively supervise team of up to five (5) subordinate staff and coordinate support services of vendor representatives and contractors. Skills with utilizing administrative and technical reference materials, and relating information therein, to execute technical aspects of management including systems analysis, design of system architecture, development of standards for tests and evaluations. Strong interpersonal skills to diplomatically manage competing user requirements and negotiate acceptable solutions.

Maximum Evaluation Score: 100 points

SELECTION FACTORS:

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications noted above. For applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection factors listed below.

Applicants are required to address each of the selection criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations.

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications:

1. All Malian Citizens and Local Residents with a valid work permit at the time of application;
2. Master’s degree or host country academic equivalent in the fields of information systems management, computer science, or a related field is required.
3. Seven years of progressively responsible work experience in the management and/or administration of complex computer and management information systems. Experience in one or more of the following: systems requirements development, design, implementation, monitoring, maintenance and/or security. Experience with providing user training and support.
4. English and French language fluency at Level IV is required.
5. Expert knowledge of information management, computer hardware, computer programming languages, computer systems operations and management, security, and end user support. Extensive knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methodologies related to computer system and telecommunications analysis, programming, and operations. Knowledge of the policies and procedures related to equipment requirements planning, acquisition, funding, and justification. Knowledge of principles related to personnel, financial, and information technology equipment resource management.
6. Ability to manage federally funded information systems, including assessing, developing, and recommending appropriate information system solutions. Ability to successfully provide day-to-day operational support to end users, including the ability to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness in this support. Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts, both orally and in writing, with a variety of internal and external parties in order to effectively explain and gain acceptance of findings, recommendations, and decisions related to information management, computer system operations and support. Ability to effectively supervise team of up to five (5) subordinate staff and coordinate support services of vendor representatives and contractors. Skills with utilizing administrative and technical reference materials, and relating information therein, to execute technical aspects of management including systems analysis, design of system architecture, development of standards for tests and evaluations. Strong interpersonal skills to diplomatically manage competing user requirements and negotiate acceptable solutions.
7. Candidate must comply with the minimum age for employment i.e. 18 years and the maximum age i.e. 53 years.

Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.

Full Statement of duties and the qualification requirements are available on https://www.usaid.gov/mali/work-with-us/careers

TO APPLY: All cv/resume and cover letter must be in English; otherwise application package will be considered as incomplete and will be rejected.

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following required documents:

1. A cover letter of not more than two (2) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of subject position.
2. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) relevant to the subject position.
3. Copy of Diplômas, degrees, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.
4. Three (3) to five (5) professional references with complete contact information including email addresses and telephone numbers. References should have knowledge of the candidate’s ability to perform the duties set forth in the application and must not be family members or relatives.
5. Full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

SUBMIT APPLICATION: Indicate the Vacancy Reference Number: HR-EXO-004-2017-CMS in the subject line of your email. If this is not properly indicated your submission would NOT be retrieved.

 Email Human Resources Management Section: bamakohrmvacancies@usaid.gov with the above reference in the subject line, or

Local Address for Application Submission: Supervisory Executive Officer, US Agency for International Development -BP 34, Bamako-Mali

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION IS:  November 21, 2017 at 5:00pm