Context:

1. African Parks

African Parks is an international, non-profit non-governmental organization that assumes full responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with local governments and communities.

As such, African Parks has signed a partnership with the Central African government for the management of the Chinko Conservation Area (ACC) for a period of 25 years.

1. Subject

African Parks is looking for a full-time ICT Manager to ensure the efficient and secure management of information technologies within the Chinko protected area. The objective is to ensure the implementation and compliance with IT policies in accordance with current regulations. The ICT Manager will play a key role in the protection and management of information systems, while ensuring their accessibility and integrity. He will also work on training teams to strengthen their understanding of good practices in data management and security. Finally, it will ensure that a collaborative and secure work environment is maintained to optimize operational efficiency.

African Parks is looking for motivated and conservation-passioned Central African candidates, able to withstand stressful situations and adapt to the challenges of the field. The employee will be based at the Kocho operations center, in the heart of the Chinko Conservation Area, located in the east of the Central African Republic and covering three prefectures: Mbomou, Haut-Mbomou and Haute-Kotto

1. Description of tasks

• Respond to operational and strategic needs according to the guidelines of the fleet management unit.

• Maintain quality service by establishing and enforcing organizational standards.

• Identify problems and implement strategic technological solutions.

• Verify application results by performing system audits of implemented technologies.

• Preserve assets by implementing recovery and backup procedures and information control and security structures.

• Ensure the optimization and full capacity of the existing infrastructure, including, but not limited to, VHF, HF, VSAT, Lora, GIS, WIFI, Thuraya, Garmin, the fleet of phones and various sensors.

• Answer all computer problems of the mission.

• Ensures all technical choices for IT in collaboration with the technical referent and in accordance with AP_RCA standards; requests several quotes (min. 3) before any final choice.

• In collaboration with the technical referent and the IT department of the headquarters, defines and implements the use of computer equipment and networks (number of connections per day, etc.).

• Ensures that all computer equipment is tested before being made available to users.

• Ensures the correct use, operation and maintenance of computer equipment and networks, in accordance with AP_RCA procedures.

• Ensure the implementation and monitoring of the Mission's data backup system.

• Ensure that standard AP_RCA software is updated, as well as antivirus software on all Mission computers, according to updates sent by Headquarters.

• Regularly check and clean the Mission's computers (machine + software).

• Ensure the regular verification and maintenance of photocopiers, telephones and fax machines by the supplier.

• Ensures that there is a sufficient stock of spare parts.

• Ensure the preparation of computer equipment to be sent to another project, including functional tests, numbering, packaging and related documentation, in collaboration with the technical referent.

• Provide technical support and assistance to users;

• Define the IT policy of the African Parks Network (equiment user manual);

• Install, configure and maintain PCs;

• Ensure the maintenance of network equipment;

• Install and configure the server;

• Ensure the administration of servers and network;

• Implement new network services;

• Ensure the availability and security of the organization's data;

• He/she can also be involved in the telecom aspects of the organization;

• Supervise the purchase of computer equipment and software;

• Ensure the installation and maintenance of the computer system and the various applications;

• Ensure the proper functioning of the organization's IT infrastructure;

• Ensure the regularity, security and reliability of IT processes;

• Train staff in the introduction, in Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, etc.

• Ensure the allocation and movement of computer equipment;

• Register and configure all computers and business and visitor phones on the system for an Internet connection;

• Manage the proper functioning of the internet connection;

• Maintain contact with Internet service providers;

• Inventory computer equipment and make a report to management.

• Supervise and support IT and cyberinfrastructure programs.

• Provide weekly and monthly reports.

• Train and strengthen the ability of staff to function effectively as individuals and as a team.

The position requires:

• Work under the direction of the FOM based in Kocho;

• Work in a multicultural team;

• Collaborate with other Heads of the departments based in Kocho;

• Collaborate with the community;

• Collaborate with External Service Providers.

Education and experiences

• At least five (5) years of experience in technology maintenance and development, preferably with experience working in a national park.

• At least a master's degree in computer science or in a related field.

• Flexibility, adaptability and creativity to develop innovative solutions in difficult situations.

• Strong verbal and written English skills.

• Understanding French will be an advantage.

• Willingness to live in a remote environment and previous experience of life in Africa.

How to apply

Interested candidates are requested to send the following documents to hr.chinko@africanparks.org, centralafrica.hr@africanparks.org; as of March 20, 2025, with the reference "ICT Manager" in the subject line of the email, or to deposit them at our APN/RCA Chinko office, Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, next to the Ngaragba school, B.P. 2571, Bangui, RCA.

The application must include:

- Cover letter (2 pages maximum);

- An updated CV (5 pages maximum);

- Copies of diplomas and work certificates.