Manager, Systems Administration

JOB PURPOSE

To ensure the stability, integrity, and efficient operation of the Information Systems that support core organizational functions by planning, implementing, monitoring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all software, inclusive of operating systems, that are installed on computers and servers across the TAJ Network as well as to help identify, communicate, and resolve issues in order to maximize the benefit of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems investments.

KEY OUTPUT

• Operating and application systems monitored and managed;
• Servers configured and managed;
• ICT Security policy and procedures implemented and enforced;
• Back-up strategies developed and implemented;
• Site visits conducted and managed;
• Information Technology (IT) equipment managed;
• IT inventory maintained and managed;
• Reports prepared and submitted;
• Human and financial resources managed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management and Administrative Duties:

• Provides leadership, support and guidance to all staff to ensure the Unit is effectively managed;
• Assist with the development of the Operation and Work Plans with the supporting budget for the Unit ensuring that all the relevant activities to be undertaken and required resources are considered;
• Plans, coordinates and directs all the activities of the functional area;
• Establishes and enforces standards and rules of professional conduct for staff within the Unit in order to maintain the highest degree of confidence in its integrity and efficiency;
• Ensures staff is aware of and operates in accordance with all relevant laws, Service Level Agreement (SLA), Memorandum of Understanding, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and policies;
• Develops and maintains effective working relations with external and internal stakeholders, ensuring that the Unit provides a consistently high level of service.

Technical/Professional Duties

• Manages the installation, configuration and maintenance of all applications and Servers;
• Manages the creation and maintenance of User Accounts for system access;
• Analyses users’ needs and requirements for use within the Active Directory;
• Manages the installation and configuration of File Sharing Server, Print Servers and monitors Domain Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers, Domain Name Server (DNS), Proxy/Internet Server, Group Policy, Virtualization of Server and Failover Cluster;
• Ensures internet availability while regulating its usage;
• Manages all access to the TAJ Main Equipment Rooms (MER) under his/her supervision, ensures the physical security of all ICT equipment housed and used therein;
• Participates in the planning and architecture of technology solutions;
• Participates in the development of the Security Policy Document and manages the implementation and adherence of security policies at hardware, software and user level;
• Collaborates in the development of procedures for the management of system, server and data back-up strategies;
• Oversees all off-site back-up activities to ensure business continuity and to mitigate against data loss;
• Manages the development and implementation of preventative/ corrective maintenance schedule;
• Provides technical and other types of advice of a complex nature;
• Develops, maintains and circulates trouble shooting documents with the requisite solutions;
• Conducts random physical inspection of IT equipment;
• Monitors and periodically verifies IT inventory in all offices under his/her supervision and prepares a comprehensive update;
• Conducts technological research and prepares procedures for uploading approved software to the system;
• Assists with the design and implementation of disaster recovery and business continuity plans, procedures, audits, enhancements and updating of risk register;
• Liaises with the relevant authority and provides reports and technical support in response to ICT breaches;
• Liaises with external agencies (Microsoft, Delarue, HID Global, FAST, QLOGIK) to obtain licenses, to conduct trouble shooting and for problem resolution;
• Provides leadership and guidance for the implementation of new ICT systems within the organization;
• Prepares business plan and project plan for systems to be acquired;
• Reviews bid and prepares evaluation documents for the procurement of ICT equipment and software;
• Provides technical specification for the procurement of ICT equipment and software;
• Manages site visit activities conducted by supervisees;
• Trains technical staff on the use of software and hardware developed and/or acquired;
• Reviews and implement Disaster Recovery Plan and provides ICT support in emergency situations;
• Manages and participates in the disaster recovery process;
• Manages the implementation and updates of patches to the systems;
• Conducts research to keep abreast with new technologies and makes recommendation to the authority, where necessary;
• Participates in interviews and meetings for ISO standards, implement and manages strategies to address non-conformities for ICT;
• Participates in interviews for exchange of information (EOI) to mitigate against non-conformity identified and implement and maintain solutions;
• Manages board of survey activities for ICT assets;
• Provides technical training to supervisees;
• Provides desk side support to all members of staff;
• Implements, manages and maintains web conferencing tools and provides training to users of the tools;

• Monitors the maintenance schedule to ensures that vendors meet their contractual obligation;
• Installs, configures, troubleshoot and tests relevant system used to provide property tax bus services;
• Installs software at Revenue Protection Division, Financial Investigation Division, Integrity Commission, Ministry of Local government;
• Updates and submits the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Sub-risk Register for the Unit;
• Attend Court on behalf of the Authority;
• Generates reports on the number of transactions conducted with the revenue for MDAs and external agencies, as requested;
• Reviews, collates and prepares monthly and ad hoc reports;
• Identifies, monitors and escalates high priority issues from the front line, including emerging risks to the relevant authorities;
• Updates and submits the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Sub-risk Register for the Unit;
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Director, Technical Operations.

Human Resource Duties

• Develops and manages the Unit’s HR plans that addresses staff requirements and succession planning and liaises with the Director, Technical Operations ICT;
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Unit and ensures they are aware of and adhere to the polices of the Department;
• Conducts periodical reviews of supervisees in accordance with the Work Plan;
• Manages Leave Administration for staff as it relates to Casual, Sick and Vacation Leave;
• Completes performance assessments and recommends appropriate training and development programmes as necessary;
• Initiates and participates in disciplinary proceedings relating to staff members within the Unit and implements corrective measures;

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

This job is satisfactorily performed when:

• All domain controllers installed are equivalent to Windows 2010 or higher and group policies are maintained;
• The Servers are properly configured and managed in keeping with the guidelines;
• The ICT security policy and procedures are carefully implemented and constantly monitored;
• Access and usage of the system is constantly monitored;
• Appropriate back-up plans are developed and implemented within the agreed timeframe;
• Site visits are conducted and managed as scheduled and according to stipulated guidelines;
• IT equipment is managed in accordance with the industry’s standards;
• The equipment inventory is accurately updated and maintained in accordance with the asset management guidelines;
• Reports prepared and submitted in keeping with established standard and agreed timelines;
• Financial and human resource policies are administered equitably and without discrimination.

AUTHORITY TO:

• Configure servers and resolve problems;
• Visit and examine back-up sites;
• Examine system usage logs;
• Provide/deny user access;
• Recommend procurement of IT equipment and software.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

1. Specific knowledge needed to start the job:

• Comprehensive knowledge of all operating and application systems in Tax Administration Jamaica;
• Comprehensive knowledge of Hardware Active Directory and, Virtualization, Failover Cluster;
• Working knowledge of TAJ’s operations, functions and Code of Conduct;
• Knowledge of supervisory and management principles and practices;

2. Required Skills and Specialised Techniques

• Excellent time management skill;
• Excellent organizing, planning, decision making and judgement skills;
• Excellent trouble shooting skill;
• Very good interpersonal, communication and team skills
• Attention to detail.

3. Qualification and Experience

• B.Sc. Degree in Computer Science or its equivalent;
• Certificate in Microsoft Server configuration;
• Certificate in Comptia A+ would be an asset;
• Four (4) years work related experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment;
• Possibility of long, irregular working hours;
• Exposure to low temperature due to computers;
• Travelling across the assigned region (40% - 50%).