Information Technology Assistant

Job Description

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI’s Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI’s experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world. SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio is working to strengthen agricultural markets, engage youth and women as critical leaders of the on- and off-farm workforce, and tackle the dual burden of malnutrition around the globe. RTI’s work is helping foster stronger food systems, reduce malnutrition in all its forms, build resilience and engage the next generation of food security leaders. RTI is currently partnering on nearly 30 projects in East Africa, including activities focused on private sector-driven agricultural growth in Rwanda and market systems development in Kenya.

The purpose of the USAID/Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture (ETA) Activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system. ETA is the core component of a suite of food and agriculture activities funded by USAID. It is the largest project and serves as the hub. As such, FAST must collaborate intensively with other USAID funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector.

RTI is seeking an Information Technology (IT) Assistant for the Transforming Agriculture Activity in Ethiopia. The IT Assistant will support IT systems for staff located in the Addis Ababa Office as well as staff located throughout Ethiopia.
The IT Staff will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and report to the IT Specialist.

• Provide technical support to the project including laptop setup and troubleshooting as needed, support Microsoft365 applications, and any other related IT support.
  • Support staff onboarding and data maintenance, security, and confidentiality.
  • Manage the use and maintenance of technology required for day-to-day operational support of the project staff and implementation, including first level of support Windows PCs, MacOS, and RTI cloud-based applications and maintain network infrastructure including the ISP, Routers, Ethernet switches, and PBX phones, as well as maintain spare parts and hardware repairs and restoration.
  • Set up, maintain, and support the IT infrastructure and equipment for project offices in at least six locations and any additional project offices as required.
  • Ensure Windows and other software is maintained and that patches are promptly applied.
  • Ensure anti-virus software is kept current.
  • Ensure information is backed up and maintained in accordance with RTI policies and procedures.
  • Undertake projects that reduce the complexity of work processes and deploying systems and services that can be scaled without altering the basic design or architecture of the system, such as setting up an efficient Video Conferencing system in Project Offices to facilitate online meeting and collaboration between staff.
  • Provide timely and cost-effective procurement of IT resources, working closely with colleagues in Administration and Finance to source appropriate IT items, solutions, and equipment, using relevant frameworks and ensure value for money.
  • Negotiate robustly with suppliers to deliver contracts and services that are sustainable into the future by providing technical specifications for IT items and equipment.
  • Provide support on the Financial Management System (QuickBooks) to the project finance team.
  • Maintain IT inventory for all IT equipment and/or software in accordance with RTI policy and procedures.

Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree and 1 year of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Windows PCs, servers, cloud-based applications and networks.
• Prior experience as an IT Assistant preferred

About the Organization