Senior Officer – Network Infrastructure and Security(Internal Vacancy)

Nairobi

  • Organization: CIFOR - Center for International Forestry Research
  • Location: Nairobi
  • Grade:
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
    • Security and Safety
  • Closing Date: 2025-10-24


Reference number: 202566
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Senior Officer - Network Infrastructure and Security(Internal Vacancy)


Overview

The Senior Officer - Network Infrastructure and Security role involves participating in the design, implementation, optimization, maintenance, and support of a secure, efficient, and scalable network infrastructure and services. This role ensures smooth operation, security, and high availability of the organization's network infrastructure to meet business objectives and SLAs.

Duties and responsibilities

1.Network Infrastructure Support:

  • Participate in the design, configuration, installation, testing, and management of network hardware (switches, routers, wireless access points, firewalls) and software.
  • Participate in Planning, deployment, and maintenance of a scalable and secure network infrastructure.
  • Manage and support PBX, video conferencing, and collaboration tools.

2.Network Monitoring & Performance Optimization:

  • Continuously monitor network health.
  • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks to ensure seamless connectivity.
  • Assist in the design and implementation of traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS) policies
  • Monitor network performance, availability, and security.

3.Security Operations:

  • Review security logs, perform basic vulnerability assessments, implement security policies, and contributing to incident response activities.
  • Help enforce network and security policies and best practices across the organization.
  • Perform security updates and patches.

4.Documentation and Training

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, including network diagrams, inventory lists, and configuration details.
  • Log all support activities and resolutions in the ticketing system.
  • Contribute to the development of IT knowledge base, technical guidelines, standard operating procedures, and policies.
  • Building capacity within the unit and in countries

5.Collaboration

  • Work closely with ICT team members, departments, and external service providers and vendors to ensure efficient operation and resolution of issues.
  • Collaborate with the regional offices teams to provide network infrastructure support and resolution of issues.

6.Troubleshooting & Support

  • Provide timely technical support for network and security-related issues reported by end-users or identified through monitoring (e.g., connectivity problems, VPN issues, slow performance, firewall access requests).
  • Investigate and resolve network incidents, ensuring rapid restoration of services.

7.Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

  • Assist in scheduling and managing network routine Preventive Maintenance tasks as per laid down standards.
  • Assist in disaster recovery planning and rapid response to network outages.
  • Ensure redundancy in infrastructure, including backup links, failover mechanisms.
  • Conduct regular backup testing and infrastructure resilience assessments.

8.Infrastructure and security Projects

  • Participate in the delivery of infrastructure-related projects per role assigned
  • Work with cross-functional teams to implement network-related projects
  • Participate in the supervision of projects and documentation.

9.Country Offices Support

  • Support the establishment, monitoring, maintenance, and support of the country offices' network infrastructure and security.
  • Beyond Network Infrastructure and security, extend general ICT and user support as well as training to country offices users whenever they visit the country offices.


Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Computer Technology, or a closely related field, combined with 5–6 years of progressively responsible experience in ICT user support, network infrastructure management, and cybersecurity operations.
  • Training in IT Service Management, Network infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Desirable areas include: ITIL and CCNA/JNCIA/HCNA/CyberSecurity
  • Proven hands-on networking experience
  • Network Infrastructure: Strong understanding of network architecture, routing, switching, firewalls, and VPN technologies. In-depth knowledge of dynamic and static routing protocols, QoS strategies. Knowledge of Datacenter architecture is an added advantage.
  • Knowledge of network services and protocols including DNS, DHCP,NAT, SNMP, TCP/IP
  • Cybersecurity: Proficiency in security frameworks, threat mitigation, intrusion detection, and risk management.
  • Monitoring & Incident Response: Experience in real-time network monitoring, performance analysis, and handling security incidents.
  • Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery: Knowledge of redundancy planning, failover solutions, and recovery strategies.
  • Systems Administration: Familiarity with operating systems (Windows, Linux), cloud platforms, and virtualization technologies.
  • Experience in building and documenting Processes and Procedures.



Education, knowledge and experience

•Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Computer Technology, or a closely related field, combined with 5–6 years of progressively responsible experience in ICT user support, network infrastructure management, and cybersecurity operations.
•Training in IT Service Management, Network infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Desirable areas include: ITIL and CCNA/JNCIA/HCNA/CyberSecurity
•Proven hands-on networking experience
•Network Infrastructure: Strong understanding of network architecture, routing, switching, firewalls, and VPN technologies. In-depth knowledge of dynamic and static routing protocols, QoS strategies. Knowledge of Datacenter architecture is an added advantage.
•Knowledge of network services and protocols including DNS, DHCP,NAT, SNMP, TCP/IP
•Cybersecurity: Proficiency in security frameworks, threat mitigation, intrusion detection, and risk management.
•Monitoring & Incident Response: Experience in real-time network monitoring, performance analysis, and handling security incidents.
•Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery: Knowledge of redundancy planning, failover solutions, and recovery strategies.
•Systems Administration: Familiarity with operating systems (Windows, Linux), cloud platforms, and virtualization technologies.
•Experience in building and documenting Processes and Procedures.

Terms and conditions

•This application is strictly for internal candidates, that is CIFOR-ICRAF staff, students, consultants and temporary staff.
•This is a Locally Recruited Position (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
•The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya CIFOR-ICRAF Offices and offers services and support to country offices remotely and through scheduled visits.

Application process

The application deadline is 24 Oct 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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