Senior Systems Administrator _Job @Kerchanshe Group, Ethiopia

Job Summary

– To lead the planning, design, configuration, and management of Kerchanshe’s enterprise network and data center infrastructure — including firewalls, routers, and switches — ensuring high availability, security, and scalability across all sites. The role also owns end-to-end server management, Microsoft 365 email administration, CCTV systems, backup and disaster recovery, and infrastructure-level support for ERP systems, contributing to a secure, resilient, and reliable IT environment for the organization.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Network Planning, Design and Configuration

• Plan, design, and implement the organization’s network architecture, including LAN/WAN, VLANs, and campus/branch connectivity.
• Configure, manage, and optimize firewalls, routers, switches, and related network devices to ensure security, performance, and availability.
• Design and enforce network security controls including VPNs, access control lists, and segmentation.
• Monitor network performance and capacity, and troubleshoot L2/L3 network issues, including routing and switching problems.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, topology diagrams, IP addressing schemes, and configuration baselines.

Server Management

• Administer Windows and/or Linux servers including file, print, DHCP, DNS, and directory services.
• Manage virtualization platforms (e.g., Hyper-V, VMware) and storage solutions (SAN/NAS).
• Apply system updates, patches, and configuration changes to ensure security and performance.
• Plan and implement high availability and disaster recovery strategies.
• Proactively monitor system performance, uptime, and health using enterprise monitoring tools.
• Troubleshoot server, software, or network issues, and provide L3 support escalation.
• Maintain system documentation, inventory, and configuration baselines.

Data Center Management

• Oversee the entire data center environment, including power, cooling, structured cabling, and physical/environmental security.
• Manage server racks, equipment lifecycle, and data center infrastructure standards.
• Plan for data center capacity, uptime, and scalability to support business growth.
• Coordinate data center maintenance activities, vendor visits, and contractor work.

Email and Messaging System Administration

• Administer and manage Microsoft 365 email and collaboration services (Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Handle account provisioning, alias setup, shared mailboxes, and mailbox delegation.
• Monitor email flow, spam filtering, data loss prevention policies, and email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
• Support mobile device access and troubleshoot user-level email issues.

Domain and DNS Management

• Oversee the organization’s domains and subdomains through domain registrars.
• Manage DNS configurations (A, MX, TXT, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME records).
• Ensure timely domain renewals and SSL certificate management.

Web and Application Hosting

• Coordinate deployment and hosting of company websites and portals (on-premise or cloud-based).
• Maintain hosting platforms (IIS, Apache, cPanel, or cloud platforms like GoDaddy, Vercel, and Strapi).
• Ensure secure access to public-facing applications via SSL/TLS and proper firewall rules.
• Collaborate with marketing or external developers for content publishing and CMS updates.

Backup and Disaster Recovery

• Design, implement, and manage backup solutions for servers, databases, and other critical business systems.
• Conduct regular backup verification and restoration testing to ensure data integrity and recoverability.
• Maintain, test, and continuously improve disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

CCTV and Physical Security Systems

• Manage and maintain CCTV systems across all sites, including cameras, NVR/DVR, storage, and monitoring platforms.
• Ensure adequate footage retention, system availability, and integration with access control where applicable.
• Troubleshoot CCTV connectivity, storage, and performance issues, coordinating with vendors as needed.
• Security and Compliance
• Enforce access controls, encryption standards, and system hardening practices.
• Manage endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, and incident response plans.

ERP and Business Systems Support

• Provide infrastructure-level support for ERP systems, ensuring server, database, and network readiness and availability.
• Coordinate with ERP vendors and functional teams on system integration, upgrades, and issue resolution.
• Support user access management, backups, and uptime monitoring for the ERP application environment.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Mentor junior system/network administrators and IT support staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (network, development, security, business units) on IT projects and infrastructure planning.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional networking certification (e.g., CCNA/CCNP) preferred.
• Strong expertise in networking, Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS/DHCP, and virtualization platforms.
• Proven experience managing enterprise email systems, data centers, and campus networks.
• Solid understanding of L2/L3 networking, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, NAT, and routing protocols.

Experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience for BSc holders in Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, or related fields.
• 3+ years of relevant experience for MSc holders.

General Competencies

• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Communication & Documentation
• Analytical Thinking & Troubleshooting
• Adaptability & Learning Agility
• Decision-Making