IT Support officer

Job Overview

Duties and Responsibilities

The holder of this post is expected to carry out the professional duties described below, as circumstances may require and in accordance with the school’s policies under the direction of the Finance & Admin Manager, Principal & ISP Regional IT Director.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from their line manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. Employees are expected to be courteous to colleagues at all times and provide a welcoming environment to visitors and telephone callers.

ISP Principles

• Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Well-being and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
• Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
• Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
• Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
• Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
  
  

Purpose of Role

• Manage IT network and client systems as well as daily technical operations that meet and exceed the school’s education and business technology requirements
• Support long term IT based educational programs that enhance the delivery of education services and development of the school community
  
  

Key Responsibilities

The IT Support Officer is responsible for managing and overseeing day-to-day implementation, to realize fault tolerance of key IT areas. Support and maintenance in the following areas:

• Manage the procurement of IT systems.
• Lead the IT team in providing Help Desk services for Teaching staff and Students with IT based educational programs that enhance the delivery of teaching and learning.
• Prepare and manage the IT infrastructure budget and account for IT fixed assets.
• Coordinate IT infrastructure and support requirements with Academic IT Staff, and provide technical support for IT development projects in the schools. Work closely with Academic IT Staff in management and control of teaching software purchases, databases, and configuration control of Staff Laptops.
• Provide technical support to national IT infrastructure projects for schools and new facility development ensuring consistency in implementation and policy.
  
  

The IT Support officer is responsible for managing and overseeing day-to-day implementation, support and maintenance in the following areas:

Network

• Direct daily maintenance to ensure maximum reliability and minimum service interruption
• Manage installation of required updates on infrastructure and client systems
• Maintain core services
• Recommend and implement changes and system enhancements to improve the network
  
  

Client platforms

• Set up, install and maintain desktops and laptops in the school
• Ensure standard configurations across the deployed systems
• Directly and with third party vendors manage the repair and servicing of equipment
• To seamlessly connect with the IT infrastructure in the new site, ensure the IT operation in the new site goes well
  
  

Software

• Ensure all software is properly licensed
• Manage the installation and upgrade schedules for educational and business software
• Provide technical support for school management, accounting and educational software
• Assist the teaching staff in identifying and integrating educational software.
• Experienced with G Suite and Office 365. To ensure that the Drive is set up correctly each year with all appropriate permissions in place in relation to who can edit, view or move documents around.
• That staff mailing groups are set up so that individuals can send emails and share documents with the groups they are permitted to.
  
  

App management

• To ensure that there is a clear system for the procurement of learning apps and that once procured they are tested and put on all devices they are needed on.
• To work with subject leaders and assistant heads to procure, organise and run whole school software packages such as TT Rockstars, Education City etc. Ensuring that all staff and children have login credentials and appropriate training where needed.
  
  

IT security

• Ensure all LANs and VPNs are secure from both electronic and physical intrusion
• Review and maintain a proper level of access and password control
• Ensure data integrity through routine database scans
• Establish a disaster recovery plan
• Guarantee network data is backed up on a daily basis
  
  

Reprographics

• Work with third party vendors to ensure the reprographics equipment runs smoothly
• Provide technical support as needed
  
  

IT training and help desk support

• Provide training for both educational and business applications as needed
• Ensure proper procedures and staffing are in place to respond to teaching and admin staff requests in a timely manner
• Analyse problems, develop solutions, arrange preventive measures and maintain clear and consistent communications with internal customers on IT issues
  
  

New facility development

• With the Project Manager, develop IT infrastructure plans and budgets
• Prepare IT and telecom cabling plans
• Identify hardware and software requirements
• Manage purchasing, installation and servicing of equipment with third party vendors
• Conduct infrastructure and product testing
• Manage IT handover and acceptance procedures
  
  

General Requirements

• Maintain an inventory of all IT, audio/ visual equipment and licenses
• Ensure consistent documentation of the operating environment
• Develop the annual IT plan and budget with the Head of Technology
• Evaluate and set standards for hardware and software
• Develop change management schemes that smooth the transition to new equipment and procedures earning speedy acceptance of new equipment and upgrades
• Perform general IT duties as required
  
  

Skills, Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role in a comparable school/organisation
• Good oral and written communications skills
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to issues that arise
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise to meet deadlines
• Ability to use own initiative and take action accordingly
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to use relevant office equipment effectively
• Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues
• Understanding of data protection and confidentiality
• Understanding of child protection and safeguarding
  
  

How to apply: We reserve the right to close this advert before the end date, should we hire a suitable candidate for the role. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted. Please ensure that you attach a copy of your updated CV, clearly mentioning your notice period, salary expectations and visa status.

Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

Star International School Al Twar is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Star International school and ISP are committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of age, disability status, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

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