Specialist Network Management

Since 1994, South Africa has been using a multi-agency approach in its border management agenda. In this regard, seven Departments and Agencies, i.e. the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Health; and Home Affairs; the South African National Defence Force (SANDF); the South African Police Service (SAPS); and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have a physical presence in our border environment. In order to coordinate and manage the environment as well as the activities of the border environment stakeholders, South Africa adopted and implemented more than five border coordination structures. Description The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties: Network Design and Optimisation Design configuration and implementation of the organisation's network infrastructure to best suit the business requirements. Continuous collaboration with other ICT teams to facilitate knowledge sharing and constant optimisation of the network platforms. Research and provide key technical input into BMAs strategic decisions concerning the network infrastructure. Ensure that BMAs Infrastructure is effectively managed. This includes maintenance (system patches and upgrades), monitoring and driving stability through internal corporate governance. Ensure that all elements of the BMA network infrastructure are documented and that relevant standards are understood and adhered to. Maximise network performance (LAN, WAN, Wireless and remote connectivity - VPN Technologies) by monitoring performance, troubleshooting network problems and outages, scheduling upgrades and collaborating with network architects on network optimisation. Implement and monitor redundant network links for critical sites and perform regular tests of backup links to ensure business continuity. Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services Network and Operational Support Provide operational support of the entire network environment. Resolve incidents and fulfil service requests using a service management ticket tool and change management processes. Perform daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server, switches, routers, Wi-Fi systems and key processes. Configuration and installation of hosted VoIP, UC and Video Conferencing solutions, wireless design, bandwidth optimization and WAN acceleration tools. Troubleshoot network issues and configure network infrastructure equipment including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers and other data network infrastructure. Perform capacity planning on the network by monitoring and analysing performance. Perform regular security monitoring to identify any possible intrusions and virus monitoring. Manage and monitor systems to ensure high availability and disaster recovery solutions. Provide technical support and analysis where required, both during business day and after hours. Stakeholder Management Support Build and maintain relationships with all BMA business units for the purposes of expectations management and knowledge sharing. Provide advocacy on matters related to ICT Network and Security to empower the BMA stakeholders to make informed decisions. Represent and participate in the organisation's committees and tasks teams when required. Convene and attend meetings and present findings and business cases to relevant stakeholders when required. Implement timeous communication on progress and challenges in achieving the tactical work plans to impact stakeholders. Attend industry related forums, conferences, and workshops to gain industry insight for the purpose of business improvement. Risk and Compliance Assist in identifying and adhering to fraud controls, risk prevention principles, sound governance and compliance processes, and tools to identify and manage risks. Support and provide evidence to all internal and external audit requirements. Maintain quality risk management standards in line with relevant requirements. Maintain and enforce all related Service Level Agreements to minimise business risk and ensure business continuity. Review related Standard Operating Procedures in consultation with the Senior Manager: ICT Infrastructure to ensure business optimisation. Adhere to all relevant laws, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the organisation Administration and Support Responsible for maintenance and support of all customer premise equipment (CPE) at all sites of the BMA. Responsible for ongoing engagements with all network and cloud service providers offering solutions to the BMA. Optimization of network equipment (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.) Responsible for the determination and segregation of network components through VLANs. Establishment, implementation, and maintenance of WAN between Head Office, regional offices, and satellite offices. Monitoring of network performance (LAN, WAN, etc.)), including the Internet. Setup, monitoring and shaping of bandwidth usage and VPN, APN, and other connectivity mechanism. Establishment of access (local and remote) into business systems (hosted, cloud and on premise). Monthly Systems Availability Reports Monthly Service Desk report Up to date BMA network architecture Preparation of the DR sites for all business systems (hosted, cloud and on premise) according to the DR Plan. Responsible for backup and migration of data to the DR side, according to the Standard Operating Procedures on Data and Information Backup. Scheduling and monitoring of DR Drills exercises for all business systems (hosted, cloud, or on premise) according to the ICT Service Continuity Plan / Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) and Business Continuity Plan (BCP). Procedures on Data and Information Backup. Scheduling and monitoring of DR Drills exercises for all business systems (hosted, cloud, or on premise) according to the ICT Service Continuity Plan / Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) and Business Continuity Plan (BCP). Cybersecurity Management Monitoring of data and contents processed and produced through the BMA systems, through firewall and other monitoring systems. Firewall administration Monitoring of security updates across all systems (hosted and on premise), include patches and firmware upgrades. Monitoring of all access requests to network and business systems to ensure adherence to policies, plans, and SOPs. Implementation of approved polices, plans, and SOPs. Creation of access rules for all users of BMA business systems and consultants. Antivirus and antispam systems installation, maintenance monitoring and support. Scheduling of antivirus updates downloads and deploying to all servers and end-user devices. Performing regular penetration tests on BMA for cybersecurity resilience. Requirements Minimum Qualifications Matric (Grade 12) Undergraduate Qualification at NQF 7 as recognised by SAQA in Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related. Any of the following certificates: ITIL Foundation/Microsoft Azure/Windows Server. Linux or VM Ware Certificate would be advantageous. Minimum Experience 5 years' experience at junior Management in IT Management, IT Governance, ICT Network and Security, IT Operations. Knowledge ICT Infrastructure Support. Computer Networking Support Strong quantitative and analytical skills IT governance Frameworks. IT Architectural design. Business Intelligence. Electronic Communication and Transaction Act 25 of 2002 Border Management Authority Act, 2 of 2020 Other requirements Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet demands of the role. May be required to work overtime. Valid driver's License