IT Officer - Contract

About Pharo Foundation

Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organization working to build a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Our development efforts are focused on three core pillars:

• Education – Providing access to high-quality, affordable education that equips students for success in a rapidly changing world.
• Water – Ensuring that communities across Africa have access to clean, safe, and affordable water.
• Productivity – Removing barriers to employment and increasing economic opportunity for individuals and families.

Our for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures, operates sustainable businesses across Ethiopia and Somaliland to drive job creation and economic growth. With over 700 employees across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, Pharo Foundation is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a liaison office in London, UK.

Role Summary
Pharo Assosa & Homosha Schools are committed to delivering high-quality education supported by reliable and practical technology systems. To ensure smooth day-to-day school operations, we are seeking a skilled and hands-on IT Officer who can maintain and support the school’s IT infrastructure, with a strong focus on printer and copier maintenance, computer hardware and software support, and basic networking.

The IT Officer will be responsible for ensuring that schools’ e-learning computer labs operate efficiently with minimal downtime. The officer is responsible for retrieving data and generating periodic summaries, as required by the education team. This role is ideal for a technically competent, solution-oriented professional who can respond quickly to technical issues and support both academic and administrative staff in a school environment.

Key Responsibilities

IT Equipment & Maintenance

• Install, maintain, and repair printers, photocopy machines, scanners, and computers.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on IT equipment to reduce breakdowns and service disruptions.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues for desktops, laptops, and peripherals.

Networking & Connectivity

• Set up, manage, and troubleshoot LAN, Wi-Fi, and internet connectivity across school facilities.
• Ensure stable network performance for classrooms, offices, and computer labs.
• Coordinate with internet service providers when required.

User Support & Helpdesk

• Provide day-to-day technical support to teachers, administrative staff, and students.
• Respond promptly to IT support requests and resolve issues efficiently.
• Provide basic guidance and training to users on IT equipment and systems.

IT Asset & Vendor Management

• Maintain an updated inventory of all IT equipment and accessories.
• Liaise with external technicians and vendors for advanced repairs and spare parts procurement.
• Support the procurement and installation of new IT equipment.

Data, Security & Reporting

• Ensure proper data backup, antivirus protection, and basic cybersecurity practices.
• Implement and follow IT usage policies and procedures.
• Prepare simple IT status and maintenance reports for school management.

Data Retrieval and generation

• Data Retrieval: The officer is responsible for systematically pulling relevant performance, attendance, or progress data from internal systems and databases.
• Summary Compilation: Using the retrieved data, the officer must generate clear, accurate, and concise periodic summaries (e.g., weekly, monthly, or quarterly reports) that highlight key trends and outcomes.
• Compliance with Team Standards: All summaries must be produced in strict accordance with the education team’s specified formatting, timeline, and content requirements to ensure consistency and usability for decision-making.

 Key Competencies & Attributes

• Strong technical and problem-solving skills, including hands-on experience with Linux and UNIX operating systems (system administration, command-line utilities, shell scripting, and file system management).
• Ability to explain complex technical issues clearly and concisely to non-technical users.
• Reliable, proactive, and service-oriented with a strong commitment to user support.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and perform effectively under pressure.
• High level of responsibility, ownership, and meticulous attention to detail.

Additional Responsibilities.

• Willing and able to provide on-site IT support not only at Pharo Assosa School but also at other locations, including Homosha Boarding School and any additional project or school sites as required.
• Flexible to travel and support multiple locations to ensure continuity of IT services and minimal downtime.
• Willing to teach and support IT-related courses for students and staff, including basic computer skills, digital literacy, and introductory technology subjects.
• Experience supporting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts) activities within a school environment.
• Practical exposure to robotics programs, computer labs, educational technology tools, and hands-on learning initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate with teachers and school leadership to integrate technology into teaching and learning processes.
• Strong interest in supporting innovation, technology-based education, and student skill development beyond routine IT support.