Cochrane

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Ensure the fitness-for-purpose, cost-effectiveness, availability, and security of Cochrane’s IT systems infrastructure and operations. Monitor and help manage the lifecycle of our in-house software. Set policy for, and advise on the provision of, IT for the Cochrane Central Executive team (ca. 100 people).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES/KEY RESULT AREAS

Manage and lead the IT Infrastructure Operations team

 Infrastructure

• Manage, maintain, and monitor Cochrane IT infrastructure, including systems, applications, network services, and data for availability and correct functioning.
• Work with development teams and vendors to ensure automated software build and deployment pipelines are fit for purpose and consistent across applications.
• Minimize reliance on tacit knowledge and increase effectiveness within our infrastructure and operations using both automation and standard operating procedures
• Lead IT implementation projects in collaboration with other Cochrane departments, suppliers, or partners to fulfil the needs of the organization.
• Pro-actively identify potential security enhancements and stay abreast of industry trends in this area
• Draft and manage the IT infrastructure budget and handle supplier negotiation and invoicing

  Software lifecycle management

• Ensure Cochrane have full access and operational control over any software developed by, or exclusively for, Cochrane.
• Monitor and report (at least quarterly) to the Head of IT Development and Infrastructure on potential software lifecycle issues at all levels, including server, container, platform, language, framework, and library.
• Maintain a prioritized backlog of software lifecycle issues and manage their resolution in combined development/operations (“DevOps”) sprints. A software developer will be seconded to this team on a rotating basis to enable this. Issues identified for systems under active development will be reported to the responsible team instead.
• Escalate software lifecycle issues that can’t realistically be addressed within the available resource to the Head of IT Development and Infrastructure.

  CET IT Operations

• Draw up specifications and policies in relation to CET IT infrastructure, ensuring a consistent approach
• Help select and implement the adequate IT tools from security, availability, functionality, and data protection points of view
• Ensure administrative responsibilities for each CET IT system are clearly defined, and the appropriate level of access is granted to those responsible
• Ensure the support team can provide effective technical support to the CET, by providing training as needed, making sure they are aware of changes, and providing timely second line support
• Ensure effective hardware provision for the Cochrane Central Executive by ensuring IT equipment is maintained and replaced according to policy.
• Inform and help draft training for CET staff on security procedures and security recommendations to build understanding and awareness of security issues throughout the organization

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential – IT:           

• Degree in computer science or equivalent experience

• 5+ years of experience in systems administration in both Linux and Windows environments
• 3+ years of experience in cloud computing, including containerized application deployment and provisioning of managed services
• Able to design and implement IT infrastructure solutions, including scoping the required compute, storage, network, and other services
• Understanding of the software lifecycle, dependency management, and version control
• Experience in daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems, key processes, and backups
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of complex networks (CCNP or equivalent experience)
• Expertise in security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, authentication systems, log management, content filtering, etc.
• Experience of researching and advising on purchase of most cost-effective IT hardware and software solutions

  Essential – Management:

• Able to line manage systems administrators and support them in their professional development
• Basic understanding of Agile/Scrum practices and principles
• Project management skills for the implementation of new systems across the organization
• Good understanding of organizational effectiveness and of identifying and helping to implement best practice
• Understanding of data security, data management, and data protection requirements and processes
• Experience in budget preparation and management

  Essential – General:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational, collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Able tomultitaskand prioritize work requirements
• Excellent written, presentation and verbal communication skills

• Able to work effectively within a global remote workforce

Preferred:

• Experience managing a systems administration or development/operations (“DevOps”) team
• Knowledge and experience of database management systems and SQL

• Knowledge of Cochrane, evidence-based health care, Cochrane systematic reviews, and/or the global health sector

KEY INTERFACES

Internal: Software development teams, Support team

External: IT suppliers and vendors of our systems.

DIMENSIONS

Budgets managed: IT infrastructure and CET IT budget

Direct reports: Senior Systems Administrator