Multiple Positions: IT Officer, Clerk-of- the-Works, and MEL Assistant – Promoting Equality in African School Zambia Limited

Job Description

About PEAS (Promoting Equality in African Schools)

PEAS (www.peas.org.uk) is a fast-growing education charity organization with a mission to ‘expand access to sustainably delivered quality secondary education across Africa’. We run the fastest-growing network of sustainably financed secondary schools in Africa.

At PEAS, we are passionate about delivering quality education at a low cost, so that we are able to educate the poorest rural communities in Zambia and replicate our model across other communities. We work closely with the Zambian Ministry of Education (MoE) helping to achieve their national goals and have partnered with the MoE to build an exemplary network of secondary schools in Zambia.

PEAS Zambia have achieved great things over the last 12 years, and we know we can achieve even more in the next 10 years. Building on the solid foundations of our programme, we want to grow our impact in our own secondary school network and beyond. Our ambition is to be true exemplars of quality education and to drive improvements across the Zambian education system. We are now looking for an IT Officer to join us on this exciting and challenging journey to make our ambition a reality.

The Opportunities

Job Title: IT OFFICER
Location: Ndola or Kasama

Reports to: Deputy Country Director

All PEAS staff use Microsoft 365 applications to work effectively and support collaboration across countries and departments. In addition, PEAS regularly pilots and deploys low-resource educational technology to support programme delivery to students, teachers and school leaders, and uses a range of other IT systems to support operational processes. The Information Technology Officer will be responsible for managing and enhancing PEAS Zambia’s IT infrastructure, ensuring the smooth and secure operation of all IT systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to support our team in delivering high-quality educational services.

The role has two key focus areas –

1. Leading the IT function and infrastructure maintenance at the country office level.
2. Supporting the school network team and school leaders to drive improvements using Technology.

This is a new role with real opportunities to build on your IT experience and develop your career further in IT. Not only will you be working in close collaboration across PEAS Zambia, but you will also collaborate with technical colleagues across the organisation to drive IT improvements. This role would also work with technical members of the PEAS Global team on effective piloting and implementation of new EdTech projects

To be successful in this role, you must be a doer and a thinker, passionate about developing systems and structures that best support people to thrive in their roles and deliver PEAS organizational goals. We are looking for a driven individual who has experience in IT, cybersecurity or training on IT skills and networking management and is looking for a dynamic role where they can have a real impact both at the school level and organizational level.

This opportunity is both exciting and challenging as we seek to work towards solving one of the world’s biggest challenges, ensuring access to quality education for all.

To be the right candidate, you need to be resilient and adaptable, not giving up when something doesn’t improve or change immediately but being energized to find ways to make that change happen.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. IT Infrastructure Management
   • Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of hardware and software systems.
   • Manage network infrastructure and resources including servers, routers, switches, and other related equipment.
   • Ensure data backup and recovery systems are in place and functioning properly.
   • Keep a record of all ICT equipment and account for the operational status of the same.

1. User Support and Training
   • Provide technical support to staff and troubleshoot IT-related issues.
   • Conduct training sessions to enhance staff proficiency in using IT tools and systems. Both at the school level, regional and country office.
   • Ensure the smooth running of the School Tool+ application for data management in the schools, and collaborating with MEL to ensure school staff are able to use the system.
   • In collaboration with HR and develop and maintain IT documentation and user guides.
2. Cybersecurity
   • Implement and maintain security protocols to protect PEAS Zambia’s data and IT assets.
   • Monitor security breaches and Work with PEAS Global staff to effectively respond to incidents and document lessons learned to strengthen the organisation’s systems
   • Keep systems updated with the latest security patches and anti-virus and software updates.
   • ensuring all devices are secured with active anti-virus applications.
3. Systems and Network Administration
   • Manage user accounts and access controls to ensure appropriate permissions.
   • Monitor system performance and perform regular maintenance to ensure optimal operation.
   • Develop and implement IT policies and procedures.
   • Design and implement a working network of all PEAS Zambia sites to integrate resource, enhance sharing and improved collaboration.
4. Project Management
   • In partnership with technical staff in the PEAS Global team Plan and execute IT projects to support organizational goals.
   • Work with technical members of the PEAS Global team on effective piloting and implementation of new EdTech projects
   • Coordinate with vendors and service providers for procurement and maintenance of IT equipment and services.
   • Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
   • Develop standard operating procedures
5. Innovation and Improvement
   • Stay up to date with the latest IT trends and technologies.
   • Recommend and implement improvements to enhance IT services and efficiency.
   • Collaborate with other departments to identify user challenges and provide ICT solutions.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Management Information
  Systems or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in IT management, network administration, or a similar role.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in network and server management.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices.
• Experience with various operating systems (Windows, ubuntu, Linux, macOS).
• Familiarity with cloud services and solutions.
• A certification in MSCE, CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA or others will be an added advantage.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proactive in using technology to drive efficiency.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• A good listener to understand the problem.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to zambiarecruitment@peas.org.uk by August 4, 2024. Please include “Information Technology Officer Application” in the subject line of your email.

Job Title: CLERK-OF-THE-WORKS
Location: Southern Province and Eastern Province

Reports to: Construction Manager

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Observe the quality and progress of the construction to determine in general that it is progressing in accordance with the Contract Documents. Notify the PEAS, and the Consultant immediately if, in the Clerk-of-the-Works opinion, work does not conform to the Contract Documents or requires special investigation by the PEAS and the Consultant.
• Monitor the construction progress and assist in the preparation of progress reports required by the PEAS.
• Review Contract Documents with the Contractor’s supervisors to have a complete understanding of the scope of the project.
• Consider the Contractor’s suggestions and recommendations, evaluate them, discuss them with the Consultant, PEAS representative and assist the Construction Manager/Consultant when applicable in making a final decision.
• Attend project meetings as the PEAS representative and report to the PEAS in writing on the proceedings.
• Observe tests required by the Contract Documents. Review testing invoices, if any, to be paid by PEAS.
• Maintain records at the construction site or as directed by the PEAS in an orderly manner in accordance with the PEAS procedures. Include correspondence where applicable, such as Contract Documents, Change Orders, Construction Change Authorizations, Construction Manager’s Supplemental Instructions, reports of site conferences, Shop Drawings, Product Data, Samples, supplementary drawings, colour schedules, requests for payment, names and addresses of contractors, subcontractors and principal material suppliers.
• Keep a logbook containing material utilisation, project progress and reports and submit reports on the progress of the Contractor’s work to the PEAS representative. The log must contain activities related to the project, weather conditions, nature and location of work being performed. The Construction Manager will provide Observation Construction Reports documenting his site visits.
• When applicable, help the Construction Manager upon request in reviewing Shop Drawings, Product Data and Samples.
• When applicable, observe the Contractor’s Record Drawings at intervals appropriate to the stage of construction and notify the PEAS and the Construction Manager of any apparent failure by the Contractor to maintain up-to-date records.
• Review Applications for Payment submitted by the Contractor with the Construction Manager and assist in making recommendations for disposition.
• When applicable, assist the Construction Manager and the Consultant in reviewing the list of items to be completed or corrected with is submitted by the Contractor with a request for issuance of a Certificate of Substantial Completion. When applicable, assist the Construction Manager and the Consultant in reviewing the documentation and record documents to be furnished to the PEAS by the Contractor at Substantial Completion, and verify that the Contractor has met the requirements of the Contract Documents for training the Owner’s personnel in the operation and maintenance of all building equipment and systems.
• When applicable, assist the Construction Manager and the Consultant in final inspection of the work and in reviewing the documentation and record documents to be furnished to PEAS by the Contractor upon completion of the work.
• Assist the PEAS on small projects by observing the construction and reporting progress and quality of work being performed by the Contractor. At no time shall the Clerk-of- the-Works assume responsibilities of the Construction Manager or Consultant or the Contractor in charge of the construction

Qualifications

• Full Grade 12 Certificate
• Diploma or Degree in either Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Architecture
• Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in a similar role
• Can manage to work outdoors and out of town for long periods of time
• Knowledge of construction industry safety regulations.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Exceptional ability to monitor construction project budgets and deadlines.
• Ability to closely collaborate with other construction project stakeholders.
• History of professionalism, being a team player, adhering to project schedules, regular attendance at work, and a strong work ethic
• Experience and academics in procurement will be an added advantage

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to zambiarecruitment@peas.org.uk by August 4, 2024. Please include “Clerk-of- the-Works “ in the subject line of your email.

The Role

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Assistant
Location: Ndola or Kasama

Reports to: MEL Officer

As Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Assistant you will play a key role in the fulfilment of PEAS MEL objectives in two key areas of PEAS Zambia’s work; improving our own school network, and delivering our system strengthening technical assistance programmes to non-PEAS schools.

The core focus of this role will be to contribute to the effective measurement of performance in Access, Quality and Sustainability across the PEAS Zambia School Network. The MEL Assistant will also play a role in supporting the MEL Officer in MEL activities conducted in relation to PEAS partner schools.

Critically, the MEL Officer will aid in quality assurance of data collected through monitoring and evaluation processes, and supporting PEAS and partner schools to have the necessary evidence to aid effective decision-making. They will also aid in donor reporting by providing required data.

You’ll work with the team to deliver PEAS Zambia MEL objectives as well as working collaboratively across departments, offices and externally.

Roles and responsibilities

This is a key delivery role with a broad scope. Across the responsibilities below, the MEL Officer will at times be delivering directly themselves, and at other times will be supporting other team members to deliver. The exact nature of the balance will change to meet the needs of the team as it grows and evolves over time.

Supporting Implementation of MEL workplan and related tools and training

• Work with team members to ensure MEL activities for school network are conducted according to annual plans, and that tools capture data needed for programmes, strategy and grants teams.
• Remain informed of PEAS strategic goals, and donor MEL requirements and suggest ongoing adjustments to workplan where necessary.
• Other ad-hoc tasks as requested by the MEL Officerand Global Team.

Supporting use of data and results to aid learning and decision making

• Working  with the MEL Officer and Global MEL team to provide quality data analysis through existing – and where necessary, new – templates, for MEL Officer to incorporate into programmatic and strategic discussions
• Support the MEL Officer to help School Leaders understand how to use data to make decisions about their schools and how to best support students, including vulnerable girls
• Train or support the training of School Support Officers to also support School Leaders in the above.

Contributing to data collection systems and processes

• Create data collection forms through KoboCollect, ensuring built-in quality assurance and user-friendly structure
• Conduct data collection in PEAS schools through a supportive approach; follow-up on any data gaps
• Participate in data collection exercises including through onsite visits when needed
• Support others to enter data into Kobo, Excel and SchoolTool+

Supporting delivery of SchoolTool+

• Support schools to effectively use School Tool+ (PEAS’ School Information Management System), including through trainings, school visits, entering data and generating reports
• Work with schools to ensure that their data is submitted on time for upload onto the central server
• Coordinate with the software developer to continue to test the tool and ensure it meets school needs
• Work with the ICT Officer to induct them in the objectives and functionality of ST+

Contributing to fulfilment of PEAS’ evaluation and reporting priorities

• Support the implementation of research and evaluations through provision of internal data where needed
• Support MEL Officer to ensure data and evidence documents meet grant-based MEL reporting timelines to donors such as FCDO

Quality Assurance to ensure validity, reliability, and integrity of data gathered

• Conduct onsite spot checks as quality assurance of data being reported by schools
• Conduct data cleaning and check data for consistency and accuracy using tools such as Excel and Kobo Toolkit
• Provide constructive feedback to staff and schools to ensure continuous learning and improvement

Other

• With support of MEL Global team, collaborate with MEL colleagues in Uganda and Ghana to share learning
• Support MEL Officer in other duties as required.

Who we are looking for 

No matter the role, we are looking for people who believe in what we do and how we do it; is passionate about transforming lives through education and aligned to our values.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in a MEL related role
• BA or above in relevant field
• Experience working with data management systems and data-handling and processing
• Right to work in Zambia
• Willingness to travel regularly within Zambia to conduct school visits

Desired 

• Experience working in the education sector

Skills & Personal Attributes 

• Some data-handling and processing skills, including strong ability to work in excel
• Highly numerate
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Flexibility and ability to adapt priorities in response to emerging team needs
• Ability in report writing, communication and presentation skills; proficient in MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong team-working skills
• Willingness to learn

Desired

•  Strong data analysis skills
• Able to present data analysis in concise and compelling formats
• Experience in working with Kobo Collect

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to

zambiarecruitment@peas.org.uk by August 4, 2024. Please include “ Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Assistant ” in the subject line of your email.

Address your application letter to

The Human Resource Officer
Promoting Equality in African Schools Zambia LTD
39 Kabinga Street, Northrise.
Ndola.