The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced and service-oriented Regional IT Specialist to support the implementation and management of IT systems, digital solutions, and infrastructure across CIP country offices in Africa and Asia. The role ensures the delivery of reliable, secure, and standardised technology services aligned with CIP policies and digital transformation objectives.
About CIP
CIP is a member of One CGIAR, a global research partnership committed to advancing a food-secure future. One CGIAR science focuses on transforming food, land, and water systems in the face of the climate crisis. This work is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centres and Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academic institutions, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
About the Role
This position has been established to strengthen regional IT service delivery following the restructuring of the IT Unit and the growing demand from research projects and country offices for technical support and guidance in developing and implementing digital solutions. The role replaces an existing position previously based in Lima and has been relocated to Nairobi to better support operations and projects across Africa and Asia.
The successful candidate will provide hands-on technical and operational IT support to regional offices and research teams throughout the lifecycle of digital initiatives, ensuring secure, efficient, and standardised systems and infrastructure.
The position will be based at CIP’s Nairobi, Kenya office and will report directly to the Global Head of IT under Digital Services – Global Digital Systems, Services & Security.
Key Responsibilities
Support the implementation and rollout of new IT initiatives across CIP country offices in Africa and Asia.
Provide end-to-end technical support to research projects throughout the project lifecycle, including planning, deployment, maintenance, and optimization of digital solutions.
Collaborate with internal IT teams and external partners to ensure all solutions align with CIP standards, policies, and best practices.
Promote and maintain the standardisation of IT hardware, software, and infrastructure across regional offices to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Manage the full lifecycle of IT assets, including procurement, allocation, maintenance, monitoring, write-off, and secure disposal.
Ensure all endpoints are properly patched, secured, backed up, inventoried, and compliant with CIP information security policies and controls.
Provide technical support to country offices for local area networks, internet connectivity, telecommunications systems, and IT procurement requirements.
Monitor the performance of vendors and service providers, and provide feedback to the global IT team to support service improvements and quality assurance.
Deliver remote technical support through CIP’s ticketing system, handling first-level and selected second-level troubleshooting, issue resolution, and escalation.
Conduct IT training sessions and user orientation to promote effective adoption of digital tools and systems.
Support regional office expansion initiatives and lead IT infrastructure setup in accordance with CIP standards and guidelines.
Stay informed of emerging technologies and recommend innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
Carry out any other duties as assigned by the IT Global Head.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Management Information Systems, or a related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in IT support, systems administration, or IT infrastructure management.
Demonstrated experience supporting application development, including requirements gathering, systems implementation, and post-deployment support.
Strong technical knowledge of Windows Endpoint Management, Microsoft Azure infrastructure, networking, and IT security best practices.
Proven experience managing IT infrastructure implementation, upgrades, and related technical projects.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools and services, including Intune and SharePoint; experience supporting macOS environments is an added advantage.
Professional certifications such as ITIL 4 Foundation, project management, and/or information security are desirable.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English; working knowledge of French is an advantage.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a customer-service orientation and the capacity to work independently across multiple locations and time zones.
Benefits
Why Consider This Opportunity?
CIP is a globally recognized and reputable international organization with a strong, state-of-the-art research and development foundation. The Center is a World Food Prize winner and has also received the prestigious Al-Sumait Award for its Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato work in Africa.
We are committed to improving food security, nutrition, well-being, and gender equity for vulnerable communities, particularly those engaged in roots and tubers farming and food systems across the developing world.
As a member of CGIAR, CIP is part of a global network of 15 leading research centres working collaboratively to address critical agricultural and food system challenges, supported by more than 50 donor partners worldwide.
What We Offer
A collaborative and supportive working environment.
Competitive and attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and qualifications.
A one-year term contract with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs.
An inclusive, diverse, and equal-opportunity workplace that values respect, integrity, and professional growth.