Project: iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme
Program Implementers: Zhill Systems Limited – North-East Humanitarian Innovation Hub (NEHIH)
Abuja (Project Management Office)/Remote with frequent travel across the six North-East States (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe)
Reports To: Project Director
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, Full-Time
Contract Duration: Project-based, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements.
Programme Background
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a flagship initiative under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, designed to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians by equipping them with globally competitive digital and BPO skills while connecting them to local and international employment opportunities.
Implemented by the Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium, the programme seeks to train, certify and facilitate employment pathways for 50,000 young people across the six North-East states through a market-driven approach that integrates technical training, career readiness, employer engagement and job placement.
Position Purpose
The ICT Lead is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational management of all information and communication technology systems supporting the programme. The role ensures the availability, reliability, security and scalability of ICT infrastructure required for training delivery, programme operations, digital collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management and employer engagement.
Working closely with the Knowledge Management & Transfer Lead, Training & Curriculum Development Expert, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer and State Programme Teams, the ICT Lead will ensure that technology effectively supports programme implementation while maintaining compliance with international cybersecurity standards and data protection requirements.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
ICT Strategy and Digital Infrastructure
The ICT officer will design and execute an ICT strategy aligned with project objectives and digital transformation goals, while developing and maintaining the ICT infrastructure to support operations across all locations. This role involves establishing ICT standards, policies, and SOPs to ensure technology solutions enhance scalability, efficiency, and sustainability. Additionally, the officer will provide guidance to program management on emerging technologies that impact BPO service delivery and digital workforce development.
Systems Administration and Network Management
The ICT Lead will be responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining servers, networks, cloud services, and end-user devices, ensuring high availability of ICT infrastructure. This role includes managing local area networks (LAN), wireless networks, and internet connectivity at project sites, as well as performing routine system upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Additionally, the officer will coordinate the installation and maintenance of audio-visual equipment in training centres.
Learning Management System (LMS) Administration
The expert will spearhead the deployment, customisation, and administration of the Learning Management System (LMS), including configuring user accounts and access controls. They will provide technical support to trainers, learners, and administrators, while also monitoring system usage and learner participation. Collaborating with the Knowledge Management & Transfer Lead, the officer will integrate digital learning resources, ensuring a seamless incorporation of assessment and certification modules.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
The Officer will establish and enforce cybersecurity policies to safeguard program information systems from cyber threats, malware, and unauthorised access. Responsibilities include conducting regular vulnerability assessments and security audits, managing data backup, disaster recovery, and ensuring business continuity. Compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), international data protection standards, and donor requirements is essential, alongside promoting cybersecurity awareness among program staff and beneficiaries.
ICT Support and Helpdesk Services
The expert will deliver first- and second-level technical support to program staff, trainers, and learners, while establishing and managing an ICT Helpdesk for prompt issue resolution. Responsibilities include diagnosing and addressing hardware, software, connectivity, and application problems, maintaining ICT service logs and performance reports, and coordinating with external service providers for specialised technical assistance when necessary.
Digital Training Infrastructure
The ICT Lead is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of ICT laboratories, digital classrooms, and virtual learning environments. This includes configuring necessary computers, peripherals, and software for BPO training programs, supporting online assessments and virtual instructor-led training, and facilitating remote collaboration.
Systems Integration and Digital Innovation
The incumbent will facilitate the integration of various program databases, LMS, MIS, CRM platforms, and monitoring systems while promoting automation of processes and workflows. They will evaluate and recommend innovative digital solutions to enhance program delivery, support the adoption of cloud-based collaboration tools, and explore the use of AI and emerging technologies to strengthen program management and learning.
Asset and ICT Inventory Management
The officer will maintain an updated ICT asset register, coordinate the procurement, installation, and maintenance of ICT equipment, monitor the lifecycle of assets to recommend replacement schedules, and ensure proper inventory management and accountability.
Monitoring, Reporting and Compliance
The expert will oversee ICT system performance and service availability, prepare monthly operational reports and dashboards, and monitor system usage, network performance, and user satisfaction.
Capacity Building and Technical Advisory
The ICT officer will train program staff on ICT systems, cybersecurity, and digital collaboration tools, while developing user manuals and technical documentation. They will also provide continuous technical support to program management, enhance ICT capacity within State Programme Teams, and promote digital literacy initiatives for staff and trainers.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, Telecommunications, Electronics Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s Degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, or a similar discipline is preferred.
Professional certifications are an advantage.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in ICT systems administration, network management, digital transformation or enterprise IT support.
- Demonstrated experience managing ICT infrastructure for large-scale projects or organisations.
- Experience administering Learning Management Systems.
- Experience working in North-East Nigeria is highly desirable.
Technical Competencies
The candidate should demonstrate proficiency in various areas, including ICT infrastructure and network administration, systems and database management, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Strong skills in ICT project management, business continuity planning, disaster recovery, and audio-visual systems are also required, along with a commitment to data protection and privacy compliance. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software to support efficient programme implementation and performance management.
Behavioural Competencies
The ideal candidate should exhibit strategic thinking and an innovative digital mindset, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must be results-oriented with a keen attention to detail and a strong customer service focus. Excellent communication abilities, collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential, as is integrity and accountability.
Working Conditions
The position is based at the Project Management Office in Abuja with provisions for remote work where applicable and requires frequent travel to training centres and programme implementation sites across the six North-East states. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work to support system maintenance, software deployments, cybersecurity updates, training events and critical programme activities. The position also requires availability to respond to urgent ICT incidents outside normal working hours where necessary.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a current Curriculum Vitae (maximum five pages), a Cover Letter (maximum two pages) emphasising their relevant ICT management experience, along with copies of academic and professional certificates, proof of pertinent ICT certifications, and contact information of three professional referees.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of employment. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or other protected characteristics. Women, persons with disabilities and qualified candidates from North-East Nigeria are strongly encouraged to apply.