VACANCY SENIOR IT CONSULTANT The African Virtual University (AVU) www.avu.org is an equal opportunity employer. The Senior Information Technology Consultant will be expected to complete the exercise in a period not more than heighten (18) working days. Application must include an application letter and a detailed curriculum vitae with: a telephone number; email and residential addresses; and names with contact addresses of three professional references. Applications should be sent to job@avu.org and MUST have Senior Information Technology Consultant as the email subject. All inquiries should be sent to avuhr@avu.org The successful candidate will be based at the AVU Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The closing date for these applications is on or before January 10 th at 18:00 East African Time (UTC/GMT + 3) Note: ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted. TERMS OF REFERENCE 1.0. INTRODUCTION The African Virtual University (AVU) www.avu.org is a Pan African Intergovernmental Organization established by charter with the mandate of significantly increasing access to quality higher education and training through the innovative use of information communication technologies. A Charter, establishing the AVU as an Intergovernmental Organization, has been signed so far by eighteen (18) African Governments - Kenya, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Cote d Ivoire, Tanzania Mozambique, and Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Sudan, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria. The AVU
has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and a Regional office in Dakar Senegal with Host- Country Agreements and Diplomatic Status with the two governments. The AVU Business Plan 2009-2014 has two main thrusts: (a) Educational and support services provided on a fee basis; and (b) Not-for-profit development services. The, Not-for-profit development services, aims at building the capacity of AVU Partner Institutions (PIs) with an objective of increasing access to quality education through the following activities: updating and developing content; Open Educational Resources (OER) Development; AVU Capacity Enhancement Program (ACEP); setup/upgrade ODeL centers; developing professional networks through Communities of Practices; Research and Development; and Quality Evaluation and Benchmarking. The AfDB is funding a second phase of the Multinational Project which will build on the first phase and will extend its benefits to more countries. The overall objective of the AVU Multinational Project II is to strengthen the capacity of the AVU and a network of 27 institutions to deliver and manage quality ICT integrated education and training opportunities in 21 African countries. The project has the following activities: (1) Establishment of new Open Distance and elearning (ODeL) Centers and/or upgrading of exiting AVU Learning Centers as well as Internet connectivity provision at AVU Partner Institutions; (2) Development and/or improvement, and delivery of four ICT integrated Programs: AVU Capacity Enhancement Program (ACEP); Teacher Education (TE), Computer Science (CS), and Peace and Conflict Resolution; (3) Gender Mainstreaming (4) Research and Development; (5) Promotion and development of Open Education Resources (OERs); and (6) Enhancement of AVU Capacity The AVU is also in the process of developing and implementing a new Business Plan (2014-2019) and the AVU General Assembly approved in July 2012 the full-fledged university project which will require an integrated, open and quality Information and Communication Technology. Taking into account the rapid development and advance in Information and Communication Technology, the AVU intends to develop and implement an ICT Master Plan for the period of 5 years (2014-2019).
The AVU ICT Master Plan will create the bridge between Business Strategies and the Information and Communication Technology that support them. It will highlight the business priorities for Information Technology within the AVU and the strategies and initiatives that will be required in future years to execute the plan. Overall, it identifies a strategic approach to Information Technology carefully aligned with the AVU business strategy, planned or under way, that are needed to achieve the AVU vision and strategic goals. The plan will also support the deployment of an ICT Infrastructure and Services of the Next Generation Information Technology. To this effect, the AVU wishes to engage a highly qualified and experienced Senior Consultant, Information Technology who will assist in the development, delivery and implementation of the ICT Master Plan. The assignment will covers the AVU Head Quarters in Nairobi, the AVU the AVU Center for Virtual Education Innovation in Nairobi and the AVU Regional Office in Dakar Senegal. 1.0. 2.0. SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE SENIOR CONSULTANT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Main Objectives of the ICT Master Plan Assess the current ICT provision and support within the global context of higher education Support the vision and business plan of AVU Streamline ICT as key enabler tool for Distance Education and elearning Support collaboration in, Open Distance and elearning, Research and Information System administration. Ensure a co-ordinated and coherent approach to the development, deployment and support of ICT services. Align the AVU with the latest advance in Information and Communication Technology Focus of the ICT Master Plan Project The provision of ICT infrastructure and services that meet the AVU Business plan and that are aligned with the current and future needs of AVU The delivery of high-quality and cost effective ICT infrastructure and services The fostering of innovation, best practices, and value for AVU in the use of ICT in teaching, learning, and research across the Africa Strengthening of the security of AVU information The openness of access to the AVU infrastructures and services for AVU staff Develop a customer driven service model for IT services. The consultant will be required to: Conduct an ICT/Telecommunications sector review and needs analysis in the global context of Higher Education and draw recommendations about best practices Review the existing Information and Communication Technology and assess the current and future needs of the AVU departments
Assess the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the current AVU ICT (Headquarters, Center for Virtual Education Innovation, and Dakar Office) including Web services platforms and portals Review and develop ICT Department Goals and Strategies according to AVU Vision and Strategic Objectives Develop Department Goals and Strategies that seek to stream ICT as a catalyst tool in Education Develop ICT Security strategies that ensure that the AVU data and Information are secured and protected against thefts, loss, disaster, hackers, and cyber-attacks Identify ICT programs and projects that fit to the Vision, Missions and Business Plan of AVU Develop technical specifications for the programs and projects and ensure the latest state-of-the-art Technologies deployed Check and ensure openness and interoperability of the Hardware and Software Components of the identified ICT programs and projects Develop an Action Plan including implementation plans, schedules and budget for all identified ICT programs and projects Advise on cost saving measure 3.0. DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES Report of the review and need analysis including recommendations of use of ICT/Telecommunications in Higher Education Institutions provided Existing AVU Information and Communication Technology reviewed and assessed, highlighting the current and futures needs of the AVU departments Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the current AVU ICT (Head Quarters and Dakar Office) including Web services platforms and portals assessed ICT Department Goals and Strategies developed according to AVU Vision and Strategic Objectives AVU ICT Security strategies developed ICT programs and projects that fit to the Vision, Missions and Business Plan of AVU identified Up to date technical specifications for the projects taking into account the latest state-ofthe-art Technology and future developments and innovations developed Openness and interoperability of the Hardware and Software Components of the identified ICT programs and projects assured Action Plan including Implementation plans, schedules and budget for all identified ICT programs, projects developed. AVU ICT Master Plan developed 4.0. QUALIFICATIONS SENIOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST Master s degree preferably or Bachelor with sound experience in Computer Science or Engineering, Telecommunications, Electronic/Electrical Engineering or any related fields Minimum eight years relevant experience in the ICT/Telecommunications industry Strong Management and Leadership Skills Sound experience in developing and implementing ICT Master Plans in big organizations Excellent knowledge of Systems and Software Architectures
Excellent knowledge of computer networking, including Wide Area Networking, Local Area Networking, installation, management and maintenance issues Excellent Knowledge of Server software (Web, Email, FTP), Databases (MS SQL, Open Source), Windows Servers, and Unix/Solaris Experience with Distributed Computing, Cloud Computing and Emerging Technologies Sound experience in working with heterogeneous environment (Linux, Solaris, Windows, virtualized systems) Up to date knowledge and experience of the latest ICT Technologies and Tools Experience in design and deployment of elearning Centers is an asset Experience in developing and implementing ICT Master Plans in High Educational Institution will be considered Certifications such as ITIL V3, PMP or any other certifications related to the required qualifications will be a good asset Good knowledge and insight of Information Security will be highly appreciated 5.0. MODALITIES OF WORK The Senior Information Technology Consultant will be expected to complete the exercise in a period not more than heighten (18) working days. The modalities of work will be: Preliminary or interim Report highlighting the consultant understanding of the master plan project : 1 day Drafting and preparing Report of the review and need analysis including SWOT : 3 days AVU ICT Master Plan : 14 days Remark: The consultancy may require three days trip to our office in Dakar, Senegal. 7.0. REPORTING The Senior Information Technology Consultant will report to the Manager, Information Technology or such other person as the AVU may designate from time to time in writing. However, the Senior Information Technology Consultant will be required time to time to meet the Steering Committee for any relevant decision, issue, approval, activity or deliverable that may be relevant. 8.0. PAYMENT Payment will be in a daily basis and will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the Consultant.