IT professionals
We urgently need IT professionals to help our partner organisations.
Roles are generally longer term, ranging from one to two years, but we also have occasional short term assignments for up to six months.
You’ll have an IT or computer-related degree and at least two years’ work experience in IT. A post-graduate degree is desirable for some roles. We need strong strategic and analytical skills, plus experience in setting up and managing networks and servers, hardware and software maintenance and support, database development and web design. You’ll also have the ability to train others and develop manuals.
Short-term roles require at least five years’ experience, along with significant experience of delivering training and supporting staff. Experience of monitoring systems and management information systems is desirable.
What you'll be doing
You’ll be working for an NGO or an educational or health institution to develop databases, networks, IT infrastructure and websites.
You’ll support the development and implementation of IT systems, IT infrastructure and maintenance. You’ll also build the capacity of staff in IT management skills, and train a team on IT skills and the effective use of computer software applications.
Available roles include web design, database management, IT training and ICT co-ordination. You’ll work on a wide variety of projects. You could be helping assess IT infrastructure needs and generate strategies for improved resourcing, or providing advice on policy for the appropriate use of IT resources.
You could be working in countries such as Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana or Tanzania.
Example roles
Please note these are just example placements to illustrate the kind of roles that may come up in your skill area.
Human resources management information system (MIS) adviser
Malawi
You'll work at Malawi's Department of the Ministry of Health to develop the systems necessary for effective HR management so as to increase the capacity of the department.
This is an incredible opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Malawi’s Department of the Ministry of Health. By developing the systems necessary for effective HR management, you’ll increase the capacity of the department. The Ministry suffers from limited MIS, leading to inadequate HR planning and analysis. This results in loss of skilled staff, reactive rather than proactive management, limited capacity in analysising vacancies and imbalances in the geographic distribution of staff, all leading to a poor quality of health service. As well as providing you with a unique challenge, this high-level role will help to greatly improve the healthcare provisions in Malawi.
What does the role involve?
- Developing the specifications for an MIS system based on existing reports and recommendations
- Developing the human resources database management system for the Ministry of Health
- Piloting the system in focus districts liasing with stakeholders to ensure the system meets their needs
- Producing user-friendly guidelines
- Develop a training course of Ministry of Health staff
- Supporting and mentoring colleagues to deliver training
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll be educated to degree level in computer sciences or similar with at least two years’ work experience in an IT company. You’ll need expert knowledge of RDBMS, SQL and PL/SQL. You’ll have developed high performance and high availability systems and systematic software development methodologies. Ideally you’ll have experience of delivering training in these systems, however the first objective is to setup appropriate HR MIS so technical computer skills are prioritised over training skills.
In addition you’ll need to be highly motivated and able to work in small teams. You’ll be used to working in pressurised environments, be flexible and self-motivated and prepared to work in a resource-poor environment where the technology used may be fairly basic.
And the rest...
Lilongwe is the capital and administrative center of Malawi. It is a relatively new city and is spacious and leafy. Whilst all of the amenities you would expect from a capital are present, Lilongwe lacks the hustle and bustle of many capital cities. It has a number of god restaurants, bars, supermarkets, internet cafes and many shops. Lake Malawi is just two hours drive away for weekend breaks.
Well ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, well give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
ICT department adviser
Ethiopia
You'll work at the Ethiopian Ministry for Education to support the development of an IT Department at the college. You'll be responsible for establishing an effective network and improving desktop support and training colleagues to become self-sufficient.
The Ethiopian Ministry for Education is implementing an ambitious policy to bring IT knowledge and facilities to all educational establishments. In support of this programme VSO is looking for highly motivated and innovative IT specialists to take on volunteer roles across Ethiopia.
As an experienced IT professional, you’ll support the development of an IT Department at the College. You’ll be responsible for establishing an effective network, improving desktop support and training colleagues to become self-sufficient in network development and hardware maintenance.
What does the role involve?
- Developing a well networked IT training centre at the college
- Improving the existing Internet connection at the college
- Advising on the improvement, maintenance and upgrading of computer hardware, software, local area network etc
- Providing ICT training to college staff and teachers
- Training technicians/designated IT staff at the centre in hard and software maintenance so they can further develop and maintain IT equipment after your placement ends.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll need a degree or equivalent qualification in IT or relevant field with at least three years’ experience of working in an IT environment, ideally at management level. Broad IT skills are essential – you’ll need experience in network installation and administration, hardware maintenance and troubleshooting and have the ability to provide training in basic IT skills. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important as you’ll be training and working closely with your local colleagues. You’ll be a self-starter, flexible with a patient and self-reliant approach, and a great sense of humour for when things don’t go to plan.
And the rest...
Landlocked Ethiopia is situated in North Eastern Africa, bordering Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. The Simien mountains are arguably the most spectacular mountain range in Africa, and Lalibela, with its 13th century rock-hewn churches and the medieval castle of Gondar make for a very different experience from most other African countries. You’ll be based Abbiy Addi, a town of about 13,000 inhabitants in north central Ethiopia in the Tigray Region.
We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
ICT specialist
Ethiopia
Working at Haramaya University to develop IT capacities and train IT staff, you'll make direct and important contribution to this development goal.
VSO Ethiopia’s education programme supports the Ministry of Education’s policy to improve the quality of, and accessibility to, education, so that Ethiopians can gain practical skills that will advance sustainable development within Ethiopia. Improved IT skills and knowledge are vital parts of this initiative. VSO IT volunteers are working in colleges and universities around the country to develop the IT capacities of these institutions and train their counterpart Ethiopian IT staff. As an ICT Specialist at Haramaya University you’ll make a direct and important contribution to this development goal.
What does the role involve?
- Maintaining and trouble shooting computer hardware at the university
- Working with the IT support team at the university to improve bandwidth management, network reliability, developing usage policies and managing anti-virus updates
- Mentoring and building the technical skills of the IT support team, developing a culture of planning and strategic working in the IT team<
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll need a degree or equivalent qualification in IT or relevant field with at least three years’ experience of working in an IT environment, ideally at management level. Broad IT skills are essential – you’ll need experience in network installation and administration, hardware maintenance and troubleshooting. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important as you’ll be training and working closely with your local colleagues. You’ll be a self-starter, flexible with a patient and self-reliant approach, and a great sense of humour for when things don’t go to plan.And the rest...
Landlocked Ethiopia is situated in North Eastern Africa, bordering Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. The Simien mountains are arguably the most spectacular mountain range in Africa, and Lalibela, with its 13th century rock-hewn churches and the medieval castle of Gondar make for a very different experience from most other African countries. Haramaya University is one of the oldest and largest universities in Ethiopia, situated in a town with same name. You’ll provided with accommodation on the campus, which will most likely be a single story house.
We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
IT hardware and network officer
Ethiopia
You'll work at Adwa College to establish an effective network and train your colleagues in basic IT skills and software packages.
The Ethiopian Ministry for Education is implementing an ambitious policy to bring IT knowledge and facilities to all educational establishments. Although computer related technology and IT are very recent phenomena in Ethiopia, technology is expanding rapidly. Despite this expansion there is a significant lack of skilled human resources.
Adwa College is looking to improve its IT infrastructure and skills. As an IT adviser at the college you’ll establish an effective network and train your colleagues in basic IT skills and software packages. You’ll also ensure that some of your colleagues become self-sufficient in network development and hardware maintenance before the end of your placement.
What does the role involve?
- General computer maintenance at the college
- Networking existing computers at the college
- Providing training to the college community in basic computer skills including Microsoft Office, using the Internet and other relevant programmes
- Installing a library automation system
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll have a degree or qualification in IT (or a related subject). You will have experience and skills in IT, database management, software and hardware development and management. This will include experience of network administration in a Windows server environment. You’ll have hardware maintenance and trouble-shooting skills and knowledge of basic LAN components. The ability to train others in Microsoft Office programs and basic IT is essential. You’ll be able to work well in a team and communicate effectively with others. The college is looking for a self-starter with patience and a good sense of humour for when things don’t go quite to plan.
And the rest...
Landlocked Ethiopia is situated in North Eastern Africa, bordering Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. The Simien mountains are arguably the most spectacular mountain range in Africa, and Lalibela, with its 13th century rock-hewn churches and the medieval castle of Gondar make for a very different experience from most other African countries. You will be based in Adwa town, a semi-urban area in the northern part of the Tigray region. It is a beautiful market town surrounded by chains of mountains with the River Asab running through the centre.
We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our support package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
IT trainer
Tanzania
You'll work with the Jifunze project in one of its rural IT training centres to build the IT skills of staff and deliver IT training to school teachers so that they can pass on knowledge to their students.
Tanzania is firmly committed to international education targets, and education is core to its development strategy. It recognises IT as an essential tool for improving educational prospects for youths and increasing the livelihood opportunities for adults. The Jifunze project is working to bring IT skills to rural areas, where computers are still quite new at present. As an IT trainer you’ll be based at one of the project’s rural IT training centres, building the IT skills of staff and delivering IT training to school teachers so that they can pass on IT knowledge to their students.
What does the role involve?
- Researching educational IT materials and supporting curriculum development at the training centre
- Helping to establish a database for the centre and developing network administration
- Conducting IT training to primary and secondary school teachers
- Trouble-shooting and hardware/software maintenance at the centre
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll need a degree level qualification in IT or related field and have experience in IT training. The ability to teach introductory computer courses, Microsoft Word and Excel is essential. You’ll also need basic knowledge of hardware maintenance and networking. Creativity and knowledge of older technologies and systems would be useful as the computers at the centre won’t be cutting edge. You'll need to be happy to live and work in a remote area, be culturally sensitive and have a flexible approach.
And the rest...
Over four times the size of Britain, Tanzania’s landscape is vast and richly varied, consisting of extensive plains and plateaus, gorgeous inland lakes, volcanoes (both active and dormant), palm fringed white sandy beaches and of course the world’s highest freestanding mountain - Kilimanjaro. You’ll be living in rural Kibaya, a friendly small village where you’ll have the opportunity to really integrate and live as part of the community.
We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
Management information systems (MIS) manager
India
You'll be working for Samarthan, a capacity building organisation, to design and implement a MIS system and ensure that it is utilised, sustainable and that it contributes to the growth of the organisation.
Panchayat is an Indian political structure where local elders are chosen to make decisions for the village community. These systems are meant to provide opportunities for poor and disadvantaged women and men to directly intervene in the process of governance to gain more control over their own lives. However, real participation of poor and disadvantaged women and men is negligible. Samarthan was started as a capacity building organisation in 1995 and since then has working with over 100 civil society organisations in Madhya Pradesh and over 50 groups in Chattisgarh to promote economic stability and capacity of panchayat institutions.
The purpose of this placement is to set-up Samarthan’s MIS system. You’ll be responsible for designing and implementing a MIS system for Samarthan and ensure that the systems are utilised, sustainable and contribute to the growth of the organisation.
What does the role involve?
- Strengthening design and content of website and training the team to manage the same
- Imparting MIS skills training to staff members and capacity building the organisation in information management.
- Ensuring that MIS systems contribute to improved monitoring of programmes, finances management and that relevant staff are trained in updating and maintenance.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll have relevant qualification in management information systems and at least two years’ work experience including designing and implementing an MIS strategy, practical experience in MIS including database management, information technology and website management. For this role, you’ll want high levels of innovation, and good computer skills including MS Office, Internet, multimedia and web content.
And the rest...
Bhopal is in the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of the district. Bhopal is located in the central part of India, and is just north of the upper limit of the Vindhya mountain ranges. Eunuchs are an integral part of Bhopali culture as any celebration is incomplete without them, including fervently celebrated Diwali.
We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
IT Trainer
The Gambia
You will be supporting the roll-out of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) programme, working with cluster monitors and collecting and processing education statistics at the regional level.
The Education Programme in The Gambia is VSO’s largest programme, which aims to improve the quality of education in The Gambia. There are six Regional Education Directorates each with the mandate of overseeing the implementation of the government’s education policy and strategic plan at a regional level. This placement was created to support the roll-out of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) programme. The volunteer will be working with cluster monitors, collecting and processing education statistics at the regional level. This will be fed into the national EMIS database.
What does the role involve?
In this role you will provide technical support to the operation of EMIS in the Regional Education Directorate and further develop the computer skills of staff. Likely duties and responsibilities will be:
Support the implementation of the prototype national level EMIS at regional level
Support education statistics data entry at regional level
Assist in the preparation of regional education statistical reports
Conduct trouble-shooting and maintenance of client and server computers
Support regular data backups and anti-virus updates
Train staff on web browsing, email management, MS-word, Excel, and Power Point
Attend workshops and meetings regarding the development of EMIS
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You will need a diploma in IT, with a Bachelor of Science being desirable. Experience in database design and management, data analysis, training, and trouble-shooting are all essential. Some experience in website and intranet design and development is also preferred. You’ll also need good communication and relationship skills and be willing to live in basic accommodation and harsh weather conditions.
And the rest...
We’ll ask you to commit to six months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local salary, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
Current roles
Below are placements ready to go in the next 3 months. To apply for these, please fill out the registration form quoting the relevant placement number; if the role you are interested in becomes filled we will get in touch about other suitable roles. If you aren’t ready to leave yet or none of these placements are suitable, you should register to start the application process and we can match you later.
From 01/06/2012
IT adviser
Nigeria
You’ll join a newly established IT team and improve IT administration, strategy and data capture at the college.
IT adviser
Kaduna State College of Education (KSCOE)
Gidan Waya, Nigeria
Start date: 1st June 2012
Length: 24 months
What does the role involve?
You’ll join a newly established IT team and improve IT administration, strategy and data capture at the college. You’ll share your technical expertise and project management skills with your local colleagues.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
Together with significant experience in developing IT infrastructure, you’ll have a degree, ideally in an IT related field. You’ll be a competent project manager with excellent all-round IT skills, including programming.
And the rest...
You’ll report to the provost of the college, who is highly committed to upgrading the institution’s computer systems.
To apply for this role please put the following reference on your application form: NG0634/0002/0003
Information Technology Specialist
The Gambia
Information Technology Specialist
More then 50% of people in the Gambia live below the poverty line. Education levels are low resulting in high unemployment levels amongst young people which in turn puts an increased burden on families to continue to financially provide for them. VSO volunteers are playing a key role to improve the quality and accessibility of education in the Gambia. They are also helping government youth development programmes be as effective as possible so that young Gambians are provided with the right type of vocational, technical and entrepreneurial skills to become employable or set up their own business and therefore earn a living.The National Training Authority (NTA) need an Information Technology Specialist who's aged 25 or under to help strengthen their information systems and train staff to use it so that there is an accurate record of skills and training providers within the country. Applications for this position are open now and close in early October.
What does the role involve?
You'll be working alongside the Information Technology Specialist at the NTA to;
• carry out an IT audit of the organisation to determine their current capacity and future needs
• work across the organisation to develop databases
• Improve and develop the NTA’s existing website, intranet website and associated software applications
• undertake staff training of the systems and software
• assist in the preparation of reports.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, programming, web/data development or related fields and ideally have 3 years’ experience in this field.
You’ll also need lots of initiative, be a confident communicator even when working with a range of people from different cultural backgrounds, be able to relate to people easily and create a sense of trust with the people you work alongside. This role requires someone that's flexible, tactful and diplomatic (aged between 18-25).
And the rest...
You’ll be based in Kombo, Kairaba avenue in the region of Serre Kunda in the South West of the country. There are good facilities including restaurants, banks, internet cafes and shopping centres. It's a picturesque coastal area that attracts tourists.We’ll ask you to commit to 12 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll provide you with extensive training before your placement and our financial package includes a local salary, return flights, accommodation and insurance. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
From 08/05/2012
IT Trainer/support officer
Ghana
You’ll support the next generation of teachers to integrate ICT into their teaching by providing guidance, assessment and ongoing support.
IT Trainer/support officer
Tamale College of Education
Tamale, Ghana
Start date: 8 May 2012
Length: 24 months
What does the role involve?
As well as carrying out basic maintenance of computers at the college, you’ll train staff and trainee teachers in ICT. You’ll support the next generation of teachers to integrate ICT into their teaching by providing guidance, assessment and ongoing support.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll be a trained teacher, ideally with a degree in Computer Science. You’ll have extensive experience of formally teaching ICT, together with hands-on knowledge of both hardware and software maintenance.
And the rest...
There’s a computer lab at the college, which can be used for training purposes.
To apply for this role please put the following reference on your application form: GH0879/0004/0001
From 01/05/2012
IT business systems development adviser
Ethiopia
You’ll assess the Oromia Development Association's current IT capabilities and recommend suitable business systems for its head-office and regional bases.
IT business systems development adviser
Oromia Development Association (ODA),
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Start date: 1 May 2012
Length: 12
What does the role involve?
You’ll assess ODA’s current IT capabilities and recommend suitable business systems for its head-office and regional bases. You’ll also provide training to ODA staff, develop databases and implement appropriate systems for financial, HR and inventory management.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
With a degree in a relevant subject, you’ll have a minimum of seven years’ experience in implementing IT infrastructure and business applications. You’ll also need an thorough understanding of the role of IT strategies in business processes.
And the rest...
You’ll be a member of a newly recruited team, supporting the growth and strategic development of the organisation.
To apply for this role please put the following reference on your application form: ETH0506/0003/0001
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FAQ
I have a health problem. Can I volunteer with VSO?
Having a current or previous health problem does not automatically mean that you cannot be considered as a potential volunteer.
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