The Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) is a not-for-profit institution which was founded around 2005 by the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University. It was established to create and operate an academic network interconnecting research and education institutions within Malawi and with their regional and global peers through the UbuntuNet Alliance. The organization became fully operational in 2018 through funding from the Digital Malawi Project – a Project of the Malawi Government funded by the World Bank. So far, MAREN has managed to interconnect at least sixty sites including all the public universities at higher bandwidths. To date, the organization has been managed by consultants who were hired by the Project to facilitate its operationalization. Having been capacitated by the Project, MAREN is now in a position to recruit its own staff. Applications are therefore invited from suitably qualified, highly skilled, experienced, competent and visionary Malawians to fill the following positions.

1.      NETWORK ENGINEER (NE)

The Network Engineer shall report to the Network and Infrastructure Manager. S/he will be responsible for:

• Installing, configuring and testing switches, routers, access points, and links to customers.
  • Proactively monitoring performance and ensuring the highest levels of network infrastructure availability and reliability.
  • Monitoring system resource utilization, trending, and capacity planning.
  • Producing documentation for installation, network topology, and troubleshooting of the network.
  • Providing support to other teams within MAREN with network resources as and when required.
  • Providing direct engineering assistance to MAREN clients and stakeholders as and when required.
  • Performing backups for all network elements within MAREN in accordance with MAREN policies and procedures.
  • Optimizing and automating the network to maintain availability, reliability, and resilience.
  • Producing network reports as and when required.
  • Being the first line of client help desk support and pro-actively engaging clients on network issues.

• Any other duties assigned by MAREN management from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

A suitable candidate shall:

• Have a BSc in Information Technology or equivalent from an accredited University.
  • Have hands-on experience in Cisco routing and switching (VLANs, BGP, OSPF/OSPFv3, IS-IS, VPNs). Those with hands-on experience in JunOS will have added advantage.
  • Have the ability to perform network automation using Ansible, Chef or Puppet.
  • Have experience using network monitoring tools such as Cacti, Nagios, LibreNMS etc
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to convey information clearly to clients and colleagues.
  • Have a client-centric mindset with a high degree of both pro-activity and responsiveness.
  • Have excellent diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgment in the resolution of problems.
  • Have at least 2 years work experience in a busy organization preferably an ISP or a big academic network on public IP space
  • Have added advantage if they have good knowledge of IPv6 address space

Term of office

The NE shall be on a 3 year contract renewable based on performance.

2.      SYSTEMS ENGINEER

The Systems Engineer shall report to the Systems Manager. S/he will be responsible for:

• Managing and monitoring all installed systems and infrastructure
  • Installing, configuring, testing and maintaining operating systems, application software and system management tools
  • Proactively ensuring the highest levels of systems and infrastructure availability
  • Monitoring and testing application performance for potential bottlenecks, identifying possible solutions, and implementing those fixes
  • Maintaining security, backup, and redundancy strategies
  • Writing and maintaining custom scripts to increase system efficiency and lower the human intervention time on any tasks
  • Participating in the design of information and operational support systems
  • Being the first line of client help desk support and pro-actively engaging clients on system issues.
  • Liaising with vendors and other IT personnel for problem resolution

• Developing and supporting software systems for end users
  • Any other duties assigned by MAREN management from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

A suitable candidate shall have:

• A Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related fields from an accredited University
  • Solid experience in developing and supporting systems in the past 2 years
  • Proven working experience in installing, configuring and troubleshooting UNIX /Linux based environments.
  • Solid experience  in the  administration and performance tuning of application stacks (e.g.,Tomcat, JBoss, Apache, Ruby, NGINX)
  • A good knowledge of Cloud services
  • Experience with virtualization and containerization (e.g., VMware, Virtual Box)
  • Experience with DevOps and practical use of Ansible playbooks
  • Experience with monitoring systems
  • Experience with automation software (e.g., Puppet, cfengine, Chef)
  • Solid scripting skills (e.g., shell scripts, Perl, Ruby, Python)
  • Solid knowledge of modern programing languages such as Java, PHP and their trending development environments/frameworks

Term of office

The SE shall be on a 3 year contract renewable based on performance.

3.      ACCOUNTANT

The Accountant shall report to the Finance and Administration Manager. S/he will be responsible for:

• Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and supporting schedules.
  • Analysing accounting records, financial statements and other reports to access completeness, accuracy, and conformance to policies and procedures.
  • Undertaking monthly budget performance analysis.
  • Computing and remitting monthly PAYE, Withholding taxes, pensions and other deductions on a timely basis.
  • Following up on receivables and enforce credit control.
  • Maintaining the general ledger.
  • Maintaining a Fixed Assets Register to track all MAREN assets.
  • Maintaining a secured payroll system for MAREN.
  • Overseeing procurement of goods and services in liaison with the Procurement Officer.
  • Any other duties assigned by MAREN management from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

A suitable candidate shall:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related fields from an accredited institution. Those with professional qualifications on top of the first degree will have added advantage.
  • Be a registered member and in good standing with the Malawi Accountants Board (MAB) through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM)
  • Have experience working with modern accounting packages as well as computer based spreadsheets
  • Have at least 3 years work experience in a similar position in a busy environment
  • Be able to work with minimum supervision
  • Have ability to work under pressure
  • Have ability to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team
  • Have high degree of integrity and professionalism

Term of office

• The Accountant shall be on a 3 year contract renewable based on performance.

4.      ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

The Accounts Assistant shall report to the Accountant. S/he will be responsible for:

• Generating sales invoices.
  • Validating invoices, requisitions and other documents against items or services.
  • Raising and maintain payment vouchers.
  • Issuing and maintain receipts and other funds acknowledgement documents.
  • Undertaking banking activities.
  • Maintaining cashbook and other ledgers as necessary on a monthly basis.
  • Preparing monthly bank and other reconciliations.
  • Maintaining accounting records and files in both electronic and physical form.
  • Managing and distribute pay slips to all staff.
  • Stores management i.e. preparing requisitions, receipting, issuing, updating records and preparing stores reports.
  • Posting transactions into the accounting system i.e. sales invoices, purchases invoices, Journal Vouchers etc.
  • Assisting in preparation of audit schedules.
  • Any other duties assigned by MAREN management from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

A suitable candidate shall:

• Be a holder of a diploma in Accounts or related field from an accredited institution
  • Be a registered member of the Malawi Accountants Board through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM)
  • Have experience working with modern accounting packages as well as computer based spreadsheets
  • Have at least 2 years work experience in a similar position
  • Be able to work with minimum supervision
  • Have ability to work under pressure
  • Have ability to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team
  • Have high degree of integrity and professionalism

Term of office

The Accounts Assistant shall be on a 3 year contract renewable based on performance.

5.      PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE CEO

The Personal Assistant to the CEO will report to the Chief Executive Officer. S/he will be responsible for:

• Providing administrative and secretarial support to the CEO and to management: scanning and circulating letters, drafting documents, etc.
  • Maintaining effective document filling system in the CEO’s Office
  • Maintaining a calendar of the CEO
  • Organizing business meetings and appointments for the CEO and management: setting calendar, confirming venue and attendance, ensuring agenda is shared and brief from relevant team member received prior the meeting
  • Coordinating interaction with internal and external stakeholders for the CEO: phone calls, documents, letters, maintain stakeholder tracking record of contact details and meetings
  • Coordinating critical tasks and associated documents for executive management
  • Organizing meetings and venues with visitors in coordination with Human Resources and Purchasing: travels, board meeting, etc.
  • Centralizing travel booking (flights, hotel, etc.) upon request, and procure in coordination with Procurement Officer
  • Assisting in the CEO’s administrative functions and payments
  • Researching, prioritizing and following up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the CEO and routing of messages where necessary to conserve CEO’s time
  • Maintenance of office inventory
  • Minute taking where necessary
  • Any other duties assigned by MAREN management from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

A suitable candidate shall:

• Be a holder of the Malawi School Certificate of Education
  • Be a holder of at least a Diploma in Business Management/ Secretarial Studies from a recognized institution. Those with a related Bachelors Degree will have added advantage.
  • Have at least 3 years’ experience in a similar position.
  • Be an advanced user of Microsoft Office
  • Have excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Have good organizational skills
  • Have capacity to work with minimal supervision.
  • Have ability to work under pressure
  • Have ability to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team
  • Have high degree of integrity and professionalism

Term of office

The PA to CEO shall be on a 3 year contract renewable based on performance.

6.      DRIVER/OFFICER ASSISTANT

The Driver/Office Assistant will report to the Finance and Administration Manager. S/he will be responsible for:

• Driving the organization`s vehicles, transport staff to various work locations and sites
  • Ensuring that water, brake fluid, engine oil, battery electrolyte and power steering oil are at the recommended levels.
  • Ensuring that all tyres are inflated to the right level and wheel nuts are well secured before driving off.
  • Carrying out daily vehicle check, completing all needed documents and report defects
  • Checking all work is completed when the vehicle is serviced or inspected, all parts requested to be changed are changed, and no other items are tampered with.
  • Ensuring that the vehicle has all the required tools such as the spare wheel, wheel spanner, fire extinguisher, a towing rope, jump cables and a first aid kit.
  • Ensuring that speed limits, correct parking times at safe locations and all policies and procedures for MAREN are observed and this includes the Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ensuring that the vehicle is cleaned and kept tidy all the times.
  • Ensuring that the vehicle is fueled at the right time, at filling stations and fuel receipts are properly kept and liquidations done on time.
  • Ensuring that all passengers wear seat belts before driving off.

• Ensuring that the vehicle has a log book and is properly completed.
  • Ensuring that the vehicle is roadworthy (tax/insurance), and is safe to drive (maintained on time)
  • Transporting passengers and cargo in a safe and professional manner.
  • Assisting with loading and unloading of cargo.
  • Reporting any accidents or damage to the Police and the Finance and Administration Manager immediately they happen.
  • Understanding and following all driving laws in country.
  • Following all driver regulations.
  • Handling incoming calls and other communications.
  • Managing filing system.
  • Recording information as needed.
  • Greeting clients and visitors as needed.
  • Updating paperwork, maintaining documents, and word processing.
  • Helping organize and maintain office common areas.
  • Performing general office clerk duties and errands.
  • Organizing travel by booking accommodation and reservation needs as required.
  • Coordinating events as necessary.
  • Maintaining supply inventory.
  • Maintaining office equipment as needed.
  • Aiding with client reception as needed.
  • Creating, maintaining, and entering information into databases.
  • Ensuring that offices are clean and tidy at all times
  • Any other duties assigned by MAREN management from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

A suitable candidate shall:

• Be a holder of the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE)
  • Be a holder of a valid Driver’s License. Those with a Defensive Driving Certificate will have an added advantage.
  • Have at least 3 years of experience in a similar role
  • Have good knowledge of Malawi`s road network
  • Have ability to work under pressure
  • Have ability to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team
  • Have high degree of integrity and professionalism

Term of office

The Driver/Office Assistant shall be on a 3 year contract renewable based on performance.

REMUNERATION

The positions above come with a competitive compensation and benefits package in accordance with MAREN’s existing structure of benefits. Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names and contact details of three traceable referees to the Finance and Administration Manager by the following email: recruitment@maren.ac.mw

Applications should be received not later than 24th March, 2023.