Join IUCN as an IT Intern and play a vital role in conserving nature across Eastern and Southern Africa! You’ll support critical IT infrastructure. Dive into hands-on experience with cutting-edge systems, contribute to global IT support, and drive impactful projects.
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
BACKGROUND:
Location: Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
Reporting to: Regional Procurement & Operations Manager , Regional Office
Work percentage: 100%
Expected start date: 01 April 2026
Type of contract: Fixed-term (up to 6 months)
The Intern-IT Department is responsible for implementing, supporting, and managing end-user computing, network infrastructure, systems, and IT services required to support the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Secretariat, with a primary focus on the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) and all Country and Project Offices within the region.
The role ensures the delivery of secure, reliable, and high-performing IT services across the region, while maintaining full compliance with IUCN global IT policies, cybersecurity standards, and operational best practices.
The Intern-IT Department actively participates in IUCN’s global “follow-the-sun” IT support model, contributing to continuous worldwide service coverage. This includes providing technical support to other regional, country, and out-posted offices, as well as supporting special events and global Congresses as required. The role also provides backup support to the West and Central Africa Region (PACO), particularly during periods of leave or absence of the PACO Regional IT Officer.
In urgent situations, including critical system outages or cybersecurity incidents, the role holder is expected to respond outside normal working hours to ensure business continuity and minimal operational disruption.
The Intern-IT Department works closely with the Regional Procurement & Operations and Finance teams to support IT-related procurement planning, vendor engagement, license renewals, contract management, and timely processing of IT-related payments.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Regional IT Service Delivery: Lead the implementation, management, and support of end-user computing, network infrastructure, systems, and IT services for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) and all Country and Project Offices in the region.
- Infrastructure & Systems Management: Oversee planning, deployment, maintenance, and lifecycle management of hardware, software, network equipment, telecommunications, and collaboration tools.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance: Ensure systems security, data protection, patch management, backups, and compliance with IUCN global IT policies and standards.
- User Support & Helpdesk Coordination: Provide responsive technical support, manage incidents and service requests, and participate in the global “follow-the-sun” support model, including backup support to other regions when required.
- IT Asset & Vendor Management: Maintain IT asset inventories, coordinate procurement and vendor relationships, manage licenses and service contracts, and support timely processing of IT-related payments.
- Business Continuity & Event Support: Ensure IT operational continuity, respond to critical incidents (including outside normal hours when necessary), and provide technical support for regional meetings, events, and global Congresses
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
IT Strategy, Planning & Service Delivery;
- Contribute to the development and implementation of global end-user computing, network/systems, and software acquisition standards to support programme delivery, projects, and special events.
- Plan and manage regional IT infrastructure and services in coordination with the Global Information Systems team at HQ.
- Evaluate user needs and service effectiveness, recommending scalable, secure, and globally aligned technology solutions.
- Lead regional ICT projects, infrastructure planning, budgeting inputs, and vendor coordination.
Systems & Infrastructure Administration;
- Administer and maintain regional IT infrastructure, including servers, end-user devices, LAN/WAN, VPNs, firewalls, DNS/DHCP, and hybrid cloud environments.
- Manage and optimize cloud infrastructure (including AWS) to ensure high availability, performance, cost efficiency, and security compliance.
- Administer enterprise platforms including Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Azure AD, Windows Server, ERP, HRIS, CRM, and related enterprise systems.
- Oversee configuration, deployment, patch management, updates, and standard system imaging using centralized tools (e.g., SCCM).
- Monitor system performance and ensure minimal downtime through proactive maintenance.
Cybersecurity, Compliance & Business Continuity;
- Implement and manage cybersecurity controls including endpoint protection, firewalls, threat detection, and synchronized security solutions.
- Ensure software license compliance and IT asset management across all regional offices.
- Conduct backup and recovery operations, disaster recovery testing, and business continuity planning.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate security threats in alignment with global IT policies and standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
End-User Support & Capacity Building;
- Provide advanced technical support for hardware, software, enterprise applications, cloud services, standard global computing image and special software set-ups and network infrastructure.
- Manage lifecycle support for laptops, desktops, tablets, mobile devices, VoIP phones, printers, and videoconferencing systems.
- Provide remote user support and collaborate within the global “follow-the-sun” IT support framework.
REQUIREMENTS
Education;
University degree or equivalent in Computer field
Work Experience;
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in End User Computing, Network/Systems environment using Windows based desktops and laptops (Windows 11 and higher) as well as Apple iOS and/or Android mobiles.
- Experience in Standard Configuration and Patch Management (using Microsoft SCCM) and Asset Management; Service Desk management tools and process
Language Proficiency;
Proficiency in written and oral English and Kiswahili required
Core Competencies;
- Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
- Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provide a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
- Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.
Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.
Functional competencies;
- Strong knowledge of recent Windows operating systems including Windows Server 2019.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Exchange and Active Directory administration
- Knowledge of working with an ITSM tool for support purposes, knowledge of ServiceNow tool a plus.
- Good knowledge and experience in managing Microsoft Teams environment including voice and video a plus.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft 365 Suite
- Good knowledge with Fortinet network equipment.
- Skilled in Databricks and Python for data analysis
- Strategic planning capabilities to support data-driven decision making
- Good PowerBI skills
- Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views.
- Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision and manage work in demanding environment.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills and strong organizational responsibility.
- A good team player, proactive and committed to continuous learning.
- Willingness to undertake work related travels when required.
