IT Associate

Job description

JOB TITLE: IT Associate

REPORTING TO:  Administration Coordinator

DEPARTMENT:  Administration

CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: Officer

LOCATION: Lusaka, Zambia

ABOUT HEALTHY LEARNERS

Healthy Learners is an award-winning non-profit organisation working to improve the health and learning of children across Zambia—and soon, beyond. In partnership with the Government of Zambia, we bring healthcare directly into schools so that children stay healthy, stay in class, and reach their full potential. Our model is government-owned and government-led, fully embedded in national priorities, systems, and structures.

Today, we operate in over 720 public schools across all ten provinces, reaching more than 1.1 million learners through Zambia’s first integrated School Health Program. Our approach combines school-based service delivery with technical assistance to government at every level—strengthening planning, supervision, data use, and local capacity to deliver.

As we complete our national scale-up, we’re focused on deepening programme quality, strengthening delivery systems, and laying the foundation for long-term government leadership. We’re looking for a dynamic operational leader to help drive this next chapter—someone ready to manage complexity at scale and help a proven model achieve lasting impact.

Healthy Learners is the proud recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Innovation, the Duke F.M. Kirby Prize, and the Lipman Family Prize from the University of Pennsylvania. These awards reflect not just our success to date, but the strength of the opportunity ahead. If this mission resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

ABOUT YOU

You exemplify the qualities of being Humble, Hungry, and Smart in your leadership:

Humble (Continuous Learning & Inclusion): You actively seek, encourage, and facilitate feedback sharing, fostering an environment of continuous learning. You adapt and grow continuously, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Hungry (Efficiency, Excellence, and Innovation): Your relentless drive for efficiency and excellence is evident in your approach to both everyday tasks and complex challenges. When obstacles arise, you don’t merely seek answers; you develop solutions and establish structures to address future obstacles proactively. Your hunger for innovation permeates the organisation, where you eagerly explore new and best practices, ensuring our people operations remain modern and highly effective.
Smart (Emotional Intelligence & Psychological Safety): Your exceptional emotional intelligence is your superpower, allowing you to create psychological safety within the organization. Through your ability to build trust, encourage risk-taking, and nurture courageous conversations, you promote an environment where individuals can thrive and collaborate effectively.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Information Technology (IT) Associate will be responsible for the management, installations and upgrades of Healthy Learners’ IT equipment and software. She/he will Institute protocols for the use of IT across the organization while acting as a link between end-users and higher-level support. Additionally, s/he will provide our staff with training on using hardware, software, and cloud-based services.

The IT Associate will display the strong technological aptitude needed to help staff quickly and effectively resolve their technical issues. Ultimately, an outstanding candidate should be able to thrive in the rapidly changing industry of information technology.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage and maintain the organization’s technological equipment, such as printers, copiers, computers, tablets, smartphones, servers, Wi-Fi equipment, and security systems.
Set up and configure tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and peripherals.
Perform hardware and software upgrades to achieve optimum performance levels.
Monitor IT systems and network performance
Provide technical support in the use of personal computer hardware, software, and specialized mainframe technology.
Serve as a technical resource to other departments within the organization
Perform routine maintenance and inspection of network and server systems.
Troubleshoot and repair network, hardware, and software components; escalates other technical resources as appropriate;
Perform root cause analysis of complex problems and provide corrective actions.
Work with hardware vendors to resolve equipment failures/problems;
Act as a customer liaison for the computing operation, communicating, resolving, and/or initiating the resolution of problems and concerns;
Institute protocols for the use of IT across departments and projects
Develop and test user documentation; create instructions for program installation sequences.
Ensure data is adequately backed up throughout the organization.
Research and recommend system equipment upgrades and test programs.
Manage IT equipment inventory;
Work with other administrative units to manage all software licensing.
Maintain, update or create systems and databases.
Administer user accounts and ensure compliance with security levels and protocols.
Perform routine security checks on the IT systems.
Update software antivirus on regular basis.
Perform backups and restore lost data as needed.
Assists with complex technical projects.
Contributes to unit goals by accomplishing related duties as required.
Update and manage the IT policy and ensure .

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer technology, or a similar field.
Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated IT administrative experience
Active membership with the Computer Professions of Zambia
Certification (CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, etc.) is added advantage

WHAT WE OFFER

Opportunity for Impact: Play a pivotal role in implementing a program that improves health outcomes for millions of schoolchildren, shaping the future of communities across Africa.
Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package that reflects your expertise and commitment.
Professional Growth: Access ongoing training, leadership opportunities, and engage in innovative projects that challenge and inspire you.
Supportive Culture: Join a passionate, dedicated team that values collaboration and mutual support, fostering an environment where all contributions are recognized.
Networking Opportunities: Collaborate with international organizations and enhance your network and influence in the public health sector.