Purpose
To design, implement, maintain, and secure the University's network infrastructure to ensure high availability, resilience, and performance across all campuses. The incumbent will play a key role in ensuring reliable connectivity that supports teaching, learning research, and administrative systems in alignment with SPU's digital transformation objectives.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 7) in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering or equivalent
• Professional Certifications (one or more of the following or equivalent)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or higher (e.g. CCNP advantageous)
  • Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) or Professional (HCIP)
  • H3CNE or H3CSE certification
  • Fortinet NSE 4 or higher
  • Comp TIA Network+ or Security+
• Driver's license

Experience

• 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in network administration or engineering.
• At least 5 years' experience in a large enterprise or public sector environment managing multi-site or campus-based networks.
• Proven experience with:
  • Layer 2/3 routing and switching (VLANs, OSPF, BGP, QoS, etc.)
  • Firewalls, VPNs, and network access control systems
  • Wireless network design, authentication
  • (RADIUS, 802.1X), and capacity management
  • Network segmentation, redundancy, and high-availability architectures
  • Network monitoring, diagnostics, and capacity planning

Duties
1. Strategy Development and Execution

• Actively support the Line Manager/CIO in the achievement of the Office of the Chief Information Officer's strategic objectives
• Provide input for the Office of the Chief Information Officer strategy development
• Implement strategic objectives for portfolios reporting to this position
• Responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the systems and personnel that are at the core of the institution which include short- and long-term plans meet existing and future capability requirements
• Must consider cloud-based solutions as part of the infrastructure toolkit and know how to leverage its benefits to deliver a competitive advantage for the institution.
• Must have the proper tools in place to effectively manage the infrastructure services regardless of whether they are on premises or in the cloud.

2. Operations Management:
2.1 Network Infrastructure Management

• Design, install, configure, and maintain local and wide area network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, WLAN).
• Manage network devices including switches, routers, wireless controllers, and access points.
• Conduct regular network health checks, performance tuning, and capacity planning.

2.2 Network Security and Compliance

• Implement, manage, and monitor security controls such as firewalls, VPNs, and access control mechanisms.
• Collaborate with the Information Security Office to ensure compliance with POPIA and institutional cybersecurity policies.
• Perform periodic vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and participate in risk assessments

2.3 Network Monitoring and Performance Management

• Utilize monitoring tools (e.g. FortiMonitor, IMC, PRTG, or similar) to track performance, availability, and incidents.
• Analyse network trends and provide reports on uptime, bandwidth utilisation, and reliability.
  Implement redundancy and failover mechanisms to ensure high availability.

2.4 Incident, Problem, and Change Management

• Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 technical support for network-related incidents and escalations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues efficiently within SLA targets.
• Maintain accurate documentation of configurations, network topologies, and changes.

2.5 Project Implementation and Continuous

• Participate in ICT infrastructure projects, upgrades, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Research and recommend emerging network technologies that enhance SPU's operational efficiency.

2.6 Vendor and Service Provider Management

• Manage ISP and vendor relationships to ensure SLA adherence and service delivery excellence.
• Coordinate maintenance, licensing renewals, and hardware replacements in line with procurement processes

3. Health and Safety

• Assist in identifying health, safety, and security risks
• Inform health and safety representatives and Director about any health and safety issue
• Ensure health and safety representatives are appointed and properly trained
• Ensure a safe environment for all students and staff
• Ensure that health and safety rules and procedures are adhered to
• Ensure that students and staff are aware of emergency procedures and policies

4. Policy and procedure development

• Contribute to development and implementation of the ICT strategy, plans, and policies as a member of the ICT team Supply required portfolio of evidence documentation for Internal and External Audit
• Aspire to positive audits and quality Assurance

5. Resource Management: Human Resources

• Direct, supervise, and evaluate work activities of personnel within the department
• Establish work schedules and assignments for staff, according to workload, space, and equipment availability.
• Supervise professional and technical team in implementing infrastructure projects, objectives, and goals, including the provision of training opportunities should the need arise
• Supervise Performance Management Plans for staff
• Provide training to all new and current IT staff on SPU IT Service Management (ITSM)

6. Resource Management: budget, finance and procurement

• Provide input into infrastructure projects operational, staffing and capex budget
• Manage section expenses against budget
• Asset management

7. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Relevant strategic and operational reports as and when required
• Research and implement best practices
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders
• Put a strong monitoring system in place
• Produce standard reports on the status of the infrastructure
• Regularly communicate what they are doing and how their work relates to the success of the university

Enquiries can be made via email at [email protected]

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. This position may be subjected to assessments.

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.