IT Infrastructure Specialist - La Molina

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for an IT Infrastructure Specialist to provide high-level support and coordination to the Information Technology Department in Lima, Peru.

About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP’s mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture.

About the position: This specialist role is designed to support and operate global communication network and cloud infrastructure management. The successful candidate will ensure the integrity of network security, manage the lifecycle of network and communication assets, and support the institutional information security plan through technical expertise and staff training.

Key responsibilities:

• Operate, implement and monitor cloud infrastructure systems including AWS, Hostinger, Azure AD Entra, Microsoft EMS/Intune, cloud antivirus, cloud VPN.
• Operate, maintain and monitor the Cloud IP telephone system and extensions.
• Operate, configure and support the local network and communication (switches, routers, WAPs, network appliances, network devices), Microsoft HyperV virtualization, backups, Dockers, and deployment of network and monitoring tools. Propose best practices and methodologies.
• Operate, maintain and monitor the Cisco Meraki wireless network infrastructure and network wired, Datacenter services and IT facilities (UPS, alarms and monitoring).
• Support and maintain the network security infrastructure for adequate integrity and efficiency through performance verification of the services and monitoring the perimetral security, firewall rules and VPN, Fortinet web filter, among others in HQ and country offices.
• Operate and support the IT information security plan by training the staff and communicating with customers as required: keeping them informed of network event / incident progress and solutions to ensure customer satisfaction. Coordinate the security infrastructure for adequate integrity and efficiency in services.
• Support and maintain the global communication and network service requests received, review and solve the tasks complying with the relevant SLA terms. Provide efficient support to users, maintaining and/or adapting services infrastructure according to the requirements of the business areas.
• Coordinate IT projects related to network solutions and applications, communications infrastructure such as security solutions, network communication, data cabling, IT network facilities for research applications, AI solutions, etc.
• Comply and contribute to the development of necessary information security policies and guidelines. Specifically, those related to human resources security, asset management, access control, incident management, and physical security.
• Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.

What are we looking for?

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 2 years in a similar specialist or infrastructure role.
• Proven experience in network and communication services administration.
• Cloud infrastructure management (AWS or Azure desired), including Linux LAMP, AI tools, storage, and application management (Dockers, Kubernetes).
• Expertise in Information Security Management Systems and frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST education or certification highly desired).
• Networking certification (Cisco CCNA or similar).
• Knowledge of ITIL 4 (education or certification desired).
• Mastery of cloud infrastructure management tools.
• Languages: Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security.

What are we offering?

• 1-year contract with the possibility of renewal based on performance.
• Compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Excellent working environment.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
• 3 routes of bus