IT Consultant

Title	IT Consultant
Annual Salary	PhP 240,000 (to be paid in monthly tranches)
Mode of Engagement	Fixed-term/Consultancy
Duration of Engagement	1 year
Deadline for Applications	February 24, 2025

Background:

Forest Foundation Philippines (doing business as Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), Inc.) is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization that provides grants and technical assistance to organizations and individuals that empower the people to protect the forests. The Foundation was established in 2002 to manage conservation funds by virtue of two bilateral agreements between the governments of the Philippines and the United States of America.

To effectively manage the fund, the Foundation crafted its medium-term strategy, the Results Framework 2017-2021. Under this framework, the Foundation supported over 300 projects that focused on the protection and sustainable management of its four focal landscapes: Sierra Madre, Palawan, Samar and Leyte, Palawan, and Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. These projects helped restore 1,243 ha of forests, improved the management of over 1 million ha of forestlands, empowered 211 community-based organizations, and supported 108 community-level livelihoods. 

Under its new medium-term Results Framework, the Foundation continues to employ the sustainable forest landscape approach from 2023 to 2027. The Foundation, together with its grantees and partners, will continue to protect and sustainably manage the forests for water, land, and biodiversity, while also fostering forest-related climate action. The Foundation seeks to achieve four immediate outcomes:

• Grow Forests: Enhanced forested landscapes that provide multiple ecosystem goods and services;
• Grow Opportunities: Improved multi-stakeholder engagement through sustainable livelihoods and incentives;
• Grow Partners: Strengthened cross-sectoral partnerships for sustainable forest management; and
• Grow Advocates: Enhanced knowledge management and strategic communications.

The Foundation is looking for an IT Consultant. The Consultant will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and enhancing the Foundation’s IT infrastructure to support its grant-making work. The consultant is expected to provide on-site support at least once a week or as needed, with additional remote support as required. The work will be through a fixed-term / part-time consultancy.

Specific Tasks:

1. Set up and maintenance of the Foundation’s IT equipment i.e. laptops, desktop, printers, scanners, and computers (e.g. regular cleaning, troubleshooting);
2. Monitoring and maintenance of Synology systems (routine checks, manage data backups and storage to prevent data loss or breaches);
3. Management of network server;
4. Wifi and network systems support (Coordinate with service providers to resolve wifi and network related issues);
5. System Upgrades and equipment replacement, if necessary;
6. Cybersecurity;
7. User Support and Training;
8. Email Management; and
9. Others that may arise.

Scope of Work:

1. Maintenance of IT Equipment

• Conduct regular maintenance of the Foundation’s IT equipment, including laptops, desktops, and other computers
• Perform routine cleaning, troubleshooting, and optimization to ensure all devices are in optimal working condition
• Provide on-site visits at least 1-2 times per week or as needed to address technical issues promptly

2. Monitoring and Maintenance of Synology Systems

• Perform routine system checks to ensure the Synology systems operate efficiently and securely
• Manage data backups and storage to safeguard against data loss and breaches, maintaining a high standard of data integrity
• Provide assistance to make sure all accounts are more secure / and data back-ups and storage (just in case we encounter problems in the future)

3. Network and Server Management

• Oversee the functionality and security of the network server, ensuring continuous availability and reliable performance

4. Wi-Fi and Network Systems Support

• Provide technical support for Wi-Fi and network systems, addressing connectivity issues and ensuring stable and efficient operations
• Liaise with internet service providers or other relevant vendors to resolve Wi-Fi and network-related issues effectively and in a timely manner

5. System Upgrades and Equipment Replacement

• Evaluate and recommend necessary system upgrades to improve IT infrastructure and address evolving technical requirements
• Facilitate the replacement of outdated or malfunctioning equipment to maintain the Foundation’s operational efficiency

6. Cybersecurity

• Implement and maintain security measures to safeguard the Foundation’s IT systems against threats such as malware, phishing, or unauthorized access
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and recommend solutions to improve security

7. User Support and Training

• Provide technical support and assistance to staff on IT-related issues
• Conduct basic IT orientation or training sessions for staff to improve their technical skills and familiarity with IT systems

8. Perform other IT-related tasks as required, which may arise during the course of the consultancy, to support the Foundation’s goals and operations

9. Management of Google Suite services (e.g., creation, management and deletion of company email addresses as needed)

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in IT system maintenance and support, including familiarity with Synology systems
• Expertise in network server management and troubleshooting Wi-Fi/network-related issues
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to address complex technical challenges
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices
• Effective communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff and coordinate with other service providers and the Foundation staff

Arrangement and Professional Fees:

The engagement of service is twelve (12) months. The work will be through a fixed-term / part time consultancy engagement. The total cost of engagement is PhP 240,000, to be paid in monthly tranches.

Applications:

To apply for the position, kindly send the following to admin@forestfoundation.ph on or before February 24, 2025:

1. Letter of application, addressed to Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director;
2. Curriculum Vitae, with three (3) character references; and
3. Relevant attachments, such as certifications and others.  

Please send your applications to Alfred Rawlins Villaflor, HR Officer, at arvillaflor@forestfoundation.ph.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Foundation.