The IT Systems & Infrastructure Specialist is responsible for ensuring the secure, reliable, and efficient operation of Emirates Nature–WWF’s IT systems. This role oversees day-to-day IT operations, manages infrastructure and data protection measures, supports user needs, and coordinates with vendors to maintain system performance and compliance. The position also plays a key role in supporting the rollout and stability of the organization’s new ERP system and all business applications roll-outs in future, ensuring integration with existing platforms and long-term continuity.The role will act as the technical backbone of the organization’s digital transformation journey, providing expertise and operational stability across all technology systems. In addition, the role will act as the custodian of all organizational IT systems, be the central point of accountability for system integrity, access, and governance. The position requires hands-on management with strong technical knowledge of data storage, SharePoint administration, and data structuring, ensuring information is well-organized, protected, and easily accessible in alignment with internal policies and UAE data protection and general technical and data management standards.

Emirates Nature is a UAE environmental charity and non-governmental organization, established under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s representative in the Western Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).

We work in association with WWF (hereafter EN-WWF), one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. EN-WWF has been active in the UAE since 2001 and has successfully initiated and implemented several conservation and education projects and initiatives in the region.

EN-WWF works federally and in the region with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and is governed by a local board of directors.

It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices with highly efficient, skilled members all of whom will be unilaterally focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities within the UAE and our stakeholders.

The organization is functional by a Ministerial Decree as a ‘society’ institutionalized by the Ministry of Community Development, a federal governmental entity that resides within the UAE. In as such, this organization’s operational laws and workings coincides with that as a governmental institution that falls within any Abu Dhabi Government’s entities.

1. IT Infrastructure & System Administration

• Manage and monitor the organization’s IT infrastructure, ensuring reliable network connectivity, data backups, and smooth daily operations.
• Coordinate and document the organization’s cloud environments (Azure, AWS, or equivalent) as the designated account administrator, ensuring systems are properly configured, secure, and aligned with operational and governance requirements.
• Manage the organization’s hybrid IT environment (on-premises and cloud) including Active Directory, Azure AD, SSO, and MDM, ensuring secure access, proper configuration, and compliance with governance standards.
• Coordinate with service providers for maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Coordinate with international WWF IT teams on global system migrations, rollouts, and standards alignment to ensure local systems remain compatible and compliant.
• Managing and monitoring the reliable delivery and performance of core systems to agreed business-as-usual standards
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies that enhance productivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.

2. User Support & Equipment Management

• Provide timely technical support to staff, addressing hardware, software, and access issues efficiently.
• Manage IT onboarding and offboarding processes, including user account setup, device configuration, and secure data wiping during staff transitions.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of laptops, peripherals, and licenses.
• Ensure all devices are properly configured, updated, and compliant with organizational IT policies.

3. System Security & Data Protection

• Maintain IT security and system protection measures to safeguard organizational data and ensure system integrity.
• Manage user accounts, passwords, and permissions across platforms (Microsoft 365, SharePoint, ERP).
• Monitor data backup and recovery processes to ensure business continuity.
• Support compliance with internal IT policies and UAE data protection regulations.
• Promote safe digital practices and data handling awareness among staff.

4. Software & License Management

• Oversee all software subscriptions and renewals to ensure continuity and compliance.
• Track software usage, monitor costs, and coordinate vendor support for updates and renewals.
• Maintain organized documentation of all licenses, renewal dates, and assigned users.
• Ensure software installations and access align with approved licensing terms and organizational policies.

5. ERP Implementation & Operation Support

• Act as the IT focal point during ERP rollout and post-launch support.
• Coordinate with the ERP vendor to ensure smooth system access and operational readiness.
• Facilitate user onboarding and training sessions in collaboration Digital Transformation.
• Support system adoption by addressing basic access or connectivity issues and ensuring integration readiness with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint.
• Maintain general awareness of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to effectively coordinate with vendors during system development, testing, and deployment phases.
• Manage vendor relations to ensure consistent service quality, system updates, and alignment with organizational requirements.

Networks and Connectivity:

• Manage and maintain secure network connectivity across offices and remote locations, ensuring reliable internet access, VPN connectivity, and cloud service availability.
• Ensure reliable internet connectivity and Wi-Fi performance across all offices and field sites.
• Manage network access points, routers, and VPN configurations in coordination with service providers.
• Monitor network availability and escalate major issues to vendors for resolution.
• Maintain updated documentation of network configurations, service accounts, and access credentials.
• Support staff with VPN or remote access troubleshooting to ensure business continuity.

System Security & Governance

• Maintain core IT security measures including firewalls, antivirus protection, access controls, and regular system updates.
• Ensure organizational data is securely stored, backed up, and protected in line with internal policies and UAE data protection regulations.
• Develop, implement, and roll out internal IT governance procedures covering data storage, access management, and system usage standards.
• Following and manage staff adherence to policies, procedures and frameworks, in particular ensuring effective and efficient incidents, problem and change management
• Coordinate with external vendors or consultants for specialized security reviews or system audits when needed.
• Monitor potential risks, report incidents promptly, and support management in applying corrective actions.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, including AI, and support their responsible adoption and governance within organizational systems.
• Promote awareness of secure data handling and responsible system use among staff.

Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

• Maintain and regularly test data backup and recovery processes to ensure system reliability and information protection.
• Support the organization’s Business Continuity procedures by ensuring critical systems remain accessible and recoverable in case of disruption.
• Coordinate with vendors and management to review and update recovery measures as systems evolve.

Event, Remote, and Field Support

• Provide technical support for organizational events, remote offices, and field activities, ensuring smooth connectivity and system access across all locations.
• Support remote and hybrid staff with equipment setup, secure connections (VPN, cloud access), and troubleshooting as needed.
• Coordinate with service providers to ensure reliable internet, power, and hardware availability during critical operations or events
• Maintain readiness of shared IT resources and ensure proper configuration for field and event use.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain IT documentation, SOPs, and access control records.
• Regularly review systems and suggest practical improvements for reliability, cost-efficiency, and performance.
• Ensure alignment with EN-WWF’s digital transformation standards and governance practices.
• Proactively seek out new and innovative solutions to deliver efficient and cost-effective systems to meet evolving business needs
• Stay proactive in learning about emerging technologies and evolving IT standards, applying relevant improvements to strengthen system governance and digital readiness.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience:

• 5–7 years of practical experience in IT systems administration, infrastructure management, or equivalent hands-on technical roles.
• Proven experience managing Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and cloud-hosted environments (Azure and/or AWS preferred).
• Experience in coordinating ERP rollouts, vendor relations, and user support within a hybrid or multi-office setup.
• Familiarity with data protection, system governance, and user access management in line with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Experience providing IT support and managing systems across remote, hybrid, and multi-office environments.
• Experience working in nonprofit, INGO, or multi-site environments is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Solid experience in managing Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Windows Server environments.
• Working knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure and/or AWS) and basic virtualization concepts (VMware or Hyper-V).
• Understanding of network fundamentals (VPN, DNS, DHCP, firewalls) and ability to coordinate with vendors for complex issues.
• Familiarity with backup and recovery tools, endpoint protection, and secure access management.
• Awareness of ERP platforms (e.g., Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent) and ability to support rollout and user operations.
• Basic command of PowerShell or equivalent tools for routine administrative tasks.
• General understanding of IT security and governance principles, including data protection and user-access control.

Certifications (Preferred, Not Mandatory)

• Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator / Azure Administrator Associate
• ITIL v4 Foundation
• CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent practical knowledge)
• Any relevant cloud or ERP certification will be considered an asset

EN-WWF Focus: Aligns IT systems and infrastructure to support EN-WWF’s conservation mission, operational needs, and digital transformation priorities.

Delivering Quality Outcomes: Ensures reliability, security, and performance of IT systems and services through consistent, high-quality execution.

Analytical & Technical Thinking: Diagnoses system issues effectively, applies structured problem-solving, and identifies opportunities for improvement.

Progressive Technology Mindset: Embraces emerging technologies, including AI, as enablers to improve efficiency, creativity, and impact. Views innovation as purposeful; driving scale and transformation in alignment with EN-WWF’s mission.

Collaboration: Works effectively across teams and with vendors, providing responsive support and fostering a culture of cooperation and service excellence.

Strategic Awareness: Understands how IT infrastructure supports organizational goals and ensures alignment with future digital transformation directions.

Communication: Translates technical information into clear, practical guidance for non-technical users and management.

Internal: Collaborates with Operations, Finance, HR, and Conservation teams to ensure systems support business needs and digital transformation objectives.

External: Works with IT vendors, service providers, and regulatory bodies for compliance and system optimization.

Emirates Nature-WWF is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and offer a flexible and diverse place of employment. Emirates Nature-WWF staff participate wholeheartedly in general activities and events which promotes the overall mission of Emirates Nature-WWF, whether or not the particular event or activity has any bearing on the job description and assigned project objectives and activities.

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN-WWF and your CV with the subject ‘Application for IT Specialist – Digital Transformation & IT Infrastructure’ to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun on [email protected] before 28^th November 2025.

Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior this date.