Senior IT Administrator (in-house)

The U.S. Mission in Belgium is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Senior IT Administrator in the Diplomatic Technology Office (DT). Supervisory Position: No Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No

Duties

The IT Administrator (Senior) is a key technical resource within Tri-Mission Brussels’ Diplomatic Technology team, providing advanced technical guidance and expertise in IT and network systems.

The role involves managing and securing the network infrastructure while administering Information Technology (IT) systems to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IT services. Key responsibilities include administering and optimizing both on-premises and cloud-based applications, IT hardware and network systems, supporting systems and network design and installation, and overseeing configuration and maintenance of network infrastructure.

Provides Tier 2 and 3 technical support, offers technical guidance and expertise in troubleshooting and resolution, and mentors other Diplomatic Technology staff to strengthen their technical and problem-solving skills. Serves as an escalation point for critical technical issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams - including regional and Washington-based counterparts - to ensure seamless IT and network operations. Leads and participates in Diplomatic Technology initiatives, focusing on network design, optimization, and security, ensuring effective implementation., For Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants, benefits should be discussed with the HR Office. The pay plan is assigned by the HR Office and confirmed by Washington, D.C.

All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) certification.

All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.

Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time (15 weeks) upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end. Education Requirements:

Option A: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Library and Data Science/Analytics, Audio/Visual Communications and Technology, or related AND minimum of five (5) years working experience in computer networking operations, network management or utilization of computer systems.

Option B: Secondary school diploma AND minimum of eight (8) years working experience in computer networking operations, network management or utilization of computer systems., Option A: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Library and Data Science/Analytics, Audio/Visual Communications and Technology, or related AND minimum of five (5) years working experience in computer networking operations, network management or utilization of computer systems.

Option B: Secondary school diploma AND minimum of eight (8) years working experience in computer networking operations, network management or utilization of computer systems., Computer Networking and Network Security: Knowledge of network communications protocols (e.g., LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN, WWAN), how traffic flows across the network (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol [TCP], Internet Protocol [IP]), the Open Systems Interconnection Model (OSI), and bandwidth management). Understanding of concepts, terminology, and operations of various communications media, including computer and telephone networks, satellite, fiber, and wireless technologies. Familiarity with telecommunications concepts (e.g., communication channels, systems link budgeting, spectral efficiency, multiplexing). Knowledge of remote access technology concepts and systems.

Network Equipment and Server Administration: Knowledge of capabilities and applications of network equipment, including routers, switches, firewalls, bridges, servers, transmission media, and related hardware. Understanding of server administration and systems engineering theories, concepts, and methods.

Risk Management & Privacy: Knowledge of risk management processes, including methods for assessing and mitigating risks. Familiarity with systems management principles, models, and tools (e.g., end-to-end systems performance monitoring). Understanding of privacy principles used to manage risks related to the use, processing, storage, and transmission of data. Knowledge of measures or indicators of system performance and availability.

Cybersecurity Knowledge: Familiarity with cybersecurity systems, principles, and threats, including the operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses. Knowledge of IT security principles and methods (e.g., firewalls, demilitarized zones, encryption). Understanding of network security architecture concepts, including topology, protocols, components, and defense-in-depth strategies. Knowledge of web filtering technologies and Virtual Private Network (VPN) security.

Cloud & Productivity Tools: Familiarity with cloud-based technologies and office productivity suites such as Microsoft O365, Google Workspace, and OpenOffice.

IT Customer Service: Knowledge of IT customer service methodologies to assist and guide users in software, hardware, applications, and utilities used on Department of State systems., Technical and problem solving: Ability to provide Tier 2 support for information technology platforms and mobile devices. Skilled in assisting users with the full range of software, hardware, applications, and utilities employed on Department of State systems. Ability to analyze root causes of technical issues, apply troubleshooting techniques, and implement effective solutions. Possesses strong problem-solving. Ability to execute Operating System commands (i.e., , , dir, nbtstat) and utilize common network tools (i.e., ping, traceroute, nslookup). Ability to operate network equipment including routers, switches, firewalls, bridges, servers, transmission media, and related hardware. Proficiency in office productivity suites such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and OpenOffice. Ability to obtain relevant IT certification(s) appropriate to the area(s) of responsibility from internationally recognized certification bodies - Cisco Certified Network Associate.

Interpersonal skills: Ability to facilitate working with and managing people of different cultural background, language, technical knowledge, and seniority. Strong communication skills for personnel management and understand how to tailor information to internal and external audiences., * Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) / U.S. citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*, Please address all relevant experience, education, language skills (including English), and job related skills or requirements in your application., * Residency Permit and/or Work Permit

• Proof of education (preferably a copy recognized by Belgian/U.S. authorities*)
• Language Scores (if available)

Agency Benefits:

The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees that may include: life insurance, hospitalization insurance (family included), meal tickets, transportation reimbursements, seniority leave, special holidays, training, Employee Assistance Program, etc.