Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organisation that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes to achieve its vision of a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa.

The Foundation drives its impact through two key approaches:

Pharo Development is our non-profit arm, investing in public goods and development projects with the aim of making an impact in our three mission areas: Education, Water and Economic Productivity.

Pharo Ventures is our for-profit, patient-capital investment vehicle thriving to make impactful investments into critical value chains and aiming to capture value in Africa.

Pharo Foundation is actively building its portfolio in Rwanda and is committed to expanding our footprint to positively impact the country. To date, we have successfully launched Pharo School Kigali and a Teacher Capacity Building program to enhance quality and access to education for pre-primary and primary school students.

We are a diverse, multicultural, and passionate organisation, with over 700 employees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland. Our headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, and we have a liaison office in London, UK.

Opportunity

The IT Officer is responsible for managing and maintaining all technology systems for both the Foundation Office The role ensures uninterrupted functionality of IT infrastructure, supports staff and students with technical needs, oversees school digital platforms, and ensures proper data management, cybersecurity, and compliance with organizational standards. The IT Officer will work in close collaboration with the Global IT Director in London

Key Relationships

Role: IT Officer

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Report to: Country Director

Contract Type: Full time

Functional relationships:

Duties and Responsibilities

IT Infrastructure & System Management

• Install, configure, and maintain computers, printers, networks, and other IT equipment across the Foundation Office, the Venture office and Pharo school Kigali
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of internet connectivity, Wi-Fi networks, and local area networks (LAN).
• Maintain servers, cloud services, user accounts, backups, and shared drives.

Technical Support for Staff and Students

• Provide timely support for teachers, administrative staff, and Foundation team members.
• Respond to issues related to computers, projectors, printers, and classroom instructional technologies.

Educational Technology Support (Pharo School)

• Manage classroom technology including projectors, smart boards, tablets, Chromebooks, and related devices.
• Provide IT support during computer-based assessments, digital learning sessions, and school events.
• Maintain school management systems (LMS, attendance systems, student information systems).

Software & Application Management

• Install and update operating systems, productivity tools, and educational software.
• Manage user accounts on email systems (e.g., Microsoft 365/Google Workspace).
• Ensure all software licenses are valid and up-to-date.

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Ensure antivirus systems, firewalls, and access controls are functioning and updated.
• Conduct data backups, restore tests, and ensure safe handling of student and organizational data.
• Support compliance with IT and data protection policies required by the Foundation.
• Implement and monitor security policies across both the Foundation Office, Venture office and Pharo School Kigali.

IT Asset Management

• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all IT equipment for the Offices (Foundation and Venture) and School in collaboration with the Finance and the supply chain department.
• Coordinate procurement, repair, replacement, and disposal of IT assets.
• Prepare periodic reports on IT usage, system health, and resource needs.

Training & Capacity Building

• Train staff and teachers on IT tools, data management, digital safety, and school applications.
• Support digital literacy initiatives for students when needed.
• Develop user guides and maintain system documentation.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Work closely with Foundation leadership, school management, and external vendors.
• Provide regular updates on IT performance, incidents, and project progress.
• Support the implementation of new IT projects and digital transformation initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on IT support and systems administration experience.
• Experience working in a school, NGO, or similar environment is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Windows/MacOS/Linux operating systems.
• Networking skills (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, Wi-Fi troubleshooting).
• Experience with Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace.
• Ability to manage educational or school management systems.
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices.
• Familiarity with computer lab setups, audiovisual equipment, and classroom tech tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to support users with varying levels of technical ability.
• Proactive, organized, and able to multitask across two work environments.
• Personal attributes

• Install, configure, and maintain computers, printers, networks, and other IT equipment across the Foundation Office, the Venture office and Pharo school Kigali
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of internet connectivity, Wi-Fi networks, and local area networks (LAN).
• Maintain servers, cloud services, user accounts, backups, and shared drives.
• Provide timely support for teachers, administrative staff, and Foundation team members.
• Respond to issues related to computers, projectors, printers, and classroom instructional technologies.
• Manage classroom technology including projectors, smart boards, tablets, Chromebooks, and related devices.
• Provide IT support during computer-based assessments, digital learning sessions, and school events.
• Maintain school management systems (LMS, attendance systems, student information systems).
• Install and update operating systems, productivity tools, and educational software.
• Manage user accounts on email systems (e.g., Microsoft 365/Google Workspace).
• Ensure all software licenses are valid and up-to-date.
• Ensure antivirus systems, firewalls, and access controls are functioning and updated.
• Conduct data backups, restore tests, and ensure safe handling of student and organizational data.
• Support compliance with IT and data protection policies required by the Foundation.
• Implement and monitor security policies across both the Foundation Office, Venture office and Pharo School Kigali.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all IT equipment for the Offices (Foundation and Venture) and School in collaboration with the Finance and the supply chain department.
• Coordinate procurement, repair, replacement, and disposal of IT assets.
• Prepare periodic reports on IT usage, system health, and resource needs.
• Train staff and teachers on IT tools, data management, digital safety, and school applications.
• Support digital literacy initiatives for students when needed.
• Develop user guides and maintain system documentation.
• Work closely with Foundation leadership, school management, and external vendors.
• Provide regular updates on IT performance, incidents, and project progress.
• Support the implementation of new IT projects and digital transformation initiatives.

• Technical problem-solving
• Customer service orientation
• Time management
• Confidentiality & integrity
• Team collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and responsiveness
• Strong knowledge of Windows/MacOS/Linux operating systems.
• Networking skills (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, Wi-Fi troubleshooting).
• Experience with Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace.
• Ability to manage educational or school management systems.
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices.
• Familiarity with computer lab setups, audiovisual equipment, and classroom tech tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to support users with varying levels of technical ability.
• Proactive, organized, and able to multitask across two work environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on IT support and systems administration experience.
• Experience working in a school, NGO, or similar environment is an added advantage.