WHO Systems Administrator

WHO Systems Administrator

World Health Organization (WHO)

August 25, 2026September 27, 2026South Africa
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working to combat health emergencies, promote universal health coverage, and improve health outcomes across the globe. The organization is dedicated to addressing health issues through evidence-based strategies and partnerships with various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The WHO Systems Administrator position is a critical role within the Information Technology Management (ITM) unit, which is responsible for managing the organization's cloud infrastructure. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the IT Manager and IT Specialists to ensure the effective provisioning, configuration, and maintenance of cloud services. This role requires a proactive approach to monitoring system performance and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, managing access controls, and executing disaster recovery procedures. The Systems Administrator will also support infrastructure-as-code practices and collaborate with developers and product owners to facilitate deployment sessions and architecture reviews. The position demands a strong commitment to WHO's mission of promoting health and well-being globally, as well as the ability to adapt to a multicultural work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:
  • Provisioning, configuring, and maintaining cloud infrastructure components such as App Service plans, virtual networks, virtual machines, and Kubernetes clusters.
  • Monitoring system performance and security events using monitoring tools, escalating or resolving issues according to established protocols.
  • Managing Identity and Access Management (IAM), security groups, and access controls, conducting periodic access reviews to ensure compliance with security standards.
  • Executing backup, patching, and disaster recovery procedures to safeguard organizational data.
  • Supporting infrastructure-as-code practices, deployment changes, and version control processes.
  • Identifying orphaned or unused resources and cost anomalies, compiling reports, and coordinating remediation efforts with stakeholders.
  • Planning and leading deployment working sessions with developers and product owners, including conducting architecture reviews and cybersecurity risk assessments.
  • Identifying application frameworks and infrastructure components that require upgrades or migration, securing change approvals, and executing plans.
  • Providing first-level support to Azure users regarding VPN access, Bastion connectivity, permissions, and general resource usage. 1
  • Maintaining comprehensive documentation of key decisions, configurations, incidents, and procedures to ensure continuity of operations. 1
  • Performing additional duties as required to support the ITM unit's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong commitment to the values and principles of volunteering, as well as respect for diversity. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. The ideal candidate should demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing work conditions and challenges.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in cloud technologies, such as Microsoft Azure certifications, are highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in cloud infrastructure management, with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure services. Experience in administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">system administration, network management, and security protocols is essential. Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the organization. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance communication within the international team.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program. The selected candidate will receive a Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of $3533.23, a one-time entry lump sum at the start of the assignment, medical insurance, life cover, and annual leave. Additionally, access to various learning platforms will be provided, along with a one-time exit lump sum at the end of the assignment. The role is based in South Africa, where living conditions can vary, and candidates should be aware of the local security situation. Regular updates regarding security and safety will be provided to ensure the well-being of the volunteers.
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