Background

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading international independent medical humanitarian organisation, dedicated to providing expert medical relief to vulnerable populations at times of conflict or disaster. In over 71 countries worldwide, MSF provides both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make basic healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities.  MSF Nederland in Italy coordinates the Search and Rescue operations in the central Mediterranean which provide lifesaving activities and basic assistance operating with the Oyvon ship. 

 

Scope and objectives of this position

Planning, coordinating and ensuring the autonomous implementation, maintenance, follow-up and monitoring of all IT and Telecom equipment, tools and services, as well as ensuring onsite technical support and training of users and Logistic experts in the mission, in accordance with MSF standards, policies and protocols, in order to guarantee the efficient use of all IT and Telecom services and infrastructure. Providing appropriate high-level technical support to his/her Logistics Coordinator.

 

Main responsibilities

  • Monitoring, maintaining and following up on all Information Technology (IT) and Telecom equipment, tools and services in the mission, in accordance with MSF standards, policies, protocols and procedures, as well as actual and future needs; 
  • Adapting and ensuring compliance of general IT and Telecom policies, guidelines, and documents in order to meet mission’s specific needs, as well as ensuring their implementation to enable the development of the mission in perfect working conditions upon validation from the Logistics Coordinator;
  • Preparing and collaborating in the establishment of the annual budget of the IT and Telecom families. Providing his/her technical expertise in the local purchase process. Preparing all technical content related to national tenders for IT and Telecom deployment and participating in the selection;
  • Supervising, implementing and improving data security protocols (data saving, firewall, user access right, backup, equipment and software security, etc.) to ensure data security, availability, and immediate operational recovery and continuity in case of emergency [in case ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Supervisor(s) is/are not present in the project/mission];
  • Supervising, leading and delegating tasks to the ICT Supervisor(s). Participating in the recruitement process with the support of the HR Department, the Logistics Coordinatorr and the HQ Technical Referent(s); 
  • Providing technical support and presenting MSF standards, policies, protocols and procedures to all users. Providing advanced technical support to logistics experts dealing with IT and Telecom systems. When needed, liaise with HQ Technical Referent(s) for 2nd line support, as well as with external providers, to ensure any incidents or problems that cannot be solved at the mission level are appropriately escalated; 
  • Providing educational support (briefing, training and support, etc.) to all users. Providing advanced educational support (briefing, training and support, etc.) to logistics experts dealing with IT and Telecom systems;
  • Following up, participating in regular reports at coordination level in accordance with MSF guidelines and reporting on the work’s progress and on all IT and Telecom technical aspects of the work. Updating and archiving all user and ICT related documentation due to changes in the IT and Telecom infrastructures;
  • Planning, preparing and reporting the visits to the site(s) under his/her responsibility to ensure the preceding points; 
  • Performing any other tasks specific to his/her area of specialty, as defined in his/her job description and according to the line manager.

 

Specific Accountabilities

This position is based in Licata, Sicily, home port of Oyvon, MSF Search and Rescue boat.

IT

  • Apply the standard ISS Accountabilities across all SAR mission locations: Rome Coordination, Licata base and onboard the SAR vessel. Regular travel between these locations for onsite technical support, maintenance, assessment and follow-up is an integral part of the position.
  • Under the overall supervision and priorities established by the Logistics Coordinator, ensure data security and compliance with the MSF ICT policy framework across all ICT equipment, systems and services used by the mission.
  • Lead the assessment, testing and continuous improvement of the mission ICT setup, identifying vulnerabilities, operational needs and opportunities for adaptation, and provide the Logistics Coordinator with technical recommendations and proposed solutions for validation and proritisation.
  • Ensure that data management systems and related ICT services are properly maintained and that staff and crew receive adequate briefing, training and technical support in their use.
  •  Maintain accurate and up-to-date ICT inventories, technical documentation, configurations and maintenance records, ensuring appropriate follow-up of equipment throughout its lifecycle.
  • Demonstrate a proactive and autonomous technical approach, anticipating ICT needs, risks and potential failures and regularly reporting priorities, constraints and proposed actions to the Logistics Coordinator.

Vessel Telecom & Navigation Systems

  • Ensure technical oversight and follow-up of the vessel's telecommunication and ICT-related navigation equipment, ensuring that systems remain operational, properly maintained and suitable for SAR operations.
  •  In coordination with the Vessel Master and relevant technical staff, and under the overall supervision of the Logistics Coordinator, establish, implement and follow up a preventive maintenance plan for onboard telecom and ICT-related equipment, coordinating with external service providers and contractors when required.
  • Ensure that crew members are appropriately briefed and supported in the correct use and basic care of onboard communication and ICT-related systems.
  • Maintain appropriate technical documentation, equipment records, maintenance history and contractor follow-up for the systems under the ISS responsibility.
  • Identify and propose technical improvements and innovative solutions to enhance the reliability, resilience, security and operational effectiveness of the vessel's ICT and communication setup, providing the Logistics Coordinator with the necessary technical analysis to support operational and investment decisions.

 

Profile and qualifications

Education
  • Essential university or technical school diploma in Information Technology, Telecommunications or a related technical field.  
  • Certification in network, server administration or cybersecurity would be an asset.
Experience
  • Preferably 5 years of proven experience in IT, ICT infrastructure or technical support functions. 
  • Experience supporting ICT infrastructure across multiple locations and/or in remote or operational environments would be an asset. 
  • Previous experience with maritime or vessel-based communication systems would be a strong asset. 
Languages
  • Mandatory Italian and working English knowledge. 

Knowledge
  •  Expertise in Microsoft operating systems and Microsoft 365 business applications, including Intune.
  • Understanding of server management, Active Directory and virtualization environments. 
  • Good knowledge of network administration and troubleshooting, including LAN, VLAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, network policies and protocols. 
  • Good knowledge of computer hardware, maintenance processes and ICT asset lifecycle management.
  • Good knowledge of IT security principles, including access management, endpoint security, backup and recovery and data protection. 
  • Good understanding of radio and satellite communication systems, including HF, VHF, GSM/4G/5G and satellite connectivity. 
  • Knowledge of maritime/vessel ICT and communication environments would be a strong asset. 
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to provide technical training and user support and to translate technical issues into clear recommendations for the Logistics Coordinator and other non-technical stakeholders. 

Competencies
  • Results and Quality Orientation L2  
  • Teamwork and Cooperation L2
  •  Behavioural Flexibility L2
  •  Commitment to MSF Principles L2 
  • Stress Management L3  

Conditions

Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months), full-time. Level 2 of Italian CCNL of Commerce.

Candidates should hold a work permit to work in Italy

Gross Annual Salary: Between 37.660 Euros and 45.192 Euros, depending on the MSF experience of the selected candidate.

Duty Station: Licata (Sicily)

Starting Date: 01/12/2026

 

Application procedure

To apply for this role, please submit your application to sar-jobs@oca.msf.org

Subject: Information Systems Specialist_Your Surname

Including the following:

  • CV (in English)
  • motivation letter (in English)
  • Availability
  • 2 contacts for references

The application deadline is 09/11/2026 – 8.00 pm Rome time 

MSF reserves the right to close the recruitment process early once the ideal candidate has been identified. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Applicants not invited for interview within 4 weeks from the closure of the vacancy may consider their applications unsuccessful.

MSF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee, or applicant for employment, shall be discriminated against in any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We expect this same commitment from our staff.