Information Technology Specialist

Association

Description:

The Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) is a non-profit organization founded by leading regional energy companies, including Saudi Aramco, BAPCO Refining, KPI, KNPC, ADNOC Refining, and OQ. GDA focuses on knowledge exchange, best practice sharing, and capability building across refining, distribution, and associated downstream facilities. GDA brings together downstream companies, service providers, government entities, and academic institutions on a common platform to learn from each other’s expertise.

• Administer and maintain GDA's IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud platforms, storage systems, endpoint devices, and other assigned technology resources.
• Provide technical support and coordinate with relevant departments and external vendors for GDA’s website, CRM, CMS, mobile application, Knowledge Hub, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, and other business applications to ensure availability, security, and optimal technical performance.
• Provide technical support for hardware, software, network connectivity, audiovisual equipment, user access-related issues, and other IT-related matters.
• Coordinate with external software developers, managed service providers, hosting providers, and other IT vendors for implementation, maintenance, upgrades, troubleshooting, and technical enhancements.
• Provide technical support for user account setup, access configuration, and permission-related issues for assigned systems, in accordance with approved access requests, information security policies, and delegated authority.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and confidentiality by maintaining access controls and avoiding unauthorized access to systems, applications, data, emails, or restricted folders.
• Perform regular system monitoring, preventive maintenance, software updates, security patching, and performance optimization for assigned IT infrastructure and systems.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of cybersecurity measures, including antivirus protection, firewalls, endpoint security, multi-factor authentication, vulnerability management, and security awareness practices.
• Coordinate system backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity arrangements, including regular backup verification and recovery testing.
• Support the procurement, installation, configuration, inventory, and lifecycle management of IT hardware, software licenses, and subscriptions.
• Maintain and update essential IT documentation, including system configurations, IT asset records, user guides, key procedures, vendor information, and backup/recovery information.
• Support the implementation of approved digital solutions and automation initiatives to improve organizational efficiency and member services.
• Coordinate IT requirements for GDA conferences, meetings, webinars, hybrid events, training courses, and Board meetings, when needed.
• Monitor software licensing compliance and recommend technology improvements, upgrades, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Monitor IT service performance and vendor deliverables against agreed service levels and elevate issues when required.
• Maintain and manage a centralized digital repository for IT documentation, system records, licenses, IT contracts, configurations, and technical documentation, ensuring proper version control and accessibility.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, technical support, or information technology management.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certifications in IT administration, cloud services, cybersecurity, or IT service management (e.g., Microsoft, CompTIA, ITIL, or equivalent) are desirable.
• Additional training in cybersecurity, cloud computing, project management, or business continuity is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365, networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity principles, and IT infrastructure management.
• Experience supporting websites, CRM/CMS platforms, cloud-hosted applications, and business collaboration platforms.
• Experience coordinating with IT vendors, software developers, hosting providers, and outsourced technology service providers.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong understanding of information security principles, access controls, and segregation of duties.