IT Systems Engineer

Job category: System engineering / consultancy

Contract: Permanent

EE position: Yes

MANCOSA, a DHET registered and CHE accredited private higher education distance education provider, offering undergraduate and postgraduate business qualifications, has the following vacancy available.

IT Systems Engineer

JOB PURPOSEThe System Engineer will oversee the administration, management, maintenance, and monitoring of a diverse range of Mancosa systems, including but not limited to Active Directory, Microsoft
365, Azure, Veeam Backup and Replication, Identity and Access Management, Mimecast, Google Suite, Manage Engine, Cloudflare, Rubrik, Netskope, Rocketseed, IT Asset Management systems. The primary objective is to ensure optimal performance, enhanced security, reliability, and continuous functionality. This role is instrumental in supporting Mancosa's IT infrastructure and ensuring seamless operation across multiple platforms. In essence, the Systems Engineer role is pivotal for maintaining a stable, secure, and efficient IT systems environment that effectively supports the organization's business operations.

• Administer, manage, maintain, and monitor MANCOSA’s IT systems across on‑premises and cloud environments.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve system issues and service disruptions efficiently.
• Perform proactive monitoring and health checks on critical IT systems and services.
• Anticipate potential issues and perform preventative maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate and resolve support calls logged with external service providers and vendors.
• Perform root cause analysis for incidents and recurring system issues.
• Implement and manage new systems, platforms, and technologies where required.
• Identify and implement system upgrades, updates, and improvements.
• Manage server lifecycle activities including configuration, patching, optimization, and decommissioning.
• Ensure system availability, performance, reliability, and operational stability.
• Perform capacity planning and manage storage and infrastructure resources.
• Manage and monitor backup systems and ensure successful data protection processes.
• Conduct restoration testing and support disaster recovery readiness activities.
• Monitor systems for vulnerabilities, security risks, or unusual activity and elevate where required.
• Configure, maintain, and enforce system security controls and access management practices.
• Implement system patches, updates, and security improvements in accordance with organizational standards.
• Collaborate with IT Security and Infrastructure teams to ensure systems remain secure and compliant.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, procedures, and technical environments.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, operational procedures, and technical documentation.
• Produce system performance reports and operational analytics to support management oversight.
• Provide end‑user and third‑level technical support where required.
• Work closely with IT management to ensure system administration activities support institutional objectives.
• Stay abreast of technological developments and recommend improvements to strengthen system performance and reliability.

• Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified:
  Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365, CompTIA Security, or equivalent will be advantageous.

• At least 2-3 years’ experience in Information Technology or related technical environments.
• Demonstrable experience in a Systems Administration role supporting enterprise infrastructure environments.
• Experience supporting hybrid environments will be advantageous.

• Proven experience in Systems Administration or a similar technical role.
• Experience working with Microsoft technologies including Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and Azure.
• Experience supporting cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong documentation and technical reporting capabilities.
• Knowledge of best practices related to system administration, security, and operational controls.
• Demonstrated commitment to service improvement and operational excellence.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking abilities.
• Proficient knowledge of Windows operating systems and enterprise infrastructure environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.

• Overtime and weekend work may be required from time to time to support maintenance windows or critical incidents.
• This role is based in Durban
  , Kwa Zulu Natal