Northumberland National Park Authority

Job Description

Post: Senior ICT Officer

Department: Business Support

Responsible to: Data & Digital Manager

Responsible for: No direct reports

Grade: Band 5

Job Purpose:

 Ensure the provision of an effective and appropriate ICT service designed to

meet the needs of the Authority.
 Maintain and develop the ICT infrastructure to ensure best value and to support
fit for purpose systems and solutions.
 Maintain local and wide area networks and support remote working.
 Implement and develop policies relating to ICT, Information and Security.
 Deliver the Authority’s statutory roles and licensing requirements relating to ICT,
Information and Security.
 Provide advanced technical support to staff.

Key Result Areas:

Policy Development

 Contribute to the development, monitoring, implementation and review of policies

and procedures in relation to ICT, Information and Security.
 Deliver the effective implementation of policies and procedures to ensure
compliance with the Authority’s statutory responsibilities in a timely manner.
 Work with the Data & Digital team to ensure the Authority keeps up to date with
new and emerging technologies which enhance the Authority’s performance.
 Work with the wider team to deliver changes and improvements to the Authority’s
Information Systems in accordance with the Data & Digital Strategy.

Statutory Roles and Service Provision

 Develop and maintain the local and wide area network infrastructure to ensure it
is fit for purpose and supports the requirements of all teams to work flexibly and
remotely.
 Implement a regular programme of external vulnerability testing in line with the
GDPR policy and resolve issues uncovered.
 Maintain and develop telephone and mobile communications technology to
improve service, reduce costs, contribute towards low-carbon working and
identifying areas for future improvements.
  Maintain and update the Authority’s core ICT infrastructure to ensure availability
of ICT systems and administer access for members and staff.
 Build and manage physical and virtual servers, including system updates, backup
and recovery.
 Work with the ICT Support Officer to deliver an effective ICT Support service and
review opportunities for improvements.
 Specify, purchase, install, support, and decommission ICT hardware, software
and consumables.
 Implement a hardware replacement programme and capital investment within
budget allocated from core or project funds.
 Ensure compliance with ICT licensing, warranty and support contracts for
hardware and software.
 Implement security systems to protect the Authority’s network and data.
 Implement and advise on Business Continuity Procedure (BCP) solutions.
 Lead on the procurement of ICT systems and services with a sound knowledge
of the Authority’s procurement procedures, providing prompt information to the
Data & Digital Manager and Finance Team as required.
 Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work.

Support and Advocacy

 As part of a team, support a culture which fosters innovation, creativity, open
communication and collaboration throughout the Authority.
 Lead on the ICT induction and outduction process ensuring compliance with ICT
policies, supported by the ICT Support Officer.
 Carry out advanced technical support, supported by the ICT Support Officer.
 Advise and mentor (staff and members) in ICT solutions.

Partnership and Liaison

 Advise and collaborate with staff, members, partners, peers and customers on
this area of operation.
 Where appropriate represent the Authority at a national & regional level, liaise
and negotiate with other public bodies in key ICT areas and information sharing
practices.
 Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partners, staff,
contractors and service providers, and act as the Authority’s principal client
contact in undertaking the duties in the job description.
 Liaise with external auditors helping to ensure audit compliance of all ICT
resources.
 To be willing to undertake relevant management training (ILM level 4 or above)

Other Duties
 Any other duties consistent with the nature, level and grade of the post as may
be required.
 Northumberland National Park Authority

Person Specification

Essential

Knowledge
 Educated to Degree Level in an ICT discipline or an equivalent level of significant
proven experience.
 Local and wide area networking.
 Business continuity and disaster recovery.
 Database management systems (such as MSSQL, MYSQL, PostgreSQL)

Skills
 Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
 Problem-solving, research and analysis.
 Time management and prioritisation of resources, staff, and partners.
 Ability to train staff.
 Ability to learn new skills as required to support new technologies.

Experience
 Managing a virtual server environment (such as vSphere)
 Data backup and replication systems (such as Veeam)
 Supporting and developing ICT systems.
 Procurement and tendering processes.
 Managing contractors and consultants.

Personal Qualities
 Proactive, innovative and flexible.
 Ability to work in a team environment.
 Ability to resolve conflicts.
 Proven track record in working in an organised and methodical way.
 Ability to work to strict deadlines.
 Ability to enable understanding by coaching non-technical staff.
 Ability to work a flexible working pattern which may include evenings, weekends
and over-night stays away from home.
 Ability to travel to sites and destinations in order to fulfil the requirements of the
post.

Desirable
 Knowledge of National Park purposes
 Knowledge of Microsoft 365 administration
 Experience in the development and implementation of projects.
 Knowledge of open-source applications and operating systems including Linux.
 Knowledge of Voice over IP technologies.
 Knowledge of health and safety relating to ICT issues.
 Experience of project development and implementation.
 Experience of working within financial constraints.