IT Specialist - Digital Transformation & IT Infrastructure Location: Abu Dhabi/Dubai (Hybrid Model) & other UAE locations as required for fieldwork and project delivery
Full time
Posting Date: September 15, 2025
Closing Date: November 28, 2025
Job Summary The IT Systems & Infrastructure Specialist is responsible for ensuring the secure, reliable, and efficient operation of Emirates Nature-WWF's IT systems. This role oversees day to day IT operations, manages infrastructure and data protection measures, supports user needs, and coordinates with vendors to maintain system performance and compliance. The position also plays a key role in supporting the rollout and stability of the organization's new ERP system and all future business application roll outs, ensuring integration with existing platforms and long term continuity.
The role will act as the technical backbone of the organization's digital transformation journey, providing expertise and operational stability across all technology systems. Additionally, the role will act as the custodian of all organizational IT systems, be the central point of accountability for system integrity, access, and governance. The position requires hands on management with strong technical knowledge of data storage, SharePoint administration, and data structuring, ensuring information is well organized, protected, and easily accessible in alignment with internal policies and UAE data protection and general technical and data management standards.
Background Emirates Nature is a UAE environmental charity and non governmental organization, established under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's representative in the Western Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).
We work in association with WWF (hereafter EN WWF), one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. EN WWF has been active in the UAE since 2001 and has successfully initiated and implemented several conservation and education projects and initiatives in the region.
EN WWF works federally and in the region with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and is governed by a local board of directors.
It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices with highly efficient, skilled members all of whom will be unilaterally focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities within the UAE and our stakeholders.
The organization is functional by a Ministerial Decree as a 'society' institutionalised by the Ministry of Community Development, a federal governmental entity that resides within the UAE. In such a capacity, this organization's operational laws and workings coincide with that as a governmental institution that falls within any Abu Dhabi Government entity.
Major Duties and Key Responsibilities
1. IT Infrastructure & System Administration - Manage and monitor the organization's IT infrastructure, ensuring reliable network connectivity, data backups, and smooth daily operations.
- Coordinate and document the organization's cloud environments (Azure, AWS, or equivalent) as the designated account administrator, ensuring systems are properly configured, secure, and aligned with operational and governance requirements.
- Manage the organization's hybrid IT environment (on premises and cloud) including Active Directory, Azure AD, SSO, and MDM, ensuring secure access, proper configuration, and compliance with governance standards.
- Coordinate with service providers for maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimisation.
- Coordinate with international WWF IT teams on global system migrations, rollouts, and standards alignment to ensure local systems remain compatible and compliant.
- Managing and monitoring the reliable delivery and performance of core systems to agreed business as usual standards.
- Evaluate and integrate new technologies that enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
2. User Support & Equipment Management - Provide timely technical support to staff, addressing hardware, software, and access issues efficiently.
- Manage IT onboarding and offboarding processes, including user account setup, device configuration, and secure data wiping during staff transitions.
- Maintain an accurate inventory of laptops, peripherals, and licenses.
- Ensure all devices are properly configured, updated, and compliant with organisational IT policies.
3. System Security & Data Protection - Maintain IT security and system protection measures to safeguard organisational data and ensure system integrity.
- Manage user accounts, passwords, and permissions across platforms (Microsoft 365, SharePoint, ERP).
- Monitor data backup and recovery processes to ensure business continuity.
- Support compliance with internal IT policies and UAE data protection regulations.
- Promote safe digital practices and data handling awareness among staff.
4. Software & License Management - Oversee all software subscriptions and renewals to ensure continuity and compliance.
- Track software usage, monitor costs, and coordinate vendor support for updates and renewals.
- Maintain organised documentation of all licences, renewal dates, and assigned users.
- Ensure software installations and access align with approved licensing terms and organisational policies.
5. ERP Implementation & Operation Support - Act as the IT focal point during ERP rollout and post launch support.
- Coordinate with the ERP vendor to ensure smooth system access and operational readiness.
- Facilitate user onboarding and training sessions in collaboration with Digital Transformation.
- Support system adoption by addressing basic access or connectivity issues and ensuring integration readiness with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint.
- Maintain general awareness of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to effectively coordinate with vendors during system development, testing, and deployment phases.
- Manage vendor relations to ensure consistent service quality, system updates, and alignment with organisational requirements.
Networks and Connectivity - Manage and maintain secure network connectivity across offices and remote locations, ensuring reliable internet access, VPN connectivity, and cloud service availability.
- Ensure reliable internet connectivity and Wi Fi performance across all offices and field sites.
- Manage network access points, routers, and VPN configurations in coordination with service providers.
- Monitor network availability and escalates major issues to vendors for resolution.
- Maintain updated documentation of network configurations, service accounts, and access credentials.
- Support staff with VPN or remote access troubleshooting to ensure business continuity.
System Security & Governance - Maintain core IT security measures including firewalls, antivirus protection, access controls, and regular system updates.
- Ensure organisational data is securely stored, backed up, and protected in line with internal policies and UAE data protection regulations.
- Develop, implement, and roll out internal IT governance procedures covering data storage, access management, and system usage standards.
- Follow and manage staff adherence to policies, procedures and frameworks, in particular ensuring effective and efficient incidents, problem and change management.
- Coordinate with external vendors or consultants for specialised security reviews or system audits when needed.
- Monitor potential risks, report incidents promptly, and support management in applying corrective actions.
- Stay informed about emerging technologies, including AI, and support their responsible adoption and governance within organisational systems.
- Promote awareness of secure data handling and responsible system use among staff.
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery - Maintain and regularly test data backup and recovery processes to ensure system reliability and information protection.
- Support the organisation's Business Continuity procedures by ensuring critical systems remain accessible and recoverable in case of disruption.
- Coordinate with vendors and management to review and update recovery measures as systems evolve.
Event, Remote, and Field Support - Provide technical support for organisational events, remote offices, and field activities, ensuring smooth connectivity and system access across all locations.
- Support remote and hybrid staff with equipment setup, secure connections (VPN, cloud access), and troubleshooting as needed.
- Coordinate with service providers to ensure reliable internet, power, and hardware availability during critical operations or events.
- Maintain readiness of shared IT resources and ensure proper configuration for field and event use.
- Maintain IT documentation, SOPs, and access control records.
- Regularly review systems and suggest practical improvements for reliability, cost efficiency, and performance.
- Ensure alignment with EN WWF's digital transformation standards and governance practices.
- Proactively seek out new and innovative solutions to deliver efficient and cost effective systems to meet evolving business needs.
- Stay proactive in learning about emerging technologies and evolving IT standards . click apply for full job details