Information Technology (IT) Officer

About Us

Ethio-BioPharma Enterprise (EBPE) is Ethiopia’s state-owned pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprise, established to build the nation’s capacity to manufacture vaccines, essential medicines, diagnostics, medical supplies and other healthcare technologies locally. Operating under EIH, EBPE is developing an integrated pharmaceutical campus at the Kilinto Special Economic Zone in Addis Ababa, co-locating multiple manufacturing units that share infrastructure, talent, and corporate services.

Job Summary

Main Purpose of the post

The Information Technology (IT) Officer is responsible for the high-level design, implementation, and maintenance of the enterprise’s digital infrastructure. The role ensures seamless operations across the Vaccine, Pharmaceutical, and Diagnostic manufacturing units by managing hardware, software, networks, and data security.

The position ensures that all IT systems comply with strict data integrity requirements (ALCOA+ principles) and 21 CFR Part 11 standards, supporting the digital transformation of the manufacturing plant. The role spans the entire facility lifecycle—including construction-phase IT setup, operational readiness, and the maintenance of robust cybersecurity and disaster recovery protocols.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITY:

A. Infrastructure Design & Project Integration

1. Digital Architecture: Leads the design and deployment of the facility’s IT and Operational Technology (OT) networks, ensuring integration between office environments and sterile manufacturing zones.
2. Project Oversight: Works with international consultants and EPC contractors to ensure that server rooms, structured cabling, and data centers are constructed to support vaccine and diagnostic production requirements.
3. Hardware Management: Manages the procurement, installation, and lifecycle of servers, workstations, and networking equipment (switches, firewalls, and routers).

B. Manufacturing Operations & Compliance

1. Ensures all computerized systems meet EFDA and WHO Prequalification standards, specifically regarding electronic records and signatures (21 CFR Part 11).
2. Implements and monitors ALCOA+ principles across all digital platforms to ensure manufacturing data is Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate.
3. Provides technical oversight for Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and the IT layers of SCADA/BMS systems used in production.

C. Cybersecurity & Data Security

1. Maintains robust cybersecurity protocols to protect proprietary vaccine formulas, diagnostic data, and corporate intellectual property.
2. Develops and executes comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity and zero data loss in the event of system failures.
3. Manages user permissions and audit trails to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive manufacturing and laboratory data.

D. Documentation & Training

1. SOP Management: Responsible for generating and reviewing IT-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and validation protocols.
2. Technical Leadership: Provides training to staff on IT security, data integrity, and the proper use of manufacturing digital tools.

E. Reporting and Planning

1. Prepares and submits weekly and monthly reports to the CEO regarding network uptime, security status, and project milestones.
2. Develops annual IT work plans and budgets focused on digital transformation and hardware upgrades

**F.**Authority

**1.**The IT Officer is authorized to enforce company-wide IT security policies, including the immediate suspension of user accounts or network access in the event of a suspected security breach or a violation of Data Integrity (ALCOA+) protocols.

2.Has the authority to grant, modify, or revoke access permissions for all computerized systems (LIMS, ERP, BMS) based on approved User Access Request forms and role-based requirements.

3.Authorized to formally address non-compliance by IT vendors or service providers regarding Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and to recommend the rejection of hardware/software that does not meet Computerized System Validation (CSV) requirements.

4.Authorized to initiate disaster recovery protocols and system shutdowns during critical failures to prevent data corruption or unauthorized data entry

G. Effort required

1. Mental Effort: Requires a high level of continuous mental concentration and analytical judgment. The role involves managing complex data flows between manufacturing equipment and office servers, requiring the ability to troubleshoot under pressure when production systems are down.
2. Decision-Making: Demands critical thinking to balance operational efficiency with strict regulatory compliance (21 CFR Part 11).
3. Physical Effort:

• Mobility: Periodic site walkthroughs are required to inspect network points and server racks within the manufacturing plant, including cleanroom areas.
• Manual Tasks: Occasional physical effort is required for the installation of IT hardware, which may involve lifting equipment (e.g., servers or UPS units weighing up to 20kg), stooping, or working in confined spaces like server cabinets.

4. Environmental Factors: Must be comfortable working in server rooms (cool/noisy environments) and adhering to strict gowning and PPE protocols when entering vaccine or pharmaceutical production areas.

H. Reports to: This positions reports to the CEO

I. Salary : As per the Organization's Scale

J. Education Qualification and Experience

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering.
2. Experience: Masters: Minimum of 3 years of experience in IT infrastructure and systems management.
3. Bachelors: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

K. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. In-depth knowledge of GAMP 5 and data integrity regulations for life sciences.
2. Expert understanding of network security, virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), and server administration.
3. Proven ability to manage IT projects in a construction and commissioning phase.

Additional Provisions

Ethio-BioPharma Enterprise reserves the right to assign additional duties consistent with the nature and level of this position