Impact Starts at UNICEF Canada
(Instructions to apply at the bottom of posting)
Position Details
Position Title:
- Senior Systems Administrator
Employment Type:
Reports to:
- Vice President, Technology
Direct Reports:
Salary Range:
- $70,500 to $85,500 per year with benefits and 3 weeks paid vacation
Work Location:
Work Environment:
- UNICEF Canada currently operates under a Flexible-Hybrid model that requires team members to attend the office at least 2 days/week.
The Opportunity
The Senior System Administrator (SSA) plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of the organization's IT infrastructure. This includes provisioning, configuring, and maintaining systems and services---on-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid.
The Senior System Administrator drives innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and provides expert guidance to project teams to ensure smooth transitions from development to production environments. This role supports the entire organization---staff, volunteers, and partners---by aligning IT operations with business goals.
Key Accountabilities
Cloud and Microsoft 365 Administration (25%)
- Manage and optimize Microsoft 365 services (SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Exchange Online, Power Platform).
- Administer security and compliance tools, including Microsoft Defender, Conditional Access, MFA, DLP policies, and Information Protection.
- Ensure smooth integration between Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and hybrid cloud environments.
- Monitor system health and respond to alerts via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Stay current on M365 updates and implement new features as needed.
- Support users through training and guidance on Microsoft 365 tools.
- Plan and manage data backup, retention, and recovery to support business continuity.
- Research, recommend, and implement cloud services (e.g., Azure, Salesforce NPC) aligned with organizational needs.
- Use cloud automation tools to enhance system performance and security.
- Work with internal teams to ensure new cloud solutions integrate well with existing infrastructure.
Cybersecurity \& Compliance (25%)
- Protect systems from threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware by managing the organization's cybersecurity framework.
- Ensure systems follow industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST) and internal security policies.
- Manage Microsoft 365 Security \& Compliance Center tools such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Information Governance, and Conditional Access.
- Monitor security alerts using various tools (e.g., Microsoft Defender, Azure Security Center) to detect and respond to risks.
- Develop and maintain cybersecurity documentation, including incident response plans, breach procedures, and security policies.
- Run regular security checks like vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and audits.
- Support cross-functional teams in applying security best practices in all IT projects and systems.
- Provide security awareness training and updates to staff to ensure compliance with cybersecurity policies and reduce the risk of user-related security breaches.
Network Administration (25%)
- Manage and support network infrastructure, including FortiGate firewalls, HP/Aruba switches, Microsoft Azure, and Windows Server 2016/2019.
- Provide Tier 2 and 3 technical support across on-premise and cloud-based services.
- Recommend and help implement automation, policies, and procedures to maintain high service levels.
- Document policies, procedures, systems, configurations, and network architecture using tools like Microsoft Visio.
- Research and recommend new network technologies, security protocols, and cloud solutions (e.g., Azure, AWS).
- Lead and support IT infrastructure projects at head office and regional sites.
- Configure and maintain network monitoring tools such as WhatsUp Gold.
Server \& Application Management (25%)
- Regularly monitor server health, system performance, logs, and backup jobs across virtual (Hyper-V), cloud, and physical environments.
- Perform regular security checks to detect intrusions and maintain firewall and antivirus protection.
- Manage and automate backup and disaster recovery systems (on-prem, hybrid, and cloud) including SAN/NAS storage.
- Maintain user accounts and permissions in Active Directory (on-premise and Azure AD); implement and document Group Policies.
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and user issues; coordinate with affected teams.
- Apply system updates, patches, and upgrades; configure new services as needed.
- Optimize server resources and document operational procedures.
- Track system performance for capacity planning and perform hardware upgrades as required.
- Maintain data center equipment and environmental controls.
- Support Citrix environments, email platforms (Microsoft 365, Exchange Online), antivirus/anti-spam tools, and other core systems.
- Schedule and perform maintenance tasks during off-hours as needed to minimize disruption.
Additional Qualifications
- Education and Certifications:Completion of a two-year post-secondary degree or equivalent technical accreditation (e.g., Microsoft Azure Administrator, CCNA, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+).
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years in the role of Systems Administrator, specifically in a Windows Server 2012/2016 Active Directory environment.
- Active Directory Expertise: Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in creating and configuring Group Policies (GPOs) across the domain.
- Microsoft 365 Administration:Minimum of 3 years managing, administering, and supporting Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Microsoft Defender, and Advanced Threat Protection.
- SQL and Databases: Strong technical expertise in MS SQL Server, including backup strategies and cloud-based databases (e.g., Azure SQL).
- Hardware \& Networking:Excellent technical knowledge of workstation and server hardware, including VMware/Hyper-V, printers, and networking equipment. Advanced knowledge of network protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, and VLAN.
- M365 and Office Applications: Proficiency in managing SharePoint, OneDrive, and the full MS Office suite, including tools like Visio and Project.
- Travel \& Flexibility: Willingness to travel periodically within Canada and perform off-hours maintenance tasks as required.
- Backup \& Restore Solutions: Knowledge and experience with Datto backup solutions for data protection and disaster recovery.
- Firewall \& Security:Proficiency with Barracuda and FortiGate firewalls, including configuration and management.
- CRM/ERP Systems:Experience with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge or other ERP/CRM systems.
- VoIP Technologies: Solid understanding of Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies and infrastructure.
- System Monitoring \& Management: Experience with MS Operations Manager for performance monitoring and system management.
- Web Technologies:Familiarity with web technologies for system integration and management.
- Problem Solving:Excellent problem identification and resolution skills, with a proactive approach to troubleshooting technical issues.
- Communication: Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical staff.
- Project Management: Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to lead projects
An Employer of Choice: What We Offer
A ROBUST COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- Extended Health/Dental benefits, Healthcare Spending Account, and Wellness Account
- Life, AD\&D, \& Long-Term disability insurance coverage
- Employer match contributions (5%) to a Group Pension Plan
- Access to parental leave top-up
A COMMITMENT TO WELLNESS
- Flexible-hybrid work environment to support the work-life integration needs of our team
- Minimum 3 weeks of annual vacation (increases with time served) \& 1 additional day per year of service (max 30)
- 10 paid sick days \& 2 personal days
- 9 to 11 employee wellness days -- an additional series of pre-set days off, given annually to further extend long weekends
- Discounted rate for a GoodLife gym membership
- Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program
A CULTURE OF LEARNING \& GROWTH
- Access to a comprehensive global learning platform with over 1600 courses, webinars \& resources
- Internal leadership development, training, \& mentorship programs that integrate Anti-Racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles
- Opportunities to access both local \& global stretch assignments
AN INCLUSIVE \& PURPOSE-DRIVEN WORKPLACE
- Centrally located head office in mid-town Toronto with satellite offices in Calgary \& Montreal
- Easily accessed by public transit and a short walk from several parking locations
- Inclusive \& accessible co-working and meeting spaces designed to foster purpose at every turn and accommodate the diverse needs of employees
A CHANCE TO DO MEANINGFUL \& LIFE-CHANGING WORK
- Under the leadership of a dynamic, accomplished, and experienced executive leadership team, you'll be part of a diverse \& talented Canada team committed to creating meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- You'll join a global UNICEF family with a shared commitment to impact the lives of children
Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces \& Recruitment
UNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. At UNICEF Canada, we believe strongly in personal connections and our hiring process is entirely human-driven. We do not use AI or automated systems to review applications or conduct interviews. Each candidate is evaluated by our experienced team to ensure a fair and thoughtful hiring experience.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document to *******@unicef.ca by Wednesday, May 14, 2025 . Please include your salary expectations in your cover email and reference Senior Systems Administrator in the subject heading.
UNICEF Canada thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
