Network Engineer and System Administrator

Job Summary The Network Engineer and System Administrator is responsible for the availability, security, and continuous improvement of the company's network, server, identity, endpoint, and core IT infrastructure. The role ensures reliable connectivity across the head office and connected sites; administers servers, directory services, user access, backups, and business-critical systems; protects infrastructure from unauthorized access; and supports call center, surveillance, and future data center operations. This is a hands-on role for a proactive infrastructure professional who can prevent and resolve incidents, automate routine work, maintain accurate documentation, and communicate effectively with staff, vendors, and management. Job Requirements Required Technical Competencies - Strong knowledge of routing, switching, subnetting, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, NAT, VPNs, wireless networking, firewalls, and network troubleshooting. - Practical experience with MikroTik, Cisco, UniFi, or equivalent enterprise or small-to-medium business network platforms. - Ability to implement VLANs, access controls, secure remote administration, site-to-site IPsec VPNs, and infrastructure hardening. - Hands-on administration of Windows Server, Active Directory, domain services, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file services, and user access. - Working knowledge of Linux administration, permissions, services, logs, packages, patching, and basic command-line troubleshooting. - Experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox, or equivalent, including virtual machine and storage administration. - Understanding of backup, retention, restore testing, disaster recovery, monitoring, logging, patch management, antivirus or endpoint protection, and vulnerability remediation. - Ability to support Windows and macOS endpoints, common hardware and peripherals, software deployment, and asset inventory. - Experience supporting IP CCTV or surveillance platforms and the network, storage, and access controls that underpin them. - Strong diagnostic discipline: isolate faults, interpret logs and metrics, identify root causes, document findings, and implement sustainable fixes. - Basic PowerShell, Bash, or another scripting language for safe administration and automation is an advantage. Qualifications and Experience - Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, networking, systems administration, or a related field is preferred. - Demonstrated hands-on experience may be accepted in place of formal education where the candidate can show strong practical capability. - Relevant experience covering both network engineering and systems administration in a production environment. - Experience supporting a call center, multi-site organization, high-availability service, or regulated environment is an advantage. - Familiarity with data center concepts, structured cabling, rack design, redundant power, cooling, storage, and capacity planning is desirable. Preferred Certifications - MikroTik MTCNA, MTCRE, MTCSE, Cisco CCNA, or a relevant UniFi certification. - Microsoft Windows Server or Azure Administrator certification, or equivalent practical systems administration credential. - CompTIA Network+, Server+, Security+, or Linux+; RHCSA; or a relevant virtualization, backup, or infrastructure certification. Language Skills - Professional working proficiency in Dari or Pashto; functional English sufficient for technical documentation, vendor communication, and system administration. Personal Attributes - Proactive, reliable, security-conscious, and calm under pressure, with strong ownership of service availability and follow-through. - Able to prioritize competing incidents and projects, communicate clearly with technical and non-technical colleagues, and protect confidential information.