Database Administrator at South African Maritime Safety Authority

JOB PURPOSE
Coordinate the planning, development, and implementation of SAMSA databases, reporting and BI platforms to ensure accurate reporting for all SAMSA systems, including the provisioning of proactive support and maintenance; protection of databases and their integrity; high availability of databases including optimal performance.  The role requires ensuring that the database backups are in place including testing of backups and their recovery which is critical for disaster recovery in line with the SAMSA Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity policy and procedures.
 
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Responsible for the design, planning and implementation of SAMSA databases in line with best practice methods.
• Effectively manage the development and upgrade of SAMSA databases in line with system requirements.
• Develop reporting and dashboard platforms including supporting business intelligence capability.
• Design and implement database security parameters to ensure protection of databases, data integrity including protection of sensitive organisational data.
• Develop and implement data management practices in line with best practices, processes, standards, legislations, etc.
• Manage the implementation of database audit reviews including the implementation of the audit recommendations.
• Manage, advise, and recommend suitable approaches to ensure seamless integration of systems and databases.
• Consistent backup of all SAMSA databases in line with applicable policies and procedures – Backup and Restore, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.
• Conduct maintenance on all SAMSA databases in line with the maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
• Follow up on and resolve database related incidents that are logged, including ad hoc requests.
• Manage and implement database change requests in line with applicable SAMSA policy.
• Participate in the testing of SAMSA Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity exercises.
• Manage external parties engaged or provision of database related services.
• Develop and or contribute towards the development of SAMSA ICT policies, processes, procedures, standards, etc. that are related to effective management and utilization of SAMSA databases.
• Implement ICT deliverables in line with approved ICT policies, processes, procedures, standards, etc.
• Contribute towards the preparation of Centre budgets with focus on database related requirements.
• Conduct relevant research in effective database management and related technologies.
• Provide inputs toward the development of specifications and terms of reference (ToR) relating to the procurement of ICT products and services.
• Participate in the Supply Chain Management Committees relating to the procurement of required ICT products and services.
• Renewal of assigned software to avoid irregular expenditure and service interruption.
• Renewal of warranties.
• Manage system security and vulnerability including antivirus protection and cyber security.
• Manage relationships with service providers to ensure effective delivery of services.
• Monitor service provider's performance and ensure SLA targets are met monthly.
• Contribute towards the development of project scope.
• Provide inputs on project budgets.  
• Develop or provide inputs on developed project charter and plans.
• Implement project risk mitigation actions items.
• Prepare and submit project progress reports and related project documentation.
• Manage and coordinate meetings with stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit monthly and quarterly reports on the provisioning of ICT services (networks, servers, availability, backups, etc.)
• Maintain records of procurement, delivery notes and invoices.
• Maintain an updated ICT Asset and Software Register.
• Record ICT Services Requests, Change Requests, User Access Requests, Asset Removal Forms and User Control Forms.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
    Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in ICT.
• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) or higher in ICT would be an added advantage.

   Knowledge and Experience

• 5 - 7 years working experience in ICT.
• More than 4 years experience in database administration management.
• 2-3 years working experience in BI and reporting platforms.
• Knowledge of and experience with reporting packages (SQL or equivalent, etc.), databases (SQL, etc.), programming (SQL, R, Python, etc.)

Required Certification/Professional Registration

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Certification
• Advantage MCSE: Business Intelligence Certification
• SQL Server Integration Service (SSIS)

Competencies
High levels of competence on the skills below is a requirement:

• SAMSA Strategy, ICT Strategy, and the ICT Business Plan
• SAMSA policies and procedures.
• Industry best practices in Application Management.
• Microsoft Windows Server
• ITIL Framework
• POPI Act
• COBIT
• SQL Queries
• Service Desk System
• System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Stakeholder & SLA Management