Senior Network and Security Specialist

Job Description
Job vacancy: Senior Network and Security Specialist within Technology in Grade 5
Job code: TEC/010/2022

About Technology: 
Technology is at the core of the knowledge-based organisation. It enables MFSA's strategic and operational objectives to be achieved efficiently and effectively. The Technology team is made up of professionals specialised in relevant areas that include governance and planning, information systems, information security, technology operations, and service management. Officials from Technology also participate and give their contribution in several European committees, expert groups, and industry fora.

The Role: 
The selected candidate will undertake duties in relation to the implementation and administration of network and security infrastructure. The primary job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Designing, planning, implementation, configuration, administration, maintenance, troubleshooting and fine-tuning of IT systems;
• Proactively secure environments respond to threats, perform investigations, and enforce data governance.
• Ensure that the underlying infrastructure attains maximum performance, security, and availability through continuous improvement;
• Analyse systems, review security architectures, and propose information security solutions;
• Develop and maintain all computer network and security systems;
• Follow disaster recovery plans and assist in business continuity provisions and exercises;
• Thoroughly examine IT Systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities;
• Test, track and resolve threats including malfunctions and attacks;
• Administer firewalls, routers, VPNs, and other security tools;
• Plan and implement security strategies and ensures that solutions comply with the policies and regulations of the Authority.
• Continuously identify and recommend opportunities to leverage technology to improve the existing infrastructure and processes, while ensuring secure practices and compliance needs;
• Liaise with technical teams on design, specification, and architecture;
• Writing and maintaining functional specifications and system documentation;
• Attend scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities;
• Establish a good working and knowledge-sharing relationship with the Technology team;
• Maintaining a healthy relationship with suppliers as well as internal and external customers;
• Be subject to a roster as the need arises and be able to attend to emergencies after hours;
• Assist in other tasks as directed.

About You:
We are looking for candidates with a solid academic background in ICT but well versed in networking and information security. The role calls for an academic qualification in a relevant field of study at National Qualification Framework Level 6 or better, duly certified by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), or a widely recognised professional qualification at a comparable level.

The ideal candidates should:

• Have excellent troubleshooting skills and ability to find root causes, capture learning, share knowledge, and prevent re-occurrence.

Demonstrated knowledge of the following:

• Principles, methods, and techniques for layout, installation, configuration, integration, and operation of network systems, components, equipment, and devices
• Standard network management software, equipment, tools, and utilities.
• Methods and techniques for performing connectivity testing and network analysis and troubleshooting.
• Principles, practices, and methods of network administration and maintenance, including configuration, performance tuning, and diagnostic tools.
• Wired and wireless network security principles, equipment, software, practices, techniques, and tools, including encryption standards and authentication methods.
• Principles, practices, and methods of systems administration and maintenance.
• Be proficient with Linux Operating System.
• Preferably possess a valid CCNP Enterprise Certification.
• Have a strong business orientation with a demonstrated knowledge of the IT industry.
• Can communicate with and understand the needs of non-technical internal and external clients.
• Strong customer focus and knowledge of IT Service Management standards and procedures, preferable in possession of ITIL certification.
• Have good written and verbal skills and a proven ability to work on own initiative with great attention to detail.
• Has the ability to listen actively, work within a team, multitask, and capable of meeting deadlines.
• The ability to work under pressure and able to respond to emergencies after hours.
• Must be fluent in the English language.

You will also possess a minimum of eight (8) years working experience in ICT in the areas of enterprise networking and security. Candidates with longer working experience relevant to the role will be preferred.

If you do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but you have at least fifteen (15) years of relevant experience, we would still be interested in speaking with you.

How to apply or query further information:
Candidates are to forward a copy of their Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) and an accompanying covering letter providing the motivation for the application. 

Other important information:
The MFSA is an Equal Opportunities Employer as certified by the NCPE (National Commission for the Protection of Equality) and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will take care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures. The MFSA reserves the right to withdraw this call at any time and not to select any of the Candidates. It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement on the comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Applicants should do so preferably at the application stage or otherwise at the preliminary interview should an applicant be selected for such an interview. Details can be obtained by accessing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education website under the MQRIC heading. The MFSA shall ensure that any processing of personal data is in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta), and any other relevant European Union and national law. For further details, you may refer to the Data Protection Policy on the MFSA webpage. Candidates are to note that the submission of any false statement/s or omission, even if unintended, may lead to the cancellation of their application and may render the candidate's appointment liable to termination. Furthermore, please note that candidates may be asked to submit any documentation in support of the information provided, including but not limited to, proof of qualifications and Police Conduct Certificates.

*Jobsplus Permit No: 402/2022

Malta Financial Services Authority:
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulator for financial services in Malta. It was established by law on 23 July 2002 taking over supervisory functions previously carried out by the Central Bank of Malta, the Malta Stock Exchange, and the Malta Financial Services Centre. The Authority is a fully autonomous public institution and reports to Parliament on an annual basis.