Job Description

Job Title: IT Network and Security Specialist

Job Summary:

The IT Network and Security Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a robust and secure network infrastructure in a hybrid environment. This role is pivotal in ensuring the organization's network is resilient against cyber threats while maintaining optimal performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Network Design and Implementation:

- Design, implement, and maintain the organization's network infrastructure in a hybrid environment, seamlessly integrating on-premises and cloud-based solutions.

- Develop network architecture strategies to support business needs, ensuring scalability and reliability.

- Firewall Management:

- Configure, monitor, and manage firewall systems, including FortiGate, Sophos, and cloud-based firewall solutions, to protect the organization from cyber threats.

- Ensure the firewall policies are up-to-date and comply with the latest security standards.

- Network Optimization and Troubleshooting:

- Optimize and troubleshoot the switching infrastructure to ensure high performance and reliability.

- Conduct regular network performance assessments and implement improvements as needed.

- Security Policy Development:

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and best practices.

- Ensure all security measures adhere to industry standards and compliance requirements.

- Security Assessments:

- Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify and mitigate potential risks.

- Implement remediation plans for identified vulnerabilities and track their resolution.

- Antivirus and Endpoint Protection:

- Implement and manage antivirus solutions, ensuring endpoints and servers are protected against malware and other security threats.

- Stay updated on the latest antivirus and endpoint protection technologies and recommend enhancements as needed.

- Emerging Technologies and Threat Intelligence:

- Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and security threats.

- Recommend and implement appropriate security enhancements to stay ahead of potential risks.

Qualifications:

- Educational Background:

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

- Experience:

- Minimum of 3- 5 years of demonstrable experience as an IT Network and Security Specialist, focusing on hybrid environments, firewall management (including FortiGate and Sophos), switching, and cloud firewall solutions.

- Technical Expertise:

- Expertise in designing, deploying, and managing network infrastructures in both on-premises and cloud environments.

- Proficiency in firewall technologies, including hands-on experience with FortiGate, Sophos, and cloud-based firewall solutions.

- Strong knowledge of switching protocols, VLANs, and routing in a multi-site environment.

- Familiarity with antivirus solutions and endpoint protection strategies.

- Certifications:

- Relevant certifications such as:

- Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE 4)

- Sophos Certified Engineer (SCE)

- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), if applicable.

- Technical Skills:

- Networking:

- Advanced knowledge of network protocols, subnetting, and IP addressing.

- Strong understanding of switching technologies, VLANs, STP, and routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP).

- Experience with network design and implementation in multi-site environments.

- Security:

- Hands-on experience with firewall configuration and management (FortiGate, Sophos, cloud-based firewalls).

- Proficiency in conducting security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing.

- Knowledge of security frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).

- Cloud and Virtualization:

- Experience with cloud networking and security in environments such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

- Familiarity with network virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware NSX).

- Scripting and Automation:

- Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell for network automation and management.

- Experience with automation tools and platforms (e.g., Ansible, Terraform).

- Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

- Proficiency in using network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds).

- Strong diagnostic skills to troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues.

- Skills and Abilities:

- Analytical Skills:

- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve network and security issues.

- Ability to conduct thorough security risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.

- Communication Skills:

- Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with colleagues and providing user support.

- Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders clearly and concisely.

- Organizational Skills:

- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

- Attention to detail in documenting network configurations and security policies.

- Teamwork and Leadership:

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Experience leading or mentoring junior network and security staff is a plus.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Dubai: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Network: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)