Data Platform System Administrator

We are seeking a highly skilled Data Platform System Administrator to manage, optimize, and evolve our internal information management systems across relational, NoSQL, OLAP, and vector databases. This role goes beyond traditional database administration - supporting data reliability, secure architectures, event-driven pipelines, and AI-powered workflows. The ideal candidate is forward-thinking, detail-oriented, and capable of enabling clean, scalable, and secure data ecosystems that power analytics, operations, and agentic automation across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Database, Storage & Vector Systems Administration

Administer, maintain, and optimize relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL).

Manage vector databases (pgvector, Milvus, Pinecone) for embedding-based search.

Administer and optimize data warehouse platforms and OLAP systems (e.g., ClickHouse) supporting hybrid analytical workloads.

Administer NoSQL systems such as MongoDB, Elasticsearch, Redis.

Ensure proper indexing, normalization, and data modeling.

Execute backups, recovery testing, schema maintenance, and performance tuning.

Operate several database paradigms simultaneously (polyglot persistence).

Write and maintain infrastructure as code using Terraform best practices.

Data Flow, Integrations & Pipelines

Ensure clean, reliable data pipelines for BI tools, analytics, and agentic systems.

Support data warehouse architecture and ETL/ELT processes feeding BI, analytics, and reporting layers.

Support integration efforts by ensuring proper data availability and quality.

Implement event-driven architectures (Kafka, Pulsar, CDC).

Maintain semantic layers, metadata catalogs, data dictionaries, and embedding pipelines.

Guarantee data consistency, quality, and structuring across all storage environments.

System Reliability, Monitoring & Observability

Monitor system health, performance, uptime, and data flow.

Implement observability for databases, pipelines, and agentic workflows.

Conduct audits, performance reviews, and capacity planning.

Troubleshoot incidents, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.

Security, Access Control & Compliance

Manage roles, permissions, RBAC/ABAC, and secure system access.

Ensure compliance with data security, privacy, and auditability requirements.

Maintain explainability and traceability of agentic and automated actions.

Apply best practices for backups, encryption, and data lifecycle protection.

Automation, Infrastructure & DevOps Support

Develop scripts for automation (Bash, Python, PowerShell).

Support IaC approaches using Terraform and Ansible.

Assist in container deployment workflows (Docker, Kubernetes).

Provide configuration-level support for ExtJS or Django-based platforms.

Collaboration & Documentation

Work closely with engineering, data, and business teams.

Maintain documentation of schemas, workflows, contracts, and governance.

Provide knowledge support and system enablement to internal teams.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

5+ years of experience in System administration

Strong proficiency in SQL and relational database optimization.

Experience with vector databases and embedding search systems.

Experience with NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch).

Knowledge of OLAP databases (ClickHouse).

Understanding of event-driven systems and streaming platforms.

Proficiency in automation scripting (Bash, Python, PowerShell).

Experience with monitoring/observability tools.

Familiarity with ExtJS and Django for system configuration.

Knowledge of IaC (Terraform, Ansible), GitOps, Docker, Kubernetes.

Experience orchestrating data warehouse platforms, including deployment, performance tuning, and lifecycle operations.

Strong understanding of data security and compliance.

Understanding of asynchronous task execution and distributed workflows.

Ability to manage semantic layers and metadata systems.

Key competencies:

We are looking for someone who:

Instills Trust – Follows through on commitments, builds credibility by being direct and truthful, and shows genuine care for staff members.

Acts with Courage – Steps up to address difficult issues and speaks openly with bravery; takes the initiative to pursue new opportunities; takes full ownership of own work

Makes Informed Decisions – Seeks relevant data and input when needed, takes appropriate action within their area of responsibility, and knows when to escalate.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

This role is inside a high-growth, mission-driven social enterprise. By joining, you’ll access:

Meaningful work that directly contributes to sustainable livelihoods and job creation across East and Central Africa.

Competitive salary, and potential Performance-based bonus

Incredible company culture, with opportunities for learning and growth

Diverse colleagues across the region, and policies that demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion

A dynamic and entrepreneurial team environment committed to innovation and social impact

Health insurance for self and family

Staff savings and provident fund negotiated bank rates for long-term employees

Generous annual leave, parental leave, and sabbatical options.