Job Description 

• The Network & Security Operations Officer is responsible for maintaining the integrity, availability, and security of the organization’s network infrastructure.
• The role provides real-time network monitoring, proactive uptime management, security event handling, and operational oversight of firewalls, routing, switching, and VPN environments.
• This position plays a critical role in ensuring secure, stable, and optimized network performance while responding promptly to security incidents, vulnerabilities, and vendor/ISP escalations.
• The role supports business continuity by delivering reliable connectivity, safeguarding data, and maintaining compliance with security

Responsibilities
Network Monitoring & Uptime Management:

• Conduct real-time monitoring of network devices, services, and links using approved network management tools.
• Ensure optimal uptime of all critical network components through proactive performance analysis and alert handling.
• Perform daily health checks, trend analysis, and capacity monitoring to prevent outages or service degradation.
• Identify potential bottlenecks and recommend improvements for performance optimization.

Firewall, Routing, Switching & VPN Operations:

• Administer, configure, and maintain firewalls, routers, switches, load balancers, and VPN gateways.
• Execute network changes, rule updates, and configuration modifications in line with approved change control processes.
• Ensure secure, efficient, and compliant connectivity across internal and external network boundaries.
• Manage and monitor VPN connections, ensuring stability and secure remote access.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network topology, configuration changes, and device inventory.

Security Incident Detection & Response:

• Monitor security events, alerts, and logs from SIEM tools, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Investigate anomalies, threats, and suspicious activities, ensuring timely escalation and remediation.
• Support incident response activities including containment, eradication, and recovery procedures.
• Assist in vulnerability management, patch compliance, and implementation of security best practices.

ISP & Vendor Escalation Management:

• Coordinate with Internet Service Providers and technology vendors to resolve connectivity issues, outages, and performance concerns.
• Track open tickets, follow up on SLAs, and ensure timely resolution of escalated incidents.
• Evaluate vendor performance and provide feedback to management for service improvement.

Compliance, Reporting, and Documentation:

• Ensure adherence to internal security policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, etc.).
• Prepare periodic network performance, security, and incident reports for management review.
• Maintain updated SOPs, network diagrams, escalation matrices, and knowledge base documentation.
• Support internal and external audits related to network security and infrastructure operations.

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A master’s degree in information security, Network Engineering, or Technology Management will be an added advantage.

Professional Qualification:

• CCNA / CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional)
• CompTIA Security+
• CEH (C
• ertified Ethical Hacker) or equivalent cybersecurity certification
• Fortinet NSE certifications (NSE 4 or higher)
• ITIL Foundation Certification (for understanding of IT service management best practices)

Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years hands-on experience in network operations, security operations, or network engineering.
• Experience managing enterprise-level firewalls, routers, switches, and VPN infrastructure.
• Proven experience in real-time network monitoring using tools such as SolarWinds, PRTG, ManageEngine, or similar

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), and switching technologies.
• Hands-on experience with firewalls (Cisco ASA, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Sophos or similar).
• Practical knowledge of IDS/IPS, SIEM platforms, VPN technologies, and network authentication systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities with a proactive problem-solving approach.
• Ability to respond quickly to incidents in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High attention to detail, discipline, and commitment to operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong technical depth in network engineering and cybersecurity operations.
• Show excellent situational awareness, critical thinking, and ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Possess a proactive mindset with a passion for preventing incidents rather than reacting to them.
• Exhibit high levels of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling sensitive network/security information.
• Be a collaborative team player capable of working across IT, operations, vendors, and external partners.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks efficiently.
• Be committed to continuous learning, technological advancement, and industry best practices.