Database Administrator at M-KOPA Solar
About M-KOPA Solar: M-KOPA Solar, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, is the global leader of “pay-as-you-go” energy for off-grid customers.
The company was founded in 2011 by former executives behind M-PESA (the world’s leading mobile payment platform) on the belief that mobile technology could revolutionize energy services in emerging markets the same way it has already revolutionized the delivery of communications and financial services.
In under 2 years since commercial launch (Oct 2012), M-KOPA has connected over 100,000 homes in East Africa to solar power. As of Q4 2014 the company is adding over 10,000 new homes each month and employs nearly 500 full time staff with offices in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the UK and Hong Kong.
M-KOPA works in partnership with leading mobile network operators including Safaricom in Kenya, and is busy developing additional pay-as-you-go products and services. The company has also begun licensing its technology to partners in markets outside East Africa.
In 2013 M-KOPA was given the Excellence in Sustainable Finance Award by the Financial Times and IFC, and in 2014 was selected by Bloomberg New Energy Finance as the world’s top New Energy Pioneer. The company’s innovative business model has been profiled in leading global media including The Economist, the BBC, Bloomberg, the Financial Times and Wired.
Position Title: Database Administrator
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Position Start: ASAP
Reporting to: Head of Technology
Responsibilities
- Ensure all database servers are backed up in a way that meets the business’s Recovery Point Objectives (RPO)
- Test backups to ensure we can meet the business’ Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Troubleshoot SQL Server service outages as they occur, including after-hours and weekends
- Configure SQL Server monitoring utilities to minimize false alarms
- As new systems are brought in-house, choose whether to use clustering, log shipping, mirroring, Windows Azure, or other technologies
- Install, configure and deploy new SQL Servers
- Deploy database change scripts provided by third party vendors
- When performance issues arise, determine the most effective way to increase performance including hardware purchases, server configuration changes, or index/query changes
- Document the company’s database environment
- Manage M-KOPA’s Windows servers
- Provide M-KOPA application support to end users
- Build and deploy new Windows servers
- Willingness to work shifts that may cover weekends and holidays
Skills & Experience
- Experience managing virtual servers using VMWare or HyperV platforms
- Experience working with Windows server, including Active Directory and proper disk configurations.
- Experience working with monitoring tools such as PRTG
- Microsoft SQL DBA Certification will be considered a big plus
- MCSE certification will be considered a plus
- Experience in troubleshooting and resolving database issues such as database integrity, performance, blocking and deadlocking, replication amongst others.
- Experience in Performance Tuning, Query Optimization, using Performance Monitor, SQL Profiler and other related monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
- Experience with backups, restores and recovery models.
- Knowledge of High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) options for MSSQL Server.
- Knowledge of indexes, index management, and statistics.
- Ability to write and troubleshoot SQL Code and design (stored procedures, functions, tables, views, triggers, indexes, constraints)
- Knowledge in a scripting language like PowerShell will be a plus
- At least 3 years’ experience in performing in a similar role
- Ability to effectively communicate and work closely with M-KOPA staff to determine needs and assist with systems requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Remuneration: Competitive covering a monthly salary, performance bonus and medical benefits reflective of the candidate’s experience and skills.
To Apply: To apply, send an updated detailed copy of your CV and a cover letter expressing why you feel you would be an excellent candidate for the role to careers@m-kopa.com with the email subject AS ONLY “SQLDBA1214”
Only candidates who can demonstrate sufficient competence will be shortlisted and contacted.
