Information Security Specialist - ICT and IT Security

About the role

The Information Security Specialist joins the Information Security team in the IT Department at American University of Sharjah. The role supports the team in protecting computer assets through access controls, incident response, security awareness and disaster preparedness, strengthening the team's ability to monitor and defend ICT infrastructure and information assets.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Information Security Manager and the team with incident response, investigations, project management, assurance tasks and reporting.
• Investigate improper access attempts, report violations and create reports on security violations with recommendations.
• Conduct system and process audits to verify compliance with policies and standards.
• Define access privileges, control structures and resources; advocate for security awareness and stay up to date with cybersecurity trends.
• Assist in developing and implementing the university's IT Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity plan and maintain its documentation.
• Create, maintain and enforce security policies, standards, guidelines and procedures, and select and deploy new security solutions.
• Ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of data on workstations, servers, databases and other systems.
• Communicate with peers in Systems and Networking and with business groups to share security goals and gather feedback.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Security); master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in an Information Security role within the last 12 years.
• Experience establishing cybersecurity and risk metrics for reporting.
• Certification in at least one of CISM, GSEC or CISSP, or four or more of (ISC)2 SSCP, CCSP, CCFP, GIAC management/technical certifications, EC-Council CEH/EDRP, Cisco CCNA/CCNP Security, Microsoft Security Cloud Security, or CCSK/AWS/Azure.

Required skills

• Knowledge of ITIL, with a focus on security administration and IT governance (ITIL certification preferred).
• Demonstrated management skills: budget development, policy development and implementation, personnel administration, staff training.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

The position is an annual project-led contract with renewal options. Applicants apply through the online form; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.