Active Directory Specialist

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Active Directory Specialist to join our team on a full-time, onsite basis in Saudi Arabia for a leading government ministry. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of hands-on experience in managing and optimizing Active Directory environments, ensuring robust security, seamless identity management, and effective policy administration. The role demands a proactive professional with excellent problem-solving skills and a proven track record in implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex directory services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Active Directory Administration:
• • Manage and maintain the entire Active Directory (AD) environment including user accounts, security groups, organizational units, and domain controllers.
  • Design, implement, and enforce Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for security, configuration, and software deployment.
  • Plan and execute AD upgrades, migrations, and integrations with other directory services.
• Security and Compliance:
• • Implement security best practices to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards and government regulations.
  • Monitor and audit access permissions, ensuring strict adherence to the principle of least privilege.
  • Collaborate with security teams to detect, respond to, and mitigate potential threats or vulnerabilities.
• Troubleshooting & Support:
• • Provide expert-level troubleshooting and resolution for AD-related issues including replication, authentication, and performance.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of the AD architecture, configurations, and procedures.
  • Work closely with IT support teams to ensure smooth operations and timely resolution of service interruptions.
• Collaboration & Project Management:
• • Liaise with cross-functional teams to support the integration of new applications, services, and technologies into the AD framework.
  • Lead or participate in projects focused on enhancing system efficiency, security, and scalability.
  • Provide training and mentorship to junior team members and other IT staff on AD best practices and processes.
• Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement:
• • Regularly assess the AD environment to identify opportunities for improvement, automation, and performance optimization.
  • Stay updated with the latest developments in Microsoft technologies and actively implement innovative solutions to improve infrastructure resilience.
  • Participate in strategic planning sessions, offering insights into long-term IT infrastructure planning and resource allocation.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of 5+ years of dedicated experience managing Active Directory in complex, large-scale environments.
• Proven expertise in Active Directory design, deployment, and maintenance.
• Strong technical background in Microsoft Windows Server environments.
• Experience with implementing and managing Group Policies, domain controllers, and AD replication.
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting AD issues and performing comprehensive system audits.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Mandatory Certification:

• Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate is required for this role.
• Alternative certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Core Infrastructure, will be considered as additional qualifications.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), Group Policy Management, and Domain Name System (DNS) management.
• Familiarity with PowerShell scripting and automation tools for AD management.
• Understanding of network protocols and security fundamentals.
• Experience with virtualization technologies and cloud integration (Azure AD is a plus).

Location and Availability:

• Onsite Requirement: This position is based in Saudi Arabia, and the candidate must be locally available.
• IQAMA Transferable: The candidate should have a valid, transferrable IQAMA status, as this role requires seamless integration into the local workforce.

Additional Attributes:

• A high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity, particularly due to the sensitive nature of the role within a government ministry.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives concurrently.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends.

Working Conditions:

• The role is strictly onsite with occasional requirements for travel within the region as needed.
• Candidates must be adaptable to dynamic work environments and be prepared to work under tight deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of service and security.