Job Description: IT Support Assistant (Export Operations Focus)

Hiring on Behalf of ATRC Export Client

Location: Saddar, Karachi (Head Office) with regular travel to Tando Muhammad Khan & Port Qasim
Department: Information Technology / Operations
Reports To: Client IT Manager / Operations Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-4 years preferred)
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PKT)
Recruitment Managed By: Applied Technology Research Center (ATRC)

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🏢 About the Engagement

Applied Technology Research Center (ATRC) is recruiting on behalf of a leading export-oriented client specializing in agricultural commodities and international trade. The client’s head office is located in Saddar, Karachi, with operational facilities in Tando Muhammad Khan (processing/warehouse) and logistics coordination in the Port Qasim area. ATRC is managing the end-to-end hiring process for this confidential client seeking a versatile IT professional to maintain and optimize their digital infrastructure across these strategic locations.

🔒 Client identity will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates during the screening process. All applications are handled confidentially by ATRC.

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📍 Location & Travel Requirements

• Remote Support: Routine troubleshooting via NoMachine, VNC, AnyDesk, OpenVPN-secured sessions, Nextcloud Talk, or SSH to minimize unnecessary travel

• Secure Connectivity: Configure and maintain OpenVPN tunnels for encrypted communication between Saddar HO, TMK, and Port Qasim sites

• Flexible Scheduling: Site visits scheduled in coordination with client operations to avoid peak export documentation periods

• Safety & Logistics: All travel arranged through client-approved transport; overnight stays not required

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📋 Role Summary

The IT Support Assistant will provide comprehensive technical support across desktop, server, network, and specialized export operations systems for our client. To be able to do so, a lot of new technologies already being used and planned in the future need to be learned. Based primarily at the Saddar, Karachi head office, this role requires regular travel to Tando Muhammad Khan (monthly) and Port Qasim area (bi-weekly). The ideal candidate possesses a hybrid skillset: strong Linux/Windows administration, proficiency with open-source collaboration tools (Nextcloud, LibreOffice, Thunderbird), experience with multiple ERP platforms (Odoo, OFBiz, Dolibarr), remote desktop tools (NoMachine, VNC, AnyDesk), secure tunneling with OpenVPN, and understanding of export documentation workflows. You will bridge IT operations with physical infrastructure like weighbridges, NVR surveillance, vendor-managed connectivity, and robust backup strategies using Restic, rsync, Duplicati, and SFTP.

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🔧 Key Responsibilities

🎓 Learning for flexibility and progress

Spend at least 1 hour per day on learning existing systems in place and planned future platforms and systems.

Report on daily learning tasks performed.

🛠️👨🏻‍💻🔧💻 Tech Support 

Spend at least 1 hour per day on teaching ( making videos, video conferencing, one to one tutoring ) users how to use systems better.

Report on daily learning tasks performed.

Spend 5 hours per day on providing tech support like fixing, preparing redundant systems for reliability, understanding requirements

Report on daily tech support performed.

🖥️ Desktop & End-User Support

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot Windows 10/11 and Linux desktops (MX/Ubuntu) for client staff at Saddar HO, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Port Qasim liaison offices.

• Deploy and support LibreOffice, Thunderbird, and mobile email clients (Android/iOS) with secure IMAP/SMTP configuration.

• Manage user accounts, permissions, and backups in Nextcloud for file sharing, calendar, contacts, and collaborative document editing across all locations.

• Provide tier-1/2 support for hardware, peripherals, printers, and biometric devices at Saddar HO and during site visits.

• Deliver remote desktop support using NoMachine, VNC, and AnyDesk over OpenVPN-secured tunnels for efficient, encrypted troubleshooting across Karachi, TMK, and Port Qasim sites.

🌐 Network & Infrastructure

• Maintain LAN/WAN infrastructure across Saddar Karachi, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Port Qasim: switches, routers, APs, cabling, and VLAN segmentation.

• Monitor and troubleshoot internet connectivity (fiber, LTE failover) at all sites; coordinate with ISPs (PTCL, Nayatel, local providers) for SLA compliance.

• Configure and maintain Linux servers (Ubuntu Server, CentOS) hosted at Saddar HO for internal services: Nextcloud, Odoo/OFBiz/Dolibarr, DNS, DHCP, SSH, firewall (UFW/iptables), and OpenVPN server/gateway.

• Deploy and manage OpenVPN:

  • Generate and distribute client certificates/keys

  • Configure site-to-site and client-to-server VPN tunnels

  • Implement certificate revocation, two-factor authentication, and connection logging

  • Troubleshoot tunnel connectivity, MTU issues, and routing across multi-site topology

• Perform routine updates, security hardening, log monitoring, and backup verification on server infrastructure.

• Secure and manage remote access endpoints (NoMachine/VNC/AnyDesk) with authentication, encryption, and session logging policies, accessible only via OpenVPN.

🗄️ Business Applications & Data

• Support ERP/CRM platforms deployed across client locations:

  • Odoo: Sales, Purchase, Inventory, Accounting, Logistics modules

  • Apache OFBiz: Order management, warehouse, and accounting workflows

  • Dolibarr: Third-party management, invoicing, and export documentation integration

  • SuiteCRM

• Assist with basic SQL Server and PostgreSQL queries, report generation, and database backup coordination.

• Ensure data integrity and synchronization between ERP systems, Nextcloud, and export documentation workflows across Saddar, TMK, and Port Qasim—accessible securely via OpenVPN.

💾 Backup, Recovery & Data Protection

• Design, implement, and monitor automated backup strategies using:

  • Restic: Encrypted, deduplicated backups to local/remote/S3 targets

  • rsync: Efficient file-level synchronization for Linux servers and NAS devices

  • Duplicati: Encrypted, incremental backups with cloud storage support (Backblaze, OneDrive, SFTP)

  • SFTP: Secure file transfer protocols for offsite backup replication and partner data exchange

• Test restoration procedures quarterly; maintain backup logs and RTO/RPO documentation.

• Implement versioning and retention policies aligned with export compliance and audit requirements.

• Ensure backup traffic traverses OpenVPN tunnels when replicating between sites for end-to-end encryption.

📦 Export Operations Technology

• Support technology workflows for export documentation: commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bill of lading integration across ERP platforms.

• Interface with weighbridge systems at Tando Muhammad Khan facility during monthly visits: troubleshoot connectivity, data capture, and integration with inventory/ERP systems.

• Maintain NVR/camera systems for warehouse, gate, and quality control monitoring at all sites; manage retention policies and access controls.

• Provide IT support for Port Qasim logistics operations during bi-weekly visits: port connectivity, documentation upload systems, customs interface troubleshooting.

• Collaborate with client logistics and documentation teams to automate manual processes where feasible.

🤝 Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with external vendors for hardware procurement, ISP services, software licenses, and specialized equipment (weighbridge, NVR, backup appliances, remote access solutions, VPN infrastructure) across all three locations.

• Maintain asset inventory, warranty records, and service contracts for Saddar HO, TMK, and Port Qasim deployments.

• Prepare technical specifications for procurement and evaluate vendor proposals.

📚 Documentation & Compliance

• Create and update SOPs, knowledge base articles, and user guides for internal tools (Nextcloud, ERP systems, backup procedures, remote access tools: NoMachine/VNC/AnyDesk, and OpenVPN configuration).

• Ensure IT practices align with data protection requirements for international trade partners.

• Support audit readiness for export compliance (e.g., documentation trails, system access logs, backup verification reports, remote session audit logs, OpenVPN connection logs).

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✅ Required Skills & Qualifications

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🌟 Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s in Computer Science, IT, or related field

• Certifications: CompTIA A+/Linux+/Network+, Odoo/OFBiz functional certification, Restic/rsync proficiency, OpenVPN Access Server certification, or remote access security training

• Scripting skills: Bash, PowerShell, or Python for backup automation, ERP data sync, remote access provisioning, OpenVPN client deployment, or system monitoring

• Experience with ZFS, BorgBackup, or enterprise backup orchestration tools

• Knowledge of export compliance standards (e.g., ISO, HACCP, phytosanitary documentation) and data residency requirements

• Familiarity with Docker or basic containerization for deploying ERP/backup/remote access/OpenVPN services

• Understanding of 3-2-1 backup strategy, disaster recovery planning, and secure remote access best practices (MFA, session recording, least privilege, certificate-based OpenVPN authentication)

• Prior experience supporting operations in Karachi, Port Qasim industrial zone, or rural Sindh (e.g., Tando Muhammad Khan)

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💼 Working Conditions

• Base Location: Saddar, Karachi (Head Office) – dedicated workstation provided

• Standard Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PKT) – no weekend or night shifts required

• Travel Schedule:

  • 🗓️ Tando Muhammad Khan: ~1 day/month (scheduled in advance)

  • 🗓️ Port Qasim Area: ~½ day every two weeks (scheduled in advance)

• Remote Work: Regular use of NoMachine/VNC/AnyDesk over OpenVPN for supporting remote sites without travel

• On-Call: Minimal; only for critical system outages or VPN tunnel failures with advance notice and compensatory time off

• Environment: Collaborative setting with client operations, logistics, finance, and compliance teams across three strategic locations

 

 

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💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive monthly salary aligned with Karachi market rates (PKR 55,000 – 85,000 based on experience, multi-location flexibility, and ERP/backup/remote-access/VPN expertise)

• Travel Allowance: Fuel/mileage reimbursement or arranged transport for Saddar ↔ TMK ↔ Port Qasim rotations

• Performance Bonuses: Tied to system uptime, successful backup verification, remote support resolution rates, VPN tunnel stability, and on-time project delivery

• Benefits Package: Health insurance, provident fund, and annual training/certification budget (as per client policy)

• Growth Opportunity: Work with modern open-source technologies in a growth-oriented export business with exposure to international trade operations

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📬 How to Apply (Via ATRC)

Interested candidates should submit:

1. Updated CV highlighting relevant technical experience with:

   • ERP systems (Odoo/OFBiz/Dolibarr)

   • Linux/Windows administration

   • Backup solutions (Restic/rsync/Duplicati/SFTP)

   • Remote desktop tools (NoMachine, VNC, AnyDesk)

   • Secure tunneling (OpenVPN configuration, certificate management, routing)

   • Multi-location support (Karachi/TMK/Port Qasim)

2. Brief cover letter explaining:

   • Your fit for this hybrid IT/export role

   • Willingness to travel to Tando Muhammad Khan (monthly) and Port Qasim area (bi-weekly)

   • Experience with secure remote access practices, OpenVPN deployment, and data protection strategies

3. Optional: Links to GitHub, portfolio, automation scripts, OpenVPN configuration samples, remote access setup guides, or documentation

Submit applications to ATRC Recruitment:
📧 khawar@atrc.net.pk
🏢 Applied Technology Research Center (ATRC)
📍 Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan

Subject Line:
IT Support Assistant – Export Client (Saddar/TMK/Port Qasim) – [Your Name]

*Confidentiality assured. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by ATRC for client introduction.