Financial Institution Head of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Job in Kenya

A leading Kenyan Financial Institution is seeking to recruit highly competent and focused individuals for the following position:

Head of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, his/her key duties and responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the ICT team to deliver all planned and agreed department and individual performance targets to ensure that the ICT department is efficient and value adding to the Organization.
• Provide exemplary internal and external customer service to both internal and external customers by providing uninterrupted, fast and satisfactory ICT experiences and innovative ICT products to all users.
• In association with Senior Managers clearly identify the Organization’s long term ICT requirements that will support and deliver the Organization’s strategic plans.
• Prepare the Organization’s ICT strategic plans with appropriate annual budgets, highlighting and proposing solutions to achieve the agreed ICT strategy.
• Develop, maintain and review the Organization’s ICT policy and procedures which support the Organization’s needs and strategic objectives.
• Establish a continuous ICT strategic planning cycle which will ensure that the Organization benefits from emerging ICT technology.
• Keep abreast of emerging trends in technology and their potential implications on the Organization’s goals and objectives.
• Clearly identify emerging organisational requirements.
• Ensure that the organisation has appropriate and up to date ICT functionality, software & hardware, in an effective, efficient, secure and cost conscious manner.
• Manage the workplace network and hardware infrastructure ¡n an expanding environment.
• Ensure the integrity of the Organization’s technical infrastructure and systems architecture.
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the current architecture against possible alternatives
• Ensure adequate backup and recovery strategies and systems are in place and reviewed regularly.
• Manage, evaluate and ensure security concerns for the Organization are addressed, e.g. anti-virus, firewall configuration, internal and external penetration testing and user access controls / user account management.
• In accordance with the agreed ICT strategic plan, initiate, manage and deliver all new ICT programmes and upgrade projects.
• Establish appropriate management controls to ensure that projects deliver the required functionality on time as per budget allocations.
• Ensure that service requirements are fully detailed into service level agreements by 3rd party vendors.
• Ensure timely, effective and cost-efficient ICT project delivery and associated maintenance.
• Identify those aspects of ICT operations which require third party service support.
• Review current outsourcing agreements and identify and negotiate new solutions to support the expanding business environment.
• Initiate outsourcing procurement exercises and ensure that appropriate contracts are established.
• Manage, monitor and review the performance of all supply contracts to ensure that agreed standards and performance criteria are met.
• Recommend all payments to ICT suppliers as per agreed terms.
• Prepare and manage annual ICT budget, expenditure, cost containment/reduction. Ensure value for money is achieved.
• Control project cost allocations.
• Develop and evaluate strategic ICT business cases / investment options. Communicate investment options / business cases to the SMT with appropriate recommendations.
• Establish a fully fledged Disaster Recovery plan in tune with business continuity plan.
• Liaise with senior management to ensure that disaster recovery plan document is updated periodically and tested.
• Assess, in conjunction with Divisional Heads, ICT staff training and development needs and supports plans in place to address these needs
• Establish and communicate clear ICT management processes, disciplines and policies to drive the organisation’s business activities and support users in their day-to-day activities
• Support auditors to ensure regular audits are conducted to provide assurances on financial, commercial processes and controls.
• Ensure development of all team members through performance feedback, recommend training where appropriate and coach and mentor individuals for growth. Take responsibility for team member and own professional development.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• A Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems or other Computer related area.
• Specialisation in emerging technologies such as Oracle DBA, Sun Solaris Administration, Systems Administration, CISCO, etc.
• Previous relevant work experience required
• At least 8 years working experience as an ICT professional, in a managerial position for at least 3 years with track record of ICT planning and management, with ERP Solutions and Enterprise WAN and LAN Systems.
• A good knowledge and experience in aspects of banking and accounting, and technology products in these areas is essential.

How to Apply

Applications for the above vacancies should be received on or before 4th August 2014 through the following address:

DN.A/1695

P.O Box 49010-00100

GPO Nairobi

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.