AP495B: Director ICT

Thank you for your interest.  This position has been successfully filled.

BACKGROUND TO THE POSITION

The UnivenICT department is going through a period of change and requires a strong Director of ICT to take the team to the next level. The candidate will work with current staff to ensure ICT adds value to a fast-developing university. This role will suit an individual who wants to create a dynamic and forward-thinking ICT department and may suit a driven individual with the desire and drive to make a difference and succeed. The individual will need to be strong minded to allow ICT to represent itself successfully.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

The Director ICT reports directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor Operations. The Director ICT has 5 direct subordinates viz Head Support Services, Head Telecommunications, Head Network Support, Head Systems Operations and Executive Secretary.

• The successful candidate will plan, direct and co-ordinate all operational activities of the department, together with the provision of IT and IS based solutions in supporting the business processes.
• He/she will be responsible for all IT and IS systems including, but not exclusively, in-house software, networks, telecoms, outsourced operations, bought in services and portable devices.
• He/she will make an effective contribution to the Univen’s strategic and operational objectives.
• He/she will optimise the utilisation of all resources; determine the most appropriate design of infrastructure to support the business; taking into account prevailing best practices and technologies; maintain an oversight of all IT and IS projects ensuring that compatibility and integration issues are taken into account and be responsible for the monitoring and control of all IT-led projects within Univen.
• Responsible for the Univen’s information security policy and adherence to the requirements of relevant legislation; Ensure that IT/IS systems, infrastructure and stored data are secure against internal and external threats and position effective and appropriate measures for risk management and information security.
• Oversee provision of all end-user support services.
• Manage department staffing to provide a resilient and responsive support team that provides the specified service levels to Univen’s users.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• The candidate must have at least a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Sciences or a post graduate degree in Networks and/or Programming.
• 10 years’ experience directly related to the specified duties and responsibilities, including 3 to 5 years in a management/supervisory or project leadership role.
• Knowledge and application of ITS, appreciation of relevant finance software programmes and good business knowledge will be an added advantage.
• A strong understanding of Data Management and Data analysis, coupled with under-standing of remote monitoring.
• Knowledge of agile/lean software develop-ment techniques.

CRITERIA:

Service Orientation:

• Experience in managing and controlling key relationships with IT service providers and vendor management, and maintain them over time.

Communication:

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Well-developed communicationskills and people skills and ability to direct multi-department technical and administrative staff.

Administrative ability:

• Knowledge of business and management principles. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedure, ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures. Project management experience and knowledge of business practices and procedures and coordination of people and resources.

Planning and organisational skills:

• Ability to develop and implement short- and long-range plans that create information technology capacity.

Computer skills:

• Ability to develop information technology strategy, coordinate and integrate computer systems, development, enhancement and modifications from an overall information services perspective.

Financial skills:

• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. Knowledge of financial / business analysis techniques.

Preference will be given to an affirmative action appointment, largely targeting women and people with disabilities.