The ICT department has a dual role: firstly, providing support to FSD Africa which is in a period of unprecedented growth and must have the systems and technology necessary for success. Secondly,supporting the wider FSD Network with the systems support that will underpin achievement of the new FSD 2.0 strategy.
Qualifications and Education
Bachelor’s degree in ICT or similar
Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualifications in an IT-related field
Certification in Microsoft packages is essential
Excellent skills in written and spoken English
Essential Experience, Knowledge and Skills
3-5 years’ experience within the ICT function/ sector (if holding a Masters in IT)
3-7 years’ experience within the ICT Function / sector (if holding a degree)
Demonstrated track record of rigorous project management skills and achievement of results
Knowledge and understanding of the functioning and management of large IT networks
Experience in set-up, configuration and use of computer systems
Experience in trouble shoot and addressing IT related issues
Experience in training IT users
Understanding of IT related business risks and best practice mitigation measures
Knowledge and skills in IT program planning and development and implementation
Desirable
Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment
Previous experience of working in donor-funded projects
Languages: French, local African languages
Responsibilities
1.Development of Strategy & Vision
Utilise a consultative process to clarify needs, in the first instance for FSD Africa,and then extending to the FSD Network; identifying opportunities for ICT to enhance effectiveness and impact:
Understand FSD Africa’s strategy and operations; mapping out the business processes that will drive effective achievement of strategic goals
Conduct a comprehensive audit of current technology, systems and resources; determining fit-for-purpose and identifying opportunities for ICT to enhance effectiveness and impact
Develop and document an ICT Vision and Strategy that will cost-effectively drive enhanced effectiveness, firstly for FSD Africa and then rolling out to the wider FSD Network
Develop and implement a change management strategy, with communication and capacity-building components, that will ensure all internal and external stakeholders are on board with the strategy
2.System Development Project Management
Lead the conceptualization, planning and implementation of large-scale systems development projects; ensuring that user-friendly, labour-saving solutions are in place and utilised network-wide to their full potential:
In line with the strategy, develop and oversee the implementation of Annual Workplans for the department; ensuring that projects are achieved on time and to standard
Work together with the Procurement team to scope out systems-development projects and procure appropriate technical resources (goods and services); in particular ensuring that appropriate quality standards are delivered and value for money achieved
Personally, contribute to systems development, according to personal technical expertise; this will often involve acting as system administrator, and working closely with staff and consultants to ensure quality of deliverables
Set up mechanisms for ensuring business continuity during changeover to new systems; includes ensuring feedback loops are in place to alert the team to implementation problems and ensuring that sufficient resources are in place to quickly deal with any problems
3.Provision of Shared Services
As a member of the Corporate Services Leadership Team, participate in identifying and meeting network-wide needs for the provision of shared services; lead the provision of ICT services, and support the provision of other shared services through effective systems development (as above):
In the first instance, prioritise the need for provision of effective ICT services amongst FSD Africa staff; ensuring that the team is provided with the resources and support that they need for success:
-Ensure that staff are provided with appropriate hardware and software and are empowered to use them
- Ensure that internet connectivity is at the required speed and reliability
- Recommend and support the implementation of appropriate communications and conferencing platforms that are fit-for-purpose
- Ensure that user-support services are in place and providing the level of responsiveness necessary to support effective working
Clarify what shared services may reasonably be extended to the network and set up the infrastructure and HR necessary to deliver
Ensure that users are informed of the services that are available to them, and have a quick and easy mechanism for requesting support; in case of a high volume of requests for support, develop a system for prioritizing and communicating time-lines for resolving customer issues
4. Risk Mitigation
Work with the Chief Financial Officer and the Director Corporate Services to conduct a comprehensive risk analysis for all ICT-related activities; lead the implementation of risk-mitigating policies, procedures and ways-of-working:
Ensure comprehensive identification of possible areas of risk exposure and recommend appropriate responses to managing risks
Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures and routines that will effectively mitigate ICT and data security risks. In particular:
- Ensure that firewalls and anti-virus are at sufficient capacity relative to all electronic traffic in and out of the organisation
- Ensure that an appropriate disaster recovery process and business continuity mechanism is well-documented and in place to recover all data in the event of a system failure
- Ensure routine maintenance on all aspects of IT equipment and power backup is carried out
- Ensure statistics and reports are generated detailing downtime and mean time to recovery and that service level agreements re managed and adhered to
5. Resource Management
Oversee the effective and efficient management of all resources associated with ICT department activities:
Liaise with the procurement team to develop and implement a multi-year procurement plan for ICT resources; ensuring that FSD Africa keeps pace with emerging technology in an appropriate manner and that resources are procured and disposed of in line with policies and procedures
Liaise with the finance team to keep an asset register of ICT resources; this includes developing systems and procedures for tracking the physical location of assets (particularly mobile devices)
Ensuring 24/7 reliable functioning of servers and other critical ICT resources; includes developing and overseeing implementation of maintenance regimes
Liaise with the finance team and Director of Corporate Services to develop and manage the ICT budget in line with FSD Africa’s policies and procedures
6.Team Leadership
Ensure that the department is resourced with adequate numbers of high performing and well-motivated staff, consultants and outsourced service providers to deliver against the ICT strategy and plans:
Ensure that the department is resourced with the expertise necessary to deliver on strategy & project implementation; through a combination of recruitment and management of staff, and procurement of consultants and outsourced service providers
Ensure that each team member (staff/consultants/service providers) has clarity concerning goals and expectations of their personal role in achieving results, standards and behavior
Plan and organise the work of the department to accomplish project strategic and project goals and targets in the most cost-effective and impactful manner possible
Ensure delivery of an engaging leadership style that motivates team members and results in high performance
Job Requirements
Required education
: Post-graduate education
Required relevant work experience
: 3 years
Required languages:
English (Spoken: fluent | Written: fluent)
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