Director, ICT & Innovation at Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service

Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership in innovation and management of information systems, security, services, databases, business application and infrastructure in support of the organization’s functions

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks
Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Promote innovation by identifying emerging technologies and driving digital transformation initiatives in Placement, career guidance and administrative processes;
• To manage and ensure efficient and effective utilization of ICT resources;
• Oversee development and implementation of overarching ICT strategy, policies and procedures aligned with the Placement Service goals and objectives;
• Manage and maintain Placement Service ICT infrastructure;
• Oversee acquisition, development, deployment, and maintenance of business applications and systems used within the Placement Service;
• Provide leadership in implementing security measures to protect the Placement Service’s data, systems, and networks from cyber threats, unauthorized access, and other security risks;
• Provide leadership in developing and managing the Placement Service’s databases, including storage, backup, access control, optimization, retrieval and ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of the databases;
• Spearhead development and implementation plans and procedures to ensure the business continuity of ICT operations in the event of disasters or disruptions;
• Lead in analysis of data, and preparation of reports to assess performance and identify areas for improvement;
• Establish guidelines, procedures, and protocols to govern the Placement Service’s ICT security practices;
• Steer development of strategies and procedures to detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents; and
• Provide leadership in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in ICT systems and applications.
• Spearhead the development, implementation and review of Directorate annual Work Plans and budgets and Procurement and Assets Disposal plans in line with the Service’s performance targets and strategic plan;
• Provide strategic leadership in execution of risk management policy and strategies that ensure the Directorate has a robust system and processes of accountability, ICT risk management, internal controls, business continuity and succession management;
• Provide strategic leadership to ensure continuous improvement of business processes and controls in the directorate and develop mechanisms for corporate consultations, increase public participation and involvement in Placement service policies and programs
• Lead in implementation of a robust performance management system within the Directorate through providing oversight of the delivery of the Annual performance contract and strategic
• Spearhead the implementation of principles of Corporate Governance, relevant national policies, guidelines, and directives within the Directorate;
• Foster a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good citizenship within the Directorate; and
• Provide strategic leadership in supervision, coaching, Mentoring, training and development of the Directorate staff to ensure an effective and motivated team. Further, nurture the staff to work collaboratively towards realization of the Placement service vision, strategic goals and objectives.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Facilitate monitoring of performance of ICT systems and services;
• Facilitate training and supporting staff members and stakeholders in use of all ICT resources;
• Assess and manage risks associated with the Placement Service’s ICT infrastructure and develop strategies to mitigate these risks using tools such as intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) systems;
• Articulate matters in relation to the directorate in conferences, symposia, workshops, fora, and seminars nationally, regionally, and internationally;
• Manage the day-to-day affairs of ICT and Innovation directorate by implementing policies and programs related to the placement of students to universities and colleges;
• Provide regular, thorough, and prompt communication to the Directorate on key technical, financial, and administrative matters;
• Appraise the direct reports;
• Spearhead the preparation and submission of periodic reports
• Coordinate implementation and adherence of the Customer Service Charter to meet customer requirements.
• Review prepared directorate’s board papers and presenting them to the relevant board committee.
• Oversee identification and analysis of emerging needs and trends in the Directorate and recommending on necessary actions.
• Articulate issues related to the Directorate and represent it in various meetings and/or forums;
• Implement good governance, quality and risk management policies and strategies of the Company;
• Monitor the utilization of Directorate’s assets/resources and ensure timely maintenance of all assets in the Directorate.
• Review research proposals, monitor implementation and review reports for projects geared towards achievements of the organization’s corporate strategic objectives.
• Chair Directorate meetings

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).

Academic qualifications

• Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: - Information Technology, Computer Science, Business IT, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering or any other relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution
• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: - Information Technology, Computer Science, Business IT, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering or any other relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• At least one (1) certification from relevant professional bodies in either CCNP, CDCP, CCNA Cloud, CCNA Industrial/IoT, CCNA, MCSE, MCSA, MCSD, N+, A+ OCA, CISSP, Linux+, Network+, Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), CISA, CISM, ITIL, CGEIT or other equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency in at least two specialty area in the following: programming/application development, database administration, ICT infrastructure support and ICT security;
• Valid practicing certificate where applicable;
• Membership to a relevant professional body and in good standing where applicable;
• Leadership course certificate lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognised institution
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Previous relevant work experience required

• Served for a cumulative period of fifteen (15) years relevant work experience, five (5) of which must have been in management position.