Manager Networks at NCBA Group

Job Purpose Statement

• The purpose of the Manager, Networks role is to lead the strategic planning, implementation, and maintenance of the organization’s network infrastructure to ensure secure, reliable, and high-performing connectivity. This role is central to enabling operational efficiency, supporting digital transformation initiatives, and safeguarding the organization’s data assets through proactive management and innovation. By fostering collaboration across teams and staying ahead of technological advancements, the Manager of Networks drives continuous improvement and resilience in the organization’s network ecosystem.

Key Accountabilities (Duties and Responsibilities)

Network Infrastructure (40%):

• Analyze, plan, design, and implement network projects in accordance with the Bank’s requirements.
• Review IT infrastructure policies regularly to ensure compliance with guidelines.
• Evaluate and select new networking technology to support new products and services for the Bank.
• Direct and supervise the work of personnel and/or contractors assigned to the unit, in terms of network security equipment and software installation, systems support and maintenance.
• Organize prompt security support by assigning the available technical resources while exercising quality assurance functions.
• Manage IT Networks Service Agreements.
• Manage and set priorities for the design, maintenance, development, and evaluation of all infrastructure systems including LAN, WAN, Internet, Intranet, Data Centre, and other infrastructure-related systems.
• Provide management oversight for the Group networks and data Centre to ensure projects, incidents, problems, and escalations are dealt with according to defined policies, processes, procedures, and SLAs.

Network Security (30%):

• Analyze, plan, design, and implement systems security policies and controls in accordance with the Bank’s requirements.
• Build a systems security architectural framework that is applicable throughout the organization for both the server farm and the network.
• Review systems security configuration and plan cost-effective upgrades to keep up with changing technology, the growth of the bank, and the needs of the bank’s components.
• Ensure the effectiveness of the network security system (policy, controls, and infrastructure) with regard to protection against exposure to and impact of risks associated with data loss, corruption, and/or unauthorized access.

Business Continuity Planning (10%):

• Assist in the development of a Business Continuity Plan for the IT operations of the bank.
• Provide and execute detailed Disaster Recovery plans for Network, ATM, and other Office Automation systems.
• Liaise with telecoms bodies for the deployment of the BCP.
• Liaise with the Head of IT and other internal business units for the maintenance and deployment of the BCP.

Out-Sourced Support Services (10%):

• Manage a team of outsourced support vendors based at both head office and regional offices for the support of the bank’s hardware platform.
• Work closely with vendors to ensure an up-to-date inventory of the Bank’s equipment is kept and maintained.
• Coordinate and work closely with the bank’s Property Administration to ensure proper storage and disposal of IT equipment after they are declared obsolete.

Data Center Monitoring (10%):

• Monitor all Data Centre equipment and ensure compliance with Data Centre standards and systems.
• Analyze and determine the appropriate layout of all equipment in the Data Centre with the help of balancing and cooling.
• Supervise and deploy all Data Centre solutions.
• Perform software upgrades for all equipment in the Data Centre, i.e., core network switches, firewalls, load balancers, and routers.
• Schedule and perform preventive hardware maintenance in the Data Centre.

Job Specifications

Ideal Job Specifications:

• Degree in Science/Computer Science/Engineering/Telecommunications from a reputable institution. A master’s degree in Information Technology or an MBA will be an added advantage.
• Training and certification in CCNA, HCIA, Security Certifications, Load Balancers (F5), ITIL.
• Cloud-related certifications.
• Business Continuity training.
• 5+ years of experience in Routing and Switching, Network Security, Load Balancers.
• Possesses a strong customer service attitude and excellent communication skills and exhibits a passion for learning and continuous improvement.

Technical Competencies:

• Experience in a solution architecture role designing complex solutions.
• Good understanding of DevOps and CI/CD practices.
• Experience in designing solutions for hybrid environments (on-premise and cloud). Cloud certification is an added advantage.
• Sound knowledge of various operating systems (Linux, AIX, Solaris, Windows) and databases (Oracle, MSSQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and NoSQL databases).
• Experience in project management and service-oriented architecture (SOA) and Microservices architecture.
• Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture methodologies such as TOGAF or the equivalent.
• Working knowledge of infrastructure, including servers, storage, firewalls, load balancers, routers, etc.
• Hands-on experience with software development and system administration.
• Understanding of strategic IT solutions.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with and manage expectations of all team members and other stakeholders who impact performance.
• Self-empowerment to enable the development of open communication, teamwork, and trust that are needed to support a true performance and customer-service-oriented culture.
• Demonstrable integrity and ethical practices.
• Ability to complete projects within set timelines.
• Innovative and creative with the ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate brilliant ideas with strategic thinking.