Program Technology and Infrastructure Manager at African Agricultural Technology Foundation

• The Program Technology and Infrastructure Lead/ Manager will establish strategy and manage the organisation’s IT infrastructure, with a focus on system administration, maintenance, and networking.  Furthermore, the incumbent will manage databases and security, as well as develop software to support internal and external customers.  
• He or she will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and supporting the organisation’s computer systems, Software development initiatives, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), intranets, individual computers, mobile devices, and other technology.  In terms of business analytics (BA) and business intelligence, s/he will transform data into insights that support the organisation’s strategic objectives.  The Program Technology and Infrastructure Lead/ Manager will be in charge of securing networks, computers, and mobile devices to protect the organisation’s data from internal and external threats.

This position reports to the Director, Corporate Services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic leadership and work planning:

• Develop a coherent ICT strategy in close collaboration with external and internal stakeholders.
• Develop, manage, and maintain the IT service fabric or Enterprise architecture encompassing infrastructure, applications, communication, and mobility.
• Formulate and deploy long-term strategic plans for acquiring and enabling innovative, efficient, and cost-effective information processing and communication technologies.
• Maintain change and configuration policy to enhance controls and security.
• Develop and implement ICT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, equipment replacement and service provision; and
• Lead the Organisation in its implementation and use of ICT, including testing, trailing, and implementing new technologies, applications, services and facilitating necessary training.
• Support Business process re-engineering to suit organisation goals and product development
• Develop and manage ERP resources optimising them and integrating for use
• Develop a data security policy as per Data Protection Act and other universal guidelines such as GDPR guidelines.

Management of the ICT Operations:

• Manage operational and strategic ICT planning, including business requirements, project planning and organising the allocation of resources.
• Review performance of ICT systems to determine operating costs, productivity levels and potential upgrade requirements.
• Provide infrastructure cost management plans with growth and estimates.
• Implement and maintain cyber security protocols safeguarding organisation assets, integrity and value.
• Benchmark, analyse, report on and make recommendations for the optimisation of the ICT infrastructure and systems.
• Lead and direct the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development and support of all hardware and software based on business needs.
• Lead in the development of business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for ICT initiatives.

Management of resources of the unit

• Develop, test, and manage the IT Business Continuity plan.
• Lead the Information Systems Unit in the most cost-efficient way, ensuring that ICT services meet the expectations and needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Negotiate and manage vendors, outsourcers and consultant contracts, as well as service agreements; and;
• Manage procurement needs, related contracts, Internal/external suppliers, and contract continuity.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• University degree in Electrical/Electronic /Software Engineering Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related field.  Master’s degree in software engineering would be advantageous.
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certificate or Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or Certified Network Security Certificate is required.
• Certification in Enterprise IT Architect or Business Processes Reengineering is required.
• Experience in ICT system integration and administration or design of ERPs is required for this role
• Proven working experience (over 7 years) in similar roles is required.
• At least 10 years of work experience in an ICT service environment
• 5 to 10 years of relevant management experience in a comparable organisation.
• Extensive experience working within a multicultural environment is desirable.
• Minimum 5 years’ knowledge and experience in ICT industry with Project/Product Management, Software development and process workflow mapping.
• Proven experience in developing policies at strategic corporate level.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in relevant regulatory frameworks and IT standards such as Data Protection.
• Experience in data engineering for analysis and forecasting is advantageous.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to understand and use data to drive decision-making and strategy
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously amid ambiguity and without direction and to forge partnerships and drive for results
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with excellent fluency in English (spoken and written).
• An excellent strategic leader and team manager/supervisor. 
• A strong service orientation to colleagues.  S/he can work effectively and excel in a team setting.