Manager, IT

The IT Manager will be a member of BKCL’s executive management team, reporting to the CEO and will be charged with defining and driving the execution of BKCL’s information technology strategy.

He/She will be responsible for IT leadership, management, and vision at BKCL, and will design and implement information systems that optimise organisational efficiency, ensuring stable operation and maintenance of BKCL’s technology infrastructure. Key expectation will be operational decision-making to support near, and longer-term operating objectives aligned with BKCL’s strategic vision. As a trusted technology advisor to executive management, the IT Manager will lead the thought process in the use of technology in transforming the lives of BKCL clients. The role is key in driving successful implementation of BRAC International’s IT strategic objectives

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Working with other members of the executive management team, contribute significantly to the development of BKCL’s business strategy. Provide strategic and planning input and monitor how BKCL’s operations can be improved to leverage technology innovations, increase critical business drivers and achieve business objectives such as minimise costs, increase outreach, and maximise uptime and data security.
• Develop BKCL’s IT strategy and ensure alignment with the overall BKCL business and BI strategies.
• Coordinate and oversee key IT components of business project implementations – banking system rollouts/upgrades and digital financial services channel (e.g. mobile money, DFA) implementations.
• Effectively manage projects from start to finish including needs assessment/evaluation, scope of work creation, contract negotiation, and delivery of consultancy services, review and approval of deliverables and invoices, and project closure.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy in the information and advice provided to Board, Executive Management, and employees.

Management of the IT Function

• Ensure operational integrity of all IT infrastructure (software and hardware).
• Participate in various Board and Management Committees as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Oversee the delivery, installation and proper configuration of all new IT infrastructure and upgrades.
• Build and present strong business cases for all significant IT investments.
• Oversee the documentation and application of sound and up-to-date IT principles and ensure compliance with local banking and finance legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Identify IT requirements and ensure that all IT functions and activities are fully resourced, budgeted for and performance managed to maximise return on IT investments.
• Act as a technical advisor to Management and all users in all matters relating to IT, applications system improvements, enhancements, or changes by remaining current with new developments in the industry.
• Work with department heads to understand business challenges, objectives, and bottlenecks they face to advise on the use of channels and technologies that could enable the business and provide solutions.
• Ensure security and compliance requirements are built into all systems to minimise fraud and enhance information security.

Performance Management & Capacity Building

• Set, monitor, and assess achievements against performance targets, quality standards, and service agreements.
• Set, monitor and evaluate the performance of all IT staff against agreed performance standards.
• Ensure regular client, supplier and staff satisfaction surveys regarding IT services and take corrective action.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality service standards to internal and external clients on issues related to IT.
• Participate in new product development initiatives to ensure appropriate IT skills exist to provide technical support.
• Work with HR in establishing an effective and efficient team with the capability to manage and carry out IT roles.
• Working with HR, identify skill gaps and organise IT training for BKCL staff.

Technology Risk Management

• Develop and maintain a framework for managing BKCL’s cyber and information security risks.
• Develop, enforce, monitor, and document housekeeping and security policies and procedures for all technology systems for the purposes of disaster recovery and user security.
• Responsible for ensuring existence of effective IT disaster recovery (DR) plans, monitor and enforce regular testing of DR plans.
• Provide effective vendor management to ensure value for money in all IT-related transactions.
• Negotiate terms and conditions for purchases and provide ongoing support with computer hardware, software, telecommunication, and power.
• Develop and maintain an effective change management policy and procedure.

Data Protection

• Advise BKCL and its employees on data processing requirements provided under Kenya data protection laws or any other written law.
• Ensure BRAC Kenya complies with its obligations under the Data Protection Policy and Procedures, and the Data Protection Act, its regulations, and any guidelines issued by the ODPC.
• Facilitate capacity building of staff involved in data processing operations.
• Provide advice on data protection impact assessment;
• Cooperate with the Data Commissioner and any other authority on matters relating to data protection.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety of team members from any harm, abuse, neglect, harassment and exploitation to achieve the programme’s goals on safeguarding implementation. Act as a key source of support, guidance and expertise on safeguarding for establishing a safe working environment.
• Practice, promote and endorse the issues of safeguarding policy among team members and ensure the implementation of safeguarding standards in every course of action.
• Follow the safeguarding reporting procedure in case any reportable incident takes place, encourage others to do so.

Educational & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer science, Computer Studies, Engineering, or related field. Master’s Degree is added advantage   .
• At least eight (8) years’ work experience in management of IT within a financial institution (preferably banking) or professional service firms.
• At least five (5) years managing core banking (preferably Temenos) and alternate delivery channel systems in a cyber-secured environment.
• Demonstrates progressive information technology management and leadership roles.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary teams and working in multi-cultural organizations.