Head of Information and Communications Technology at Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Job Description

Purpose of the job:

• Responsible to harness ICT to support the objectives and effective and efficient operation of the SADC Secretariat
• Manage the efforts and performance of the team

Duties and Responsibilities

Management of information systems and provision of IT support

• Lead the long term planning for ICT use in the Secretariat, and ensure implementation of the ICT plans and programmes to support its operation.
• Ascertain that all ICT network infrastructure, services and applications are operational
• Ensure that IT needs of users are identified and transmitted to developers, and that appropriate systems are implemented
• Supervise the development of IT systems
• Manage the IT architecture of the organisation
• Guide the development of the asset replacement plan for ICT
• Monitor systems utilisation and recommend relevant corrective measures
• Supervise the drafting of tender documents for sub-contracting services and oversee the procurement process to hire IT contractors
• Manage IT projects and outsourced IT providers and ensure compliance with terms of the service level agreements
• Oversee on-going maintenance and support of networks and services, databases and information systems
• Provide guidance to IT staff regarding solutions to address hardware and software related problems
• Coordinate the provision of end user training
• Direct development and implementation of IT security practices/standards
• Lead the development and implementation of a IT disaster recovery plan
• Direct subordinates to maintain up-to-date and accurate inventory of technology hardware, software and resources
• Direct on-going update and upgrade of the Secretariat’s website/portal
• Collaborate with auditors for audit of information systems
• Advise or work with Programme directorates in the implementation of ICT related projects for socio-economic development and regional integration

Management of the unit

• Develop, update and implement policies, strategies, processes, systems and procedures for the effective delivery of the unit’s objectives
• Participate in formulation of the Corporate Strategy
• Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for the unit, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance on a regular basis
• Manage the delegated unit budget to ensure optimal use
• Achieve the mission, goals and objectives of the unit, and report progress to the Head
• Ensure team compliance with all relevant Secretariat values, policies and standards, and statutory requirements
• Work towards building a positive workplace and team culture, and a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality personnel
• Plan the unit’s activity and maintain direct oversight on its operations and the staff in terms of (a) work scheduling, (b) estimating resource and staffing needs, (c) allocating and
• delegating tasks, and (d) recruiting, training, developing,
• supporting, supervising, mentoring, motivating and appraising staff
• Research and adopt best practices in own area of work, and
• maintain high level of knowledge in order to effectively undertake
• the duties of the post
• Undertake any other duties as delegated by the Head

Position Requirements

Qualifications

At least a Master’s Degree in a computer-related field (computer science, information technology) from a recognised institution

Professional Certification:

• Professional certification in IT governance
• Professional certification in project/programme management.
• Professional certification in IT Service management (desirable)

Specialised Knowledge

• Knowledge of the IT governance, IT Service management,
• project/programme management and Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Experience

At least 10-15 years’ post-graduate work experience in IT, preferably within a public or private sector, regional or international organization. This includes a minimum of 4 years in a line management position

Skills Requirements

• Communication and presentation skills
• Conflict management skills
• Decision-making skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Mentoring and coaching skills
• Negotiation, persuasion, advocacy, networking and relationship building skills
• Organisational skills (planning, budgeting, time management, work prioritisation)
• Research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Team building skills

Tenure of appointment

The term of appointment of the Director, Industrial Development and Trade shall be for a fixed period of four (4) years, renewable once for another period of four (4) years. While appointments for positions (2–19) will be on a fixed-term contract for four (4) years, renewable twice for an equal period, subject to:

• satisfactory completion of 6 months’ probation;
• satisfactory performance;
• retirement age limit of 60 years; and
• the continued need for the position.

Eligibility

The positions are open to qualified applicants who:

• Are 52 years old or younger. This requirement is based on the Organization’s need to recruit staff who can serve for a reasonable period of time before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
• Are from the following eligible Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Applications should be accompanied by the following:

1. a cover letter stating the position that you want to be considered for and describing how your qualifications, experience, and competencies are relevant to the position;
2. not more than five (5) pages of updated curriculum vitae;
3. certified copies of your degree(s), Diploma(s) and Certificate(s); and
4. duly signed and completed SADC Application Form.

Should you be shortlisted, you will be required to produce evidence of educational and professional qualifications supporting your application, on the day of your interview.

Gender Mainstreaming

SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from female candidates.

If you are results orientated, you have a passion for the transformation and development of Southern Africa and possess the required competencies, please submit your application.

Only applicants who meet the requirements of the SADC Secretariat and being considered for an interview, will be contacted. Should you not hear from the SADC Secretariat within two months after the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.