Director, Information & Communications Technology (MIS/IT 7)

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Principal Director, Corporate Services, the Director Information Communication Technology (ICT) oversees the information and communication technology activities in the Ministry. He/She is responsible for formulating, developing and implementing ICT policies, plans and strategies to guide the Ministry in achieving its long & short term goals and objectives. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Reviews the Ministry’s ICT policies and procedures in accordance with industry standards.
• Participates in the organization’s strategic planning process – prepares and monitors the corporate and operational plan and budget ensuring the work of the Division is carried out according to plan and agreed targets. 
• Participates as a member of management team in planning, problem resolution, and reviewing the performance of functional areas. 
• Provides guidance to the Permanent Secretary, Director General, Chief Technical Director and Directors on matters relating to ICT. 
• Represents the organization at meetings, conferences and other functions.
• Prepares Annual/Quarterly/Monthly and other reports, as required. 

Technical Responsibilities 

• Develops, implements, and maintains policies to guide and inform the use of ICT in the Ministry. 
• Maps the business processes of the Ministry and put in place new systems to improve productivity and efficiency. 
• Facilitates the development of a robust and resilient ICT infrastructure through proper planning, forecasting and adherence to international standards in design and implementation.
• Plans the development of a Wide Area Network (WAN) linking the Ministry with all of its agencies and portfolio entities and develop a set of protocols governing the exchange of information and communication between the entities. 
• Plans the virtualization of the operating environment to increase productivity and reduce cost. 
• Establishes on-going systems analysis, identify areas of improvement and directs new system development. 
• Provides technical expertise to the Ministry and portfolio entities to provide for adequate ICT services to these entities and to chart the course for the integration of these networks.
• Directs the development of security strategies to protect the network and data.
• Directs the development of benchmark and baseline performance testing for in-house systems. 
• Oversees the development of systems for the care and maintenance of computer and network equipment. 
• Develops and maintain short and long-range plans for the implementation of technology within the Ministry. 
• Develops, reviews, evaluates and recommends proposals for hardware and/or software acquisition. 
• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems. 
• Develops training plan for ICT staff to achieve and maintain the relevant technical competencies to deliver quality IT support and service to the Ministry and its entities
• Provides technical support to facilitate the Ministry’s social media programme.
• Plans the implementation of opensource platforms to reduce IT Costs 
• Recommends changes to ICT polices based on new internal and external demands

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs other related duties as assigned from time to time. 

Human Resource Responsibilities 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals, and initiates corrective actions when necessary. 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff and recommends transfers, promotions, terminations, and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures.
• Provides leadership and guidance to officers through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring, and coaching. 
• Facilitates the welfare and development of Staff in the Branch. 
• Establishes and maintains a system fostering a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment, and commitment. 
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a succession planning framework in collaboration with the HRM&D Branch. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies 

• Written and oral communications skills. 
• Leadership 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Problem solving skills 
• Initiative 
• Teamwork and Cooperation skills 

Technical Competencies 

• Sound knowledge of networking technologies and software development principles.
• Knowledge of international standards and best practice in ICT policy development and implementation. 
• Ability to direct and coordinate the development and integration of integrated computer systems involving network infrastructure and client/server business applications.
• Knowledge of data security systems disaster recovery procedures. 
• Ability to evaluate and assess computer systems and hardware/software proposals for technical merit, cost effectiveness and business applications. 
• Knowledge of GoJ procurement process 
• Ability to communicate with and understand the requirements of professional staff in their area of specialization. 
• Knowledge of current ICT developments/trends 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree in an ICT discipline with relevant managerial experience
• Three (3) years of experience in related field. 
• Project Management training 
• Certification in Cisco Network Administration is an asset. 
• Certification in Microsoft System Engineering is an asset 

OR 

• Bachelor Degree in ICT Discipline with relevant managerial experience 
• Six (6) years of experience in a related field 
• Project Management training 
• Certification in Cisco Network Administration is an asset. 
• Certification in Microsoft System Engineering is an asset 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.