Director, Information and Communication Technology (MIS/IT 8)

Job Purpose

The Director, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) (MIS/IT 8) reports to and works closely with the Senior Director, Corporate Services to manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Information, Communication and Technology Branch. 

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring and enabling the necessary business support services and that all information and communication assets of the Post and Telecommunications Department are maintained in keeping with its mandate, as the Director, Information and Communications Technology is also responsible for facilitating the provision of electronic information systems/applications to enable improved efficiency and productivity through the use of appropriate information processing technologies in the most cost-effective manner while ensuring the security of the Department’s ICT Infrastructure. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Ensures the development of operational systems, policies and procedures to guide the activities of the Branch; 
• Ensures the development of operational systems, policies and procedures to guide the activities of the Branch; 
• Prepares and submits Activity/Performance Reports and other reports as requested;
• Advises the Senior Director, Corporate Services on matters relating to portfolio responsibility; 
• Ensures a corporate approach to the delivery of ICT and business services across the Department and ensures a secure, reliable and efficient computer system environment;
• Reviews and signs-off on Terms of References (TORs), information specifications, SLA’s, business model specifications and other pertinent ICT documentation;
• Develops and manages the ICT and Business Services Budget and institutes corrective measures when Budget is not being met, including signing off on invoices and quotes, escalates out of Budget items for approval and ensures that the Team obtains all necessary tools and equipment to effectively execute their duties; 
• Establishes and implements systems for reporting work done against stated and agreed Work Plans. 

Technical/Professional: 

Strategic 

• Initiates, plans and implements strategies for the provision and management of ICT and business services to support and drive the Department’s management and technical operations; 
• Ensures the provision of technical assistance in all areas to end users by sustaining sufficient operational capability to achieve acceptable response times, especially during peak periods, and to minimize down times to an acceptable level; 
• Collaborates with senior leadership to develop, maintain and upgrade appropriate ICT systems in accordance with the Department’s needs; 
• Ensures that effective arrangements are in place to satisfy information and telecommunication requirements for the Department and its Divisions/Branches/Sections/Units in a time-sensitive, responsive and cost-effective manner (with particular emphasis on data communication); 
• Establishes business continuity and recovery policy for ICT and business service tools, resources and management that provide guidelines for common situations and a framework by which the Department can cope with exceptional circumstances/emergencies/disasters; 
• Reviews ICT and business service strategies of the Department’s Divisions/Branches/Sections/Units to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, guidelines, standards and quality requirements set by the Department that will improve the organisation’s ability to manage through the effective use of proven management approaches and techniques and available technological tools; 
• Works with the Management Team to determine and plan for future ICT and communications hardware, software and security requirements that will integrate existing and proposed information systems into a corporate-wide management information system; 
• Develops, implements, monitors and improves ICT and business service mechanisms, systems and processes that drive improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service delivery across the Department; 
• Advances and implements appropriate standards and procedures necessary to create the proper framework for ICT and business services development and maintenance, network configurations and effective interaction with end-users; 
• Engages and collaborates with Government entities, Private Sector organisations, suppliers, vendors and industry groups to ensure that businesses and customer objectives provide input used to define the ICT/business service management approach to optimise outcomes for the Department; 
• Collaborates with Line Directors/Managers to implement appropriate electronic records and information management systems that will support and secure the work of respective Divisions/Branches/Sections/Units of the Department; 
• Ensures compliance with all licensing requirements and other regulatory stipulations for Government ICT and cyberspace activities for the Department; 
• Emphasizes data communications in the design of future information systems; supporting more effective approaches to verbal and written communications that will link the Department to other entities as required. 

Procurement, Contracts and Project Management: 

• Plans, advances and secures approval for Procurement Plan and Budget for ICT and Business Services that will support operations for the year and/or other specified periods to enable continued upgrade and expansion of existing hardware and software to accommodate the growing information needs of the Department; 
• Works with the Director, Public Procurement to acquire/procure ICT and business service systems, tools, equipment and other resources in accordance with the requirements of the organization; 
• Engages in contract management and related negotiations with suppliers, vendors, service providers and consultants as necessary or required; 
• Selects and effectively applies project management tools and control techniques to all projects. 

Quality Management: 

• Ensures the quality and effectiveness of ICT Projects undertaken by the Department; Keeps up-to-date with ICT and business service best practices and trends, and advises the Postmaster General where adoption will add value to the current services delivered;
• Develops and implements a regular quality review and improvement process for the ICT Branch in accordance with relevant standards; 
• Seeks and responds to feedback and suggestions for improvement from the Department’s Management Team, Staff and external stakeholders on operational systems and processes to inform ICT and business service development regularly; 
• Ensures that issues and/or concerns of Divisions/Branches/Sections/Units are managed and/or escalated to the appropriate level within the Department; 
• Manages the development and roll-out of end-user training based on the needs identified for the Department’s officers and ensures appropriate action is taken to raise and maintain their skills that will aid in sustaining a high standard of agility and productive use of the various systems and tools. 

Promote professional external relationships: 

• Maintains and develops positive strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders; 
• Works proactively to resolve internal grievances and external complaints, concerns or conflict in a positive manner; 
• Engages in the development, nurturing and maintenance of effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to identify changes and new industry developments which can impact the Department’s operations and goals to inform ICT and business services development in the short, medium and long-term. 

Software Development and Database: 

• Directs staff in the development of Information System strategies in conjunction with business users; 
• Directs the creation, refinement and enforcement of structured processes for the design, development, testing and deployment of corporate information technology systems;
• Monitors and ensures that data standards are maintained; 
• Monitors the installation and programming modification of application software packages;
• Recommends strategies to achieve and maintain optimal efficiency and effectiveness;
• Monitors the negotiation and selection of vendors for the replacement/new IT solutions. 

Technical and Client Support: 

• Oversees the development and implementation of the Customer Charter;
• Oversees the development and implementation of the Standard Operation Policy and its related strategies, standards and guidelines; 
• Oversees the provision of client support and ensures that users receive prompt and efficient client support services. 

ICT Security Unit: 

• Oversees the development and implementation of best security solutions to secure ICT infrastructure; 
• Oversees the development and implementation of the Cyber Security Strategy and its related standards and guidelines. Oversees the investigation of computer security incidents and control mechanisms implemented; 
• Oversees the development and publication of security advisories, alerts and bulletins. 

Contribute positively to Department’s/Organizational culture: 

• Works in partnership with all members of staff to provide strong and accountable leadership; clearly articulating our values and standards; 
• Promotes and models Department’s Code of Conduct, Values and Professional Standards to all staff, clients, partners and external stakeholders; 
• Adheres to policies and procedures and management directives and ensures that issues and/or concerns of Departments/Units are managed and/or escalated to the appropriate level within the Department. 

Human Resource Management: 

• Manages the welfare and development of direct reports through the preparation of Performance Appraisals and recommendation of required training and development programmes; 
• Provides leadership to direct reports through effective objective setting, delegation, and communication processes; 
• Provides guidance to direct reports through coaching, mentoring and training; providing assistance and support as needed; 
• Ensures that direct reports are aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures and regulations which affect the Branch; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Branch; 
• Recommends and approves Vacation Leave for staff in keeping with established Human Resource policies;
• Recommends/administers disciplinary action in keeping with established Human Resource policies. 

Other: 

• Oversees the development and implementation of ICT-related courses;
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by Senior Director. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Integrity 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Customer and quality focus 
• Ability to use own initiative 
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Adaptability 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Goal/Result oriented 
• Compliance 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 

Functional/Technical: 

• Use of Technology 
• Technical skills 
• Managing external relationships 
• Methodical 
• People Management skills 
• Financial and business acumen 
• Analytical Thinking skills 
• Strategic Vision 
• Managing the client interface 
• Excellent leadership skills 
• Change Management 
• Excellent knowledge of network monitoring and analysis tools 
• Knowledge of current technological trends with respect to software development
• Knowledge of Network monitoring and analysis tools 
• Knowledge of current technological development tools especially database management
• Knowledge of formulating, developing and implementing document network security, backup procedures, disaster recovery plans and conducting systems analysis
• Knowledge of in-house platforms such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway (Forefront TMG) Fortigate Unified Threat Management (UTM) and Next Generation Firewalls (NGF), Windows 10 Professional and Windows Defender Antivirus 
• Knowledge of performing typical advanced server and network administration skills to include upgrades and maintenance of hardware, operating systems, LAN/WAN, DNS, TCPIP, DHCP and IIS support functions 
• Knowledge of installing, configuring and troubleshooting Windows Servers and active directory 
• Knowledge of the analysis and documentation of complex business processes
• Knowledge of relevant computer platforms and solutions 
• Knowledge of security risks, threats and vulnerabilities 
• Knowledge of Risk Assessment 
• Knowledge of the general operations of the machinery of Government
• Knowledge of the GoJ laws governing cyber security 
• Knowledge of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Standards 
• Knowledge of the Post Office Act (1941) 
• Knowledge of the Postal Industry and its operations 
• Knowledge of the Government/Department’s policies and procedures 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Business Administration or equivalent qualification; 
• Six to eight (6 - 8) years’ work experience with at least five (5) in a Senior Management position;
• Practical experience in the implementation of at least three (3) major computerized systems; 
• Experience in Government/Organizations, particularly in a regulatory or monitoring capacity, would be an asset; 
• Proven and advanced skills in Project Management; 
• Master’s Degree would be an asset. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• May be required to work long and unscheduled work hours to meet critical deadlines;
• A valid Driver’s Licence and ownership of a motor vehicle is required for this post.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.