ROLE PURPOSE  

The Head of IT will provide strategic and operational leadership of the Bank’s technology function, ensuring the availability, security and effectiveness of IT infrastructure, systems and business applications. The role will lead technology strategy, projects, cybersecurity, IT risk, service delivery, vendor management and team development in line with the Bank’s business objectives and regulatory requirements. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

Technology Leadership

• Develop and implement the Bank’s IT strategy in line with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provide strategic direction on technology investments, emerging technologies and digital opportunities.
• Evaluate technology trends and recommend solutions that improve productivity, customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain IT policies, standards and governance frameworks.
• Ensure technology initiatives are aligned with the Bank’s strategic priorities and risk appetite.

IT Operations & Service Availability

• Ensure availability, reliability and accessibility of business applications, IT infrastructure and digital channels.
• Oversee IT service delivery and ensure support requests are resolved within agreed turnaround times.
• Monitor system performance and minimize unplanned downtime and service disruptions.
• Ensure effective incident management and timely restoration of services in line with agreed Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs).
• Oversee the management of servers, networks, storage, applications and other critical IT infrastructure.

Project & Change Management

• Lead the planning, implementation and management of IT projects and technology initiatives.
• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed scope, timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate the integration and deployment of new systems and technology solutions.
• Monitor project progress and address risks, dependencies and implementation challenges.
• Ensure project outcomes meet defined business and technical requirements.

Risk, Cybersecurity & Business Continuity

• Oversee IT risk management and cybersecurity controls to safeguard the Bank’s systems, data and digital assets.
• Ensure appropriate access controls, security monitoring, encryption and other cybersecurity measures are implemented.
• Maintain and regularly test the Bank’s Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity arrangements.
• Ensure appropriate backup, restoration and recovery processes are in place.
• Coordinate the timely resolution and closure of IT-related audit and risk findings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, IT policies and control standards.

Cost & Vendor Management

• Develop and submit the annual IT budget in line with the Bank’s strategy and operational requirements.
• Monitor IT expenditure and ensure effective utilization of technology resources.
• Manage relationships with IT service providers and technology vendors.
• Negotiate vendor contracts and service agreements to achieve value for money.
• Monitor vendor performance against agreed service levels and contractual obligations.

Team Management

• Lead, coach and develop the IT team to deliver effective technology services.
• Ensure the IT function has the required skills, capacity and capabilities to support the Bank’s needs.
• Set clear performance expectations and monitor delivery against agreed objectives.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and development of IT talent.
• Promote continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the IT function.

MEASURABLE OUTCOME

• System Availability: Maintain critical IT systems and business applications at a minimum 99% availability.
• Service Delivery: Achieve agreed turnaround times for IT service requests and support tickets.
• Project Delivery: Deliver approved IT projects within agreed scope, timelines and budgets.
• Cybersecurity & Risk: Ensure timely closure of IT risk, audit and cybersecurity findings.
• Disaster Recovery: Complete scheduled Disaster Recovery tests and address identified gaps within agreed timelines.
• Budget Management: Deliver IT activities within the approved annual budget.
• Vendor Performance: Maintain agreed service levels across key IT service providers.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Technology Leadership
• Communication 
• Cybersecurity
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Analytical Thinking

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or a related field.
• Professional certification in IT governance, cybersecurity or information security such as CISM, CISA or CISSP is an added advantage.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in IT, including significant experience in a senior IT leadership role, preferably within banking or financial services.
• Experience developing and implementing IT strategies within a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, networks, servers, storage, applications and information security.
• Good understanding of banking technology, cybersecurity practices, IT governance and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing IT projects, vendors, budgets and technology-related risks.