Information Technology & Networks Officer at The Admiralty University of Nigeria

Job Type: Senior Managerial/ Administrative and Support Staff

Overall Purpose

• The post holder will be responsible for the leadership, vision and strategic direction of the University’s Information Technology department.
• In addition, they will be accountable for the teams responsible for the development, provision, deployment and security of the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, enterprise applications, learning technologies, and web and business systems.
• The University is currently making significant investment in infrastructure and systems with a major IT component, and the Head’s leadership and collaboration will be critical to their successful delivery.
• These include a new HR and Payroll system, and a new student record system to be commissioned in the context of a programme of Modernising our Student Information.

Working closely with members of the Senior Management Team, the post holder will ensure:

• Development and delivery of a compelling IT and digital vision for the University.
• Support for learning and teaching excellence, through the ongoing development of an integrated virtual learning and student communication environment, technology-enabled learning spaces, and promotion and development of digital literacy.
• Support for outstanding research and enterprise, through the ongoing development of an integrated research support and communication environment.
• Robust, easy-to-use, accessible, cost-effective, integrated standards-based ICT solutions that are customer-oriented and responsive to the expectations of key users and stakeholders across a large, diverse population.
• Continuous enhancement of user experience through digital delivery of and mobile access to services in an increasingly 24/7 environment.
• Clear policies, efficient business processes and demonstrable good practice.

Principal Responsibilities

• To play a leading role in developing and delivering the University’s strategic IT and digital vision.
• To lead the University’s systems and technological strategic planning processes to ensure effective development and utilisation of the ICT infrastructure, client-driven enterprise applications, learning technologies, web and business systems.
• To lead and manage the staff in the IT Department effectively, promoting change, innovation and improvement in line with University values.
• To create a work environment conducive to collaboration and teamwork, developing an integrated IT workforce strategy to ensure the IT function has the breadth and depth of skills and expertise to meet its commitments and can evolve skills and expertise to meet future demands.
• To lead the delivery of high-quality IT and digital services to students and staff, and ensure that the University is investing in appropriate IT and system development and achieving value for money, and that the associated institutional risk is managed effectively.
• To work collaboratively and communicate effectively with all areas of the University, including the owners of major corporate systems, seeking and acting on feedback to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services.
• To lead and manage the University’s technical infrastructure including data and telecommunications networks, technical resources, data centres, IT architecture, client driven enterprise and business applications, learning technologies, web and intranet provision.
• To identify, evaluate and inform the University on new and emerging technologies and opportunities, and advise on their applicability to the University environment.
• To define, at a strategic level, the requirements for new developments and solutions, implement agreed project management arrangements and oversee the project portfolio for the Department.
• To ensure that all IT systems are well designed and appropriately scaled whilst maintaining a secure and stable computing environment which maximises system availability and performance.
• To identify emerging threats to the University and ensure that IT security is managed effectively, including the provision of a robust IT disaster recovery and business continuity plan.
• To ensure that the University’s information systems comply with relevant national privacy and accepted use regulations.
• To ensure that all technology related policies and procedures, including data security policies standards and procedures reflect best practice and are implemented and adhered to.
• To contribute and to take the lead where appropriate on wider University projects, polices and working groups as appropriate.
• To represent the University at relevant stakeholder groups, local and national committees as appropriate.
• To model the leadership and management behaviours of the University.

Further Information

• Accountability In undertaking these responsibilities the postholder will clearly be able to delegate specific functions, but not accountability for them, to other individuals.
• Hours: This is a full time post. The nature of the post is such that the postholder will be expected to work flexibly and for such reasonable hours (minimum 40) as are necessary in order to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the post.
• Leave: 25 days per annum.

Person Specification (Experience & Knowledge)
The successful candidate will need to provide evidence of outstanding professional knowledge and progressive leadership including:

Qualifications:

• First degree level or equivalent
• A good degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Sciences or a related field is desirable
• A recognised management or post-graduate qualification is desirable

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• Significant experience of leading Information Technology at a senior level within an organisation
• Experienced manager of staff with proven skill in leading change and improvement in an IT or information Services setting or equivalent, including engaging and motivating staff, leading effective communication and developing strong partnerships
• Proven experience of using systems and technology innovation to undertake radical business process re-engineering across a large complex organisation
• Successful track record in leading and developing teams and individuals and in improving and maintaining high standards of professional practice
• A record of innovation and success in providing IT services and resources aligned with institutional goals
• A record of effectively managing financial resources in a complex IT and digital environment
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to present concise and compelling written and oral communications in both formal and informal settings
• Ability to interpret and analyse organisational needs and to align IT resources to deliver positive outcomes
• Personal qualities of determination, perseverance and resilience
• Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development for self and others

Desired:

• Experience in higher education, and understanding of the principles of academic teaching, learning and research
• Familiarity with the specific challenges of providing IT services in an academic environment

As well as the core requirements set out above the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate an ethos and approach to the leadership and management aspects of the role that include:

Leadership and Management:

• Leads based on sound personal and organisational values
• Leads and manages with creative positive approaches that are sensitive to the University’s culture
• Builds consensus, enhances collaboration and fosters teamwork
• Holds self and others accountable

Thinking strategically:

• Articulates a strategic vision to inspire action in others
• Ensures alignment with institutional strategy and goals
• Considers information from broad sources outside of the University

Driving change:

• Promotes and actively drives change at the organisational level, serving as a champion of new ideas and approaches
• Leads thinking about the expanding role of the digital infrastructure
• Actively works to extend the purpose and impact of the digital infrastructure
• Takes initiative to ensure the future success of IT services
• Drives toward operational efficiencies in practices and processes

Communicating:

• Formulates a positive vision that inspires others to act
• Demonstrates excellent communication, presentation, networking, listening, interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Shapes and disseminates key organisational messages to staff and colleagues internally and externally ensuring understanding

Influencing:

• Builds relationships with key players both internally and externally in order to gain support
• Develops compelling and articulate proposals and clearly explains them
• Demonstrates excellent presentation and persuasion skills

Developing talent:

• Commits to developing leadership capacities in self and others
• Develops goals for staff that identify professional development needs and supports their ongoing growth and success
• Provides clear direction in a way that motivates and empowers others

Collaborating:

• Adapts leadership style to varying team environments
• Works with staff (internal and external) in a collegiate manner
• Enhances collaboration with others to find mutual benefits
• Plays a significant role in groups across HE and other relevant sectors

Planning and Organising:

• Establishes effective planning and organisational systems within IT and information services
• Anticipates changing needs within a constantly evolving environment and identifies timely responses

Finding solutions:

• Fosters innovation supported by an evidence-based culture of assessment
• Considers large amounts of complex information quickly and identifies key issues
• Looks frequently to best practices and solutions developed elsewhere
• Encourages experimentation and risk-taking while realising that not every initiative might succeed

Delivering services:

• Focuses keenly on customer needs, seeking and acting on feedback
• Empowers others to deliver excellent service through motivation, development, effective processes and excellent infrastructure

Decision making:

• Ensures decisions are made in a timely manner with appropriate consultation and according to agreed policies and strategies