PURPOSE OF ROLE
The Head of Information Technology is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, governance, security, and continuous improvement of all technology systems, infrastructure, and digital capabilities at Microfinance Bank. The role holder will serve as the bank\'s principal technology advisor, driving digital transformation initiatives, ensuring robust IT security and business continuity, and aligning technology investments with the bank\'s profitability and growth objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES A. IT STRATEGY & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
- Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the bank\'s business objectives, growth targets, and CBN IT standards.
- Lead the digital transformation agenda, evaluating and implementing emerging technologies such as mobile banking, USSD platforms, agency banking solutions, and API-based integrations.
- Advise the MD/CEO and Board on technology trends, investments, and digital opportunities relevant to the Nigerian microfinance sector.
- Drive the adoption of data analytics, business intelligence tools, and AI-enabled credit scoring solutions to improve decision-making and profitability.
- Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, reduce operational costs, and improve turnaround times through technology.
CORE BANKING & SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
- Oversee the management, optimisation, and upgrading of the bank\'s core banking application (e.g., Temenos T24, Oracle FLEXCUBE, Finacle, or equivalent).
- Ensure 99.5%+ systems uptime through proactive monitoring, preventive maintenance, and timely resolution of system incidents.
- Manage all third-party technology vendors, software providers, and system integrators, including SLA review and performance management.
- Oversee hardware and software procurement, asset lifecycle management, and technology refresh cycles.
- Manage the bank\'s IT infrastructure including servers, networking equipment, endpoints, data centre (or cloud environment), and communication systems.
CYBERSECURITY & DATA PROTECTION
- Develop and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, including threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
- Ensure compliance with the CBN Risk-Based Cybersecurity Framework and Guidelines for Deposit Money Banks and Payment Service Providers.
- Protect the bank\'s data assets through robust access controls, encryption, data loss prevention (DLP) measures, and regular security audits.
- Ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and all applicable data privacy regulations.
- Conduct regular IT security awareness training for all staff to minimise social engineering and phishing risks.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE & AUDIT SUPPORT
- Ensure full compliance with the CBN IT Standards Framework, Electronic Banking Guidelines, and all applicable regulatory circulars.
- Maintain up-to-date IT policies, procedures, and documentation as required by CBN, NDIC, and external auditors.
- Coordinate IT-related audit exercises, respond to audit findings, and implement approved remediation actions within agreed timelines.
- Ensure the bank\'s IT systems are audit-ready at all times and maintain complete, accurate IT asset and change management logs.
BUSINESS CONTINUITY & DISASTER RECOVERY
- Develop, maintain, and regularly test a comprehensive IT Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
- Ensure regular data backups, off-site replication, and recovery time objective (RTO) / recovery point objective (RPO) targets are met.
- Lead IT incident management, including escalation, communication, resolution, and postincident review processes.
IT TEAM LEADERSHIP & VENDOR MANAGEMENT
- Lead, develop, and mentor the IT team, building capability across systems administration, networking, application support, and cybersecurity.
- Manage IT departmental budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and value-for-money in all technology investments.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with technology vendors, internet service providers, and fintech partners.
- Establish and enforce IT governance frameworks including change management, IT service management (ITSM), and project management disciplines.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)
- IT systems availability / uptime (target: minimum 99.5%)
- Number of cybersecurity incidents and mean time to resolution (MTTR)
- Successful delivery of IT projects within approved budget and timeline
- Regulatory compliance score — zero material IT-related CBN infractions
- Core banking system performance and transaction processing accuracy
- IT cost-to-income ratio optimisation
- Successful BCP/DRP tests with documented results
- Staff IT satisfaction scores and helpdesk resolution turnaround
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A good first degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc IT, MBA with IT specialisation) or relevant professional certifications highly preferred.
- Relevant professional certifications including one or more of: CISSP, CISM, CISA, ITIL, PMP, AWS/Azure Cloud, or CBN-recognised IT qualifications.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in information technology, of which at least 4 years must be at managerial or senior IT leadership level.
- Demonstrable experience in a bank, microfinance institution, fintech company, or CBN regulated financial institution.
- Hands-on experience with core banking systems (Temenos, Oracle FLEXCUBE, Finacle, or similar) is mandatory.
- Proven track record in cybersecurity management, IT infrastructure management, and digital banking implementations.
- Strong understanding of the CBN IT Standards Framework, Nigeria Data Protection Act, and relevant regulatory guidelines.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic technology planning and digital transformation leadership
- Deep expertise in core banking systems and financial technology platforms
- Cybersecurity management and risk mitigation
- Project management and vendor management
- Analytical thinking with strong problem-solving capability
- Excellent communication skills — ability to translate complex technical concepts for nontechnical stakeholders
- High ethical standards, integrity, and data confidentiality consciousness
- Team leadership, mentoring, and people development skills
- Business continuity planning and crisis management
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal:
- MD — strategic alignment, executive reporting, and technology advisory
- Chief Finance Officer — IT budget management and financial system oversight
- Head of Operations — process automation and operational technology support
- Head of Risk & Compliance — cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory IT compliance
- All Departmental Heads — technology needs assessment and IT service delivery External:
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) — regulatory compliance and audit interactions
- Core banking system vendors and third-party technology service providers
- Fintech and digital payment partners
- Cybersecurity consultants and IT auditors
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