JOB TITLE: Information Systems and Technology Manager
TEAM/PROGRAMME: Operations Team
PRIMARY LOCATION:
Abuja, Nigeria, with frequent travel to the field
GRADE: 2
POST TYPE:
National
Child Safeguarding
Level 3. The responsibilities of this post may require the post holder to have regular contact with children and young people. In the overseas context, all posts are considered to be level 3.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) Manager will lead and manage the IS&T and communications functions and responsibilities. As a member of the Country Office team, the IS&T Support Manager will support the Country Office on the best use of Save the Children’s resources. The IS&T Manager will establish, develop and maintain effective and secure IT and communications applications, equipment, systems, and networks as required by the Country Programme. The post-holder will ensure that the programme’s Information Technology (IT) and Communications systems are optimised in support of overall organisational goals, represent the best value for money, and are aligned with global standards and best practice.
The candidate must demonstrate a background supporting and delivering Information Technology services leveraging a wide array of field technologies preferably in a non-profit environment. The candidate must also have a deep understanding of System and Network principles as they pertain to modern Cloud and On-Premise environments.
The successful candidate will work with programme sections to build and adopt scalable, sustainable, and demand-driven technological solutions that address development challenges and accelerate results for children.
The IS&T Manager is a member of the Extended Senior Management Team (ESMT) and contributes to ensuring that Save the Children’s commitment to improving quality and accountability in humanitarian work is upheld, through reference to Save the Children Quality Standards and the NGO Code of Conduct, and endeavours to implement sustainable systems and transfer knowledge and skills to existing staff.
SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: Director of Programme Operations
Staff directly reporting to this post: Three (2)
Staff that technically report to this post: Four (4)
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Strategy Planning and Capacity Building
Lead on the IT section during programme design and proposal writing.
Ensure alignment of the IS&T strategy with the country strategic plans
Periodically (yearly at minimum) assess IT needs and advise management on the impact on programme delivery.
Examine project budget and provide reasonable costed allocation plan to senior management.
Monthly report of IS&T Performance to Director of Operations and SMT.
Ensure the IS&T unit’s Strategic Alignment, Value Delivery, Risk Management, Resource and Performance Management as per SCI set quality standards.
Assist in defining the Annual IT Budget.
Evaluate IT equipment and plan/recommend network extensions/upgrades for future needs, take initiatives to adopt economical solutions/services, best practices to save SCI resources.
Maintain close contact with SCI Africa Regional Office, SCI Global Headquarters IT Management, and provide regular updates on IT status, technology planning, and monitoring.
Effectively develop, communicate and interpret policies.
Develop and roll out user training programs
Evaluate, implement and communicate technical requirements and support strategies...
Supervise and Manage (Technically and/or Operationally) all IS&T staff across the program
Telecommunications and Connectivity:
Ensures functional VoIP and communication needs of all staff as applicable.
Oversee installation of telecommunication facilities like the setup and use of, wireless networks, VSATs, telephone systems/mobile telecommunication units like BGANs, and satellite phones.
Act as the focal point for the in-country management of global communications services (i.e. VSAT and Portable Sat-comms).
Ensure that the most stable, effective, and efficient e-mail and Internet system is maintained at the supported office locations, including liaising with head office staff on all matters relating to Internet bandwidth management.
Establish internet connectivity to all sites which comply with SCI global connectivity standards
Develop a legally compliant voice and data communications plan consisting of satellite, VHF radio, HF Radio, and other technologies as required. The communications plan must also comply with SCI Global Safety / Security standards and comply with SCI technical standards.
Oversee the efficient and safe deployment of communications technology.
Local Area Network (LAN) Management:
Support and maintain the entire local area network installed at the supported office locations, including:
Ensuring that physical arrangements/infrastructure of the network system (including any servers where they exist) remain fully functional.
Monitoring overall network performance and troubleshooting any issues.
Hardware Support:
Coordinate the deployment of field technology (Wireless network, computers, and other technologies)
Design infrastructure for all offices which are saleable and complies with SCI technical standards.
Design physical security into infrastructure plans.
Enforce security and QoS policies across all networks.
Promote centralized ICT peripheral services such as printing and scanning where applicable.
Set up documentation of the network.
Software support:
Ensure that the Country Programme is fully legally compliant for all its software licenses, maintaining accurate records, and scheduling any appropriate renewals and additions.
Proactively understand staff software needs and recommend the purchase of software in line with organizational standards that will improve staff effectiveness or infrastructure with clear cost analysis.
Energy and Power Distribution:
Ensure all power circuits are correctly grounded, in good repair, and safe.
Work with Admin unit and other team members to assess and design power provision for safe operation.
Ensure that surge and lightning protection is used where needed.
Maintain circuit documentation where applicable.
Procurement Management:
Investigate and evaluate the best value and quality suppliers for all IT and communications equipment on an ongoing basis, in line with the global procurement policy. This will include preparing tenders, etc. where necessary.
Recommend purchase of new and replacement/upgraded hardware that will improve staff effectiveness or office infrastructure with clear cost analysis.
Work closely with senior management/budget holders to anticipate and appraise future IT-related purchasing needs.
Promote the utilization of existing international framework agreements.
Provide technical oversight to any local technology procurement, including attention to value for money, genuine products, and compatibility.
Liaise with the logistics and admin teams to ensure that all assets and GIK are tracked.
Relationship Management:
Manage the business relationship and service agreements/contracts with any maintenance/service providers, etc., including continuous monitoring of performance and value for money.
Project Management:
Coordinate and manage all IS&T projects across the country program.
Service Management:
Overall responsibility of the IT Service desk ensuring adherence to SLAs and OLAs.
Contribute to and/or coordinate the development of ITSM deliverables such as current state assessment reports, future state designs, requirements documents, IT process flows, operational procedures, training plans, etc.
Promote a DIY (do-it-yourself) culture by ensuring appropriate IT support documentation is produced, updated, and stored appropriately, so it can be easily referenced by staff and/or the IT department.
Ensures the IS&T support needs of the county programme are adequately met.
Technology for Development (T4D):
Develop and deliver training on T4D and Business Process Automation (BPA) initiatives for staff.
Collaborate with the Business Development Unit and Operations in innovating T4D solutions to strengthen proposal development.
Work with the Operations unit and Field staff in leveraging Technology to amplify program impact.
Create awareness and enhance capacity within Nigeria Country Office on the appropriate use of frontier Information Communication Technology (ICT) for development such as sensors, mobile money, blockchain, Internet of (good) Things, etc.
Provide support in partnership development with local and international solution providers, innovators, NGOs, and organizations to create networks that nurture and test new and innovative ICTs.
Provide technical and operational support to a wide range of stakeholders and partners on SCI policies, practices, standards, and norms on technology for development.
Ensure documentation and support monitoring, evaluation, and Learning mechanisms for projects including baseline data collection, ongoing monitoring, as well as first phase data collection and analysis.
Contribute and share to countrywide, regional, and global digital development and technology innovation networks and activities.
Works with SCI Global and Regional Office IS security analysts to ensure the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of organizational Assets.
Lead, design, and Coordinate Information Security Awareness initiatives across the country programme.
Lead the Data Privacy / Protection initiatives at the Nigeria Country Office level.
Advanced knowledge in security threat intelligence gathering from various security tools such as (Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Security Analytics).
Assessing incident reports, developing and implementing crisis communication plans.
Implements procedures and methods of auditing in preparation for external regulatory audits.
Information Security / Data Privacy and Protection:
Ensure compliance with data protection and security standards.
Incident Management:
Ensure that all technical support requirements are delivered following set and agreed timescales.
Periodically reviews and operationalizes the IT incident response plans.
Conducts necessary risk assessments, Impact Assessments and design appropriate risk treatments/remediation plans.
Develop, implement, document, and communicate a suitable data backup schedule based on the importance of key business data and applications (including servers where these exist) in line with organizational standards; also instruct users on how to perform individual data backups.
Establish, maintain and document a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in discussion with senior management, including mitigation and recovery measures to minimize the risks and reduce the time offline in these circumstances, in line with organizational standards.
Report any alleged or suspected misuse of IT systems/equipment, lapses of security, and major violations of organizational standards to senior in-country management, and provide support as directed to any resulting investigation, such as obtaining evidence, suspending access privileges, etc.
Information Management and Backup:
Promote the use of the Nigeria Country Office Intranet page and SCI standard document management systems (OneNet and other SCI standard applications) to all staff.
Ensure that backup processes are in place and that data is always kept secure.
Policies, Standards, Procedure, and User Training:
Develop and implement local policies/standards, procedures, and initiatives in line with organizational baseline standards for information and IT asset security for overseas offices.
Design an induction into general office IT and communications procedures and practices for staff members, including all new starters, in the proper use of hardware such as the BGAN, software (e.g. MS Teams), etc.
Assess user IT and communications training and education needs across the programme and design and deliver a comprehensive in-house training plan to meet requirements, including providing management with information on how these needs might best be met e.g., identifying suitable external opportunities for training.
Monitoring local network statistics and identifying users who might need training in IT.
Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development:
Supervise and manage IT staff; define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly.
Ensure the recruitment, training, and promotion of staff as appropriate and ensure availability of appropriate professional development opportunities for staff.
Assign areas of work, ensure team members have clear priorities and resources to accomplish objectives.
Incorporate staff development strategies and Performance Management Systems into the team-building process.
Manage the performance of all IT staff to ensure staff optimize their potential in pursuit of Save the Children’s objectives through:
Documentation of staff performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ work plans.
Maintain high morale and motivate team members.
Hire, and retain talented staff by creating a rewarding team environment.
Provide remote management to a team of 4 to 5 IS&T employees located in different states/sites.
Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measurable objectives, on-going feedback, periodic reviews, and fair and unbiased evaluations.
Coaching, mentoring, and other developmental opportunities.
Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance.
Safeguarding:
Support in ensuring that all SCI IT assets and tools are used in line with Save the Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
Ensure that SCI Safeguarding policy is upheld at all times and guide teams on the safe use of data and IT.
General:
Comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures concerning child protection, health and safety, equal opportunities, and other relevant policies.
Ensure that all IT and Comms equipment purchased complies with SCI global standards.
Undertake regular visits to supported field sub-office locations to support and monitor the use of IT systems and equipment.
Working Contacts:
Internal: All staff in-country programme, Africa Region Business Solutions Manager, IT colleagues in other country programmes in the region, SCI Headquarters IS&T Team, SCI Data Protection Team, SCI Information Security Team.
External: Suppliers of services and products (hardware, software, services, Internet service providers, telecommunications, etc.) as necessary. Other Save the Children Alliance colleagues as appropriate
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)
Accountability:
Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modeling Save the Children values.
Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance, and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
Ambition:
Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their personal development, and encourages others to do the same.
Widely shares their vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others.
Future-orientated & thinks strategically.
Collaboration:
Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members, and external partners and supporters.
Values diversity sees it as a source of competitive strength.
Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to
Creativity:
Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.
Willing to take disciplined risks.
Integrity:
Honest, encourages openness and transparency.
commitment to Save the Children Values
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
GENERAL:
Master’s degree in any Information Technology, Business Administration, Engineering, or related program at a recognized educational institution.
ITIL certification is a must (at least foundation level).
Relevant certifications and training in Information Technology (i.e., Microsoft, Cisco, Fortigate, CompTIA, ISC, ISACA, etc)
At least 7 years’ experience across the different IS&T domains including Hardware, Software, Systems/Process, Information Security, IT Governance (Risk, Value, Strategy), Data Protection/Privacy, and Service Management.
Prior team lead, supervisory, or management experience preferred (NGO experience a plus).
Able to liaise effectively with business owners / Program Managers (technical and non-technical) and other stakeholder groups (Internal and External)
IS&T Budget development and cost allocation plan experience would be an asset.
Ability to work independently to a high professional standard.
Sensitive to the cultural & political environment.
Prepared to work and live in challenging surroundings.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Commitment to Save the Children values.
PROCESS:
Good grasp and experience in core IT processes, such as asset management, change management, etc.
Understanding of quality and compliance metrics and KPI’s
Substantial experience in securing organisational ICT resources from internal and external threats in the emergency environment and normal situation.
Experience dealing with day-to-day technical support and administration of JIRA.
Familiarity with data analytics tools would be considered an asset.
PEOPLE:
Experience facilitating requests and tasks across technical teams, third-party vendors, and internal customers.
Excellent relationship skills for dealing with customers, vendors, and management.
Able to produce meaningful and accurate reports in tools like Excel, Power BI, or other reporting suites.
Must demonstrate knowledge in resolving and troubleshooting basic and common IT issues remotely.
Willingness and ability to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies.
Previous experience in managing and developing a team and the ability to motivate and develop others.
TECHNOLOGY:
Must demonstrate knowledge in user administration, Microsoft Office suite support, Windows Client OS, Windows Server, MS SharePoint Experience (SharePoint list, Power Automate, etc), Power BI, and data collection tools (ODK, Kobo, ONA, PowerApps) a plus.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the configuration and administration of Microsoft Windows Server Operating Systems
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Microsoft Windows Domain and Active Directory environments.
Thorough understanding of networking fundamentals (DHCP, DNS, VLANs, TCP/IP, VPNs, WLANs, Firewalls, etc.)
Basic knowledge of systems scripting and database skills (e.g. Windows PowerShell, Oracle PL SQL, MS SQL, etc.) essential.
Knowledge and experience in designing Management Information Systems and Field Technology.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience supporting Microsoft Office 365 preferred.
Familiarity with Microsoft Azure Cloud-hosting environments preferred.
Experience with Systems Management applications related to Software and Patch distribution managed AV, and email security preferred.