About the Role

We are looking for a seasoned IT manager to establish and maintain relationships with IT vendors and service providers, negotiate contracts, and ensure services are delivered as per agreed terms. The IT manager will also manage IT inventory, and implement best practices for IT infrastructure utilization and maintenance, while developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies, conduct risk assessments, ensure compliance, and educate employees on cybersecurity protocols. Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are needed for success in this role. Reporting to the Financial Controller, he or she will be responsible for managing our IT infrastructure and security.  

Roles & Responsibilities

You will Lead IT Operations Management:

Oversee day-to-day IT operations across the Kenya and Rwanda offices.

Ensure prompt and effective resolution of IT support tickets.

Monitor system performance to minimize downtime and address issues swiftly.

Coordinate with local IT teams or consultants for smooth and consistent operations.

Onboard reliable ISPs at all office locations, ensuring redundancy links and maintaining over 95% uptime.

Manage user provisioning and training on how to use various systems in use at BasiGo. Provisioning will include onboarding and offboarding users, managing access rights, and scheduling system audits to ensure system users and user rights are up to date. 

You will Manage Systems Design and Implementation:

Working closely with the software engineering team, manage system architecture at BasiGo, and optimize system compatibility and interoperability.

Design and implement IT systems that support business operations in both regions and ensure proper documentation of system development and functionality.

Ensure systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with the company's growth plans.

Regularly review and update systems to meet evolving business needs and technological advancements.

Design and manage effective system change management processes to ensure change requests are properly reviewed, approved, and implemented to plan. 

Design and manage system backup and recovery efforts.

You will Enforce IT Policies and Compliance:

Develop, implement, and enforce IT policies and procedures.

Conduct regular IT audits to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

Stay updated on relevant laws and regulations to maintain compliance of the company's IT infrastructure.

You will Supervise Vendor and Service Providers:

Establish and maintain relationships with IT vendors and service providers.

Negotiate contracts to ensure services are delivered as per agreed terms.

Evaluate and select new vendors as needed to support IT operations.

Asset Management:

Oversee all IT assets, including physical, virtual, and cloud resources.

Ensure proper IT inventory management and asset tracking.

Implement best practices for asset utilization and maintenance.

Monitor BasiGo IT costs and seek ways to continuously improve IT cost efficiency for the business.

Cybersecurity Management:

Develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and protocols.

Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability testing to identify and mitigate potential threats.

Ensure compliance with cybersecurity best practices and regulatory requirements.

Educate and train employees on cybersecurity awareness and protocols.

Respond promptly to security incidents and breaches, conducting thorough investigations and implementing corrective actions.

You will Manage Security and Data Protection:

Implement robust security measures to protect company data and systems.

Regularly review and update security protocols to address emerging threats.

Ensure data protection policies are in place and adhered to by all employees.

The Ideal Candidate:

Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT management, preferably with multinational exposure.

Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, systems, and cloud technologies.

Proven track record of designing and implementing IT systems.

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Strong leadership and team management abilities & effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience with IT audits and compliance requirements.

In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices.

In-depth knowledge of IT systems, networks, and cloud computing.

Proficiency in managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.

Expertise in implementing and maintaining IT security and cybersecurity measures.

Knowledge of cybersecurity threats, risk management, and mitigation strategies.

Cross-functional and project management experience, and ability to partner with multiple stakeholders to navigate complex problems.

Ethical behavior & Strong communication and analytical skills.

Bonus Points for:

Experience working with a technology product or brand in the areas of fintech, auto, or electric mobility.

A proactive approach to work, the ability to handle multiple tasks, and to maintain a high-quality standard when working under time pressure.

Excited to learn & not scared of asking questions.

A self-starter who can both manage resources and roll up sleeves to execute projects from start to finish.

Passion for impacting climate change and air pollution in Africa, eager to tell the story of a sustainable revolution in Africa’s transport sector.