Job Responsibilities

Financial

• Lead the strategy, implementation and ongoing operation of different infrastructure layers (including Data Centre, Network, Database, Storage, Platforms, Collaboration and Data Protection solutions), keep the bank systems available, stable and with high performance.
• Participate in the development of the IT strategy in line with Business strategy to ensure vertical and horizontal integration with other interfacing initiatives and departments across the bank.
• Communicate effectively at all levels of the bank organization, to explain complex technical issues in business terms and to explain business needs to technical people to ensure alignment across all.
• Contribute to the preparation of the IT budget and Manage annual OpEx and CapEx Infrastructure portfolio budgets, and keep track of the expenses, and conduct quarter reviews to optimize cost efficiency and cost control.

Customer

• Review and approve all changes requested in the Change Advisory Board to keep a controlled and auditable change management process.
• Manage the effective achievement of Infrastructure department objectives by setting individual targets, developing and motivating staff, providing of formal and informal feedback and appraisal in order to maximize subordinate and department performance
• Participate, contribute and oversee IT and Business projects from Infrastructure & Network perspectives to ensure deliverables are fulfilled and according to defined KPIs such as Time, Quality and Cost.
• Work with vendors to get updated with technology roadmaps, market trends and new products to optimize the ROI/TCO of new and current implementations.
• Participate in the development of the IT policies, processes and procedures to ensure all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled.
• Ensure awareness of Corporate and Operational risks that might impact IT Infrastructure Services and direct different teams to promptly report and mitigate any identified risks.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant CBK regulations, banking laws, AML regulations and internal Bank policies and code of conduct in order to maintain Bank’s sound legal position and mitigate any potential risks

Internal Business Process

• Manage the day-to-day operations of department providing guidance, encouraging teamwork and facilitating related professional work processes in order to achieve high performance standards
• Liaise with internal and external parties at the appropriate levels to ensure smooth flow of interactions
• Establishing of good coaching and mentoring practices, providing guidance and encouraging teamwork and engagement.
• Ensure high skill levels for all the technical teams, actively encourage a learning culture, ensuring appropriate training is in place to ensure the competency of the team.
• Ensure professional work environment in order to achieve commitment, discipline and with high morale.

Functional responsibilities

• Get Involved in the analysis of plans, designs and implementations of Infrastructure & network projects in accordance with Bank’s requirements.
• Reviews IT infrastructure & Network policies regularly to ensure compliance with guidelines
• Participate in building a network and infrastructure architectural framework that is applicable throughout the organization.
• Evaluation and selection of new networking technology to support new products and services for the Bank.
• Supports in the supervision the work of personnel and /or contractors assigned to the department, in terms of network equipment and software installation, systems support and maintenance and organizes prompt network support by assigning the available technical resources while exercising quality assurance functions
• Analyze, develop, and propose strategies that will help the organization be more effective, competitive, or otherwise achieve its goals
• Primary technical on - call resource for hosting operations infrastructure.
• Ensure completion of controlled upgrades / fixes to the infrastructure
• Review and make recommendations for improvements to current infrastructure and solutions
• Serve as a technical consultant on internal IT projects to ensure technology strategy and standard
• Develop, Maintain and Review SLA’s with external vendors that provide the Bank with solutions and ensure that they can deliver the SLA the Bank has agreed with.

Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology/Computer Science/ Telecommunications
• Master’s degree would be an added advantage.
• Minimum 8 years in IT Infrastructure, Storage or Networks/Communications management
• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role with a financial institution
• Proven working technical expertise in system design, support or solution architecture
• Proven achievement history in relevant mega Infrastructure optimization and IT modernization projects
• Training and certification in IT Service Management e.g., ITIL, Enterprise Operating System administration e.g. MCSE, Network related certification e.g. CCNA, Security related Certification etc.
• Project Management Skills -PRINCE2, PMP is an added value