Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Chief Information Officer who will lead the development of the Information Technology (IT) strategy with overall ownership for the development and delivery of IT services to meet business needs. This position is on a five-year contract that is renewable based on performance and is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Translate business strategy into technology strategy.
• Develop and maintain the IT strategy.
• Lead and manage the IT functions.
• Take ownership of all IT services and maintenance of existing IT systems.
• Manage the IT-business relationship.
• Represent technology in business discussions and ensure necessary technology capabilities needed by business are developed.
• Drive smarter technology investments in the organization.
• Create a culture of performance and value in technology services.
• Shape the IT organization in terms of structure, roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure effective management of risks and compliance.
• Develop and manage the ICT Strategy and Security department budget.
• Ensure cost effective service delivery.
• Comply with financial legislative requirements

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, information technology or industry application with at least fifteen years’ of management experience, of which, seven years is in service development or operations and five years is in business interfacing role.
• A Master’s degree in business management would be advantageous.
• Strong proven knowledge of core IT (Infrastructure, Applications), business processes and technology supplier community.
• Ability to translate business vision into IT vision, objectives, and programs.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Proven experience in managing digital transformations and implementing digital enablement strategies.
• Knowledge of and competence in the provision of ICT Strategy services including:
• Knowledge of components of a holistic Enterprise Architecture
• Ability to translate business needs into Enterprise Architecture requirements
• Knowledge of international information security standards
• Technical knowledge of the agile software development lifecycle, data management related ICT infrastructures and standards in the data sciences related disciplines
• Ability to contrast the design options’ benefits and provide a recommendation
• Creativity and innovation with the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to balance the long-term and short-term implications of individual decisions.
• Ability to remain neutral towards technology, vendor, and product choices, as well as to be more interested in results than in personal preferences.
• Solid experience, knowledge of project portfolio management, associated methodologies, and application thereof.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement processes, process control and enhancement.
• Financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
• People management and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and presentation skills.

Must be in possession of a Security clearance certificate or be prepared to undergo clearance

Closing date: 14 July 2023