Deputy Director: Unified Communications at University of Limpopo

REQUIREMENTS  

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent NQF Level 7  qualification)  in   Information  Systems,  Computer Science, Educational Technology Digital Learning, or a related field .  
• At  least   8 years’ experience   in  ICT  infrastructure  and/or  communications platforms,  including   3 years in a middle management or senior technical lead role.  
• Extensive technical experience with a wide range of unified communications technologies, including VoIP (SIP, H.323), PBX systems, video conferencing, email (Google Workspace (Gmail) and MS 365 (Outlook)).    
• Deep understanding of   unified communications architecture, VoIP protocols (SIP, RTP), and cloud collaboration frameworks.  
• Knowledge of   AI applications in communication   and their ethical/legal implications.  
• Proficiency in   network infrastructure ,   QoS ,   security, and   traffic management   for UC environments.  
• Familiarity with   ITIL 4 ,   COBIT, and   ISO 27001   frameworks.  
• Demonstrated  experience  in  leading  and  managing  complex  ICT  projects, including  technology migration projects.  
• Experience in managing budgets, procuring services, and negotiating with vendors and suppliers.     

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Manage and drive the University’s Unified Communications (UC) capability, transitioning from legacy telephony to fully integrated digital collaboration platforms.  
• Plan,  implement,  and  manage   enterprise - wide  Unified  Communications solutions,  including  IP voice, video conferencing, messaging, collaboration tools, and mobility platforms.  
• Oversee operational and relationship management of the Access Point Name (APN) and mobile data bundles provisioning for staff and students respectively.    
• Lead  the adoption and  optimisation  of   cloud - based  and  hybrid  UC  platforms(UCaaS)   to support flexible, scalable, and resilient communication services.  
• Oversee   the   operational   management,   performance,   availability,   and security   of   all   unified communication systems, ensuring high service reliability and user satisfaction.  
• Drive  the  integration  of  UC  platforms  with  other  enterprise  systems,learning  technologies,  and digital workflows across teaching, learning, research, and administration.  
• Lead  the  responsible  adoption  of   AI - enabled  communication  technologies, including  intelligent assistants,  transcription,  translation, and  analytics,  while  ensuring  compliance with ethical,  legal,and data protection requirements (e.g. POPIA).  
• Establish    and    enforce   governance,    standards,    policies,    and service levels   for    Unified Communications in alignment with ITIL 4, cybersecurity, and ICT governance frameworks.  
• Provide   leadership  and  management   of  technical  teams  responsible  for Unified  Communications services, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.  
• Manage   vendor and service provider relationships, including contract management,performance monitoring, and cost optimisation.  
• Collaborate with academic and administrative stakeholders to understand communication needs, drive adoption, and enhance the   digital collaboration experience   across the University.  
• Contribute  to  the  broader   Digital  Transformation  Strategy   by  enabling  modern,  inclusive,  and intelligent communication and collaboration capabilities.