Director: Information & Communication Technologies at University of Fort Hare

Minimum Requirements: 

• A Master’s degree in IT/Information Systems/Computer Science/ Computer Engineering.
• An additional business management qualification such as an MBA.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director: Infrastructure and Technology, you will:

• Be tasked with digital transformation and ICT strategy in alignment with institutional strategic and operational goals.
• Be at the forefront of ensuring the transition to digitalised platforms and tools for Teaching, Learning, Research, Administration and Operations, as well as ITC governance and compliance in the context of digital transformation implementation and monitoring cost and operational efficacy.
• Ensure focus on Application Development/ERP deployment from inception to completion.
• Implement and manage major ICT interventions.
• Have knowledge of a wide range of big data technologies and the ability to stay up to date with the latest software and hardware available for the benefit of the institution.

Key Performance Areas:

KPA 1) Direct ICT for the University of Fort Hare:

• Play a key role in shaping the strategic direction for digitised ICT of the institution.
• Govern the implementation of policies & strategies agreed by Council / Senate.
• Promote the institution’s reputational profile through networks & partnerships.
• Provide oversight, leadership & guidance to units under area of responsibility.
• Play a key role in executive/governance committee.
• Direct the leadership resources as per structure.
• Monitor the achievement of the unit’s strategic plan achievement.

 KPA 2) Medium to Long- term ICT Conceptualisation & Visioning

• Formulate & review ICT strategies aligned with vision & mission.
• Approve implementation of structures, resources & systems for the operation of the portfolio of ICT programs & projects.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders in aligning ICT functions with institutional goals.
• Conduct regular strategic alignment reviews.
• Provide regular feedback to senior stakeholders on plan implementation.

 KPA 3) Strategic Financial Business Planning & Budgeting:

• Conduct long-term financial projections & planning.
• Lead resource management processes.
• Lead strategic cost management processes.
• Allocate & re-allocate funds & resources based on portfolio needs & requirements.
• Approve financial strategies in conjunction with senior stakeholders.
• Obtain approval for annual budgets from executive committee.
• Exercise prudent budgetary control.
• Approve large payments, assets procurement & services.
• Report on financial & budgetary objectives/plans.

 KPA 4) Organisational Leadership Management:

• Plan leadership talent, succession and development based on strategy.
• Direct preventative & mitigation strategies for anticipated talent risks.
• Recruit, select & appoint a leadership team based on the approved Resource Plan.
• Build & direct the leadership team in portfolio structure.
• Manage performance management aligned with the Performance Management System.
• Direct talent competence, skills & performance levels aligned with strategy.
• Submit succession & development plan progress reports to senior leadership.

 KPA 5) Strategic Relationship Development:

• Participate in key institutional policy and decision-making bodies.
• Develop & foster partnerships with local & international academic institutions.
• Engage with industry/government stakeholders aligned with the business area.
• Participate in related industry forums.

 KPA 6) Direct Digital Transformation Strategies for the institution

• Remain abreast with new & leading developments for digitisation in higher education to ensure effective implementation of digital transformation strategies for the institution.

KPA 7) Direct Institutional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Leadership:

• Accountable (together with the Executive Director) for the Information & Communications Strategy and Goal achievement of the institution.
• Accountable for Information & Communication Technology policies & procedures.
• Have metrics in place for monitoring ICT effectiveness, costs & reliability.
• Initiate training for ICT security awareness for students and institutional staff.
• Initiate disciplinary action on non-compliance / violating policies & procedures.