Director, Management Information Systems (MIS/IT 8)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Chief Technical Director, Corporate Services, the Director, Management Information Systems, strategically drives day to day functional delivery of MIS services and programmes that reflect contemporary best practice and achieves optimal outcomes for the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport strategic operational and business requirements. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Provides professional advice, interpretation and recommendation around the functional areas of Management Information Systems; 
• Undertakes planning with senior staff to determine targets and goals for the activities of the Management Information Systems Branch, ensuring standardization of accompanying procedures; 
• Contributes significantly with the development and monitoring of the Division’s Strategic/Operational Plan and Budget; 
• Establishes quality customer service principles, standards and measurements for the Division; 
• Develops Individual Work Plan, based on strategic alignment with MSETT’s Operational Plan; 
• Establishes and maintains various Management Information Systems Committees that make recommendations for the implementation of improved procedures and systems; 
• Represents the MSETT at meetings, conferences and other fora, as needed. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Directs the delivery of high-quality Management Information Systems across the organization, to provide optimal levels of support for the MSETT’s key operational requirements; 
• Directs the development, implementation, evaluation and reporting of the MSETT’s MIS strategic, business and operating plans and associated projects, ensuring alignment with the strategic directions of the organisation; 
• Drives the development of standard operating procedures and best practices, including providing written protocols and guidance to MIS staff and to end-users;  
• Directs the development and implementation of all MIS policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, MIS reliability, standards, MIS purchasing, and service provision; 
• Identifies and defines specific MIS business requirements in collaboration with directors, managers, users across the organisation and third-party stakeholders, to inform the development of tailored MIS solutions; 
• Directs systems development and enhancement and the integration of new systems within existing systems; 
• Drives the implementation and delivery of new systems, technologies and services to deliver innovative and flexible MIS solutions that achieve business requirements;
• Directs the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade, and support of all MIS systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, telephones, software applications, and peripherals; 
• Drives ongoing analysis and review of MIS service delivery, to identify opportunities to improve and enhance the services for the organisation; 
• Negotiates and administers vendor, outsourcer, and consultant contracts and service agreements; 
• Provides expertise and support during systems upgrades, installations, conversions and file maintenance; 
• Ensures the creation and maintenance of all written documentation, including system and user manuals, license agreements, and documentation of modifications and upgrades;
• Directs provision of end-user services, including service/help desk and technical support services; 
• Directs the development of the staff to meet the changing needs of users, groups and offices; new projects and technologies; and varying staff strengths; 
• Keeps current with the latest technologies and determine what new technology solutions and implementations will meet business and system requirements; 
• Collaborates with critical staff to develop strategies and plans to enhance client services, improve user effectiveness, and foster innovation; 
• Communicates regularly with executive management and all users of MIS services and systems; 
• Reviews and approves training modules aimed at strengthening the MIS processes within the MSETT and its agencies and departments; 
• Develops mechanisms to manage reform and change, by implementing change management processes, that clarify purpose and the benefits of continuous improvements; 
• Provides expert advice, briefings and support to senior executives on all matters relating to functional area; 
• Establishes and maintains linkages with international organizations to keep abreast of trends in MIS/ICT that impact directly on the portfolio responsibilities of the MSETT. 

Human Resource: 

• Provides leadership and guidance through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Evaluates and monitors the performance of staff in the Branch and implements appropriate strategies; 
• Co-ordinates the development of individual Work Plans and recommends performance targets for the staff assigned; 
• Participates in the recruitment and training of staff of the Division; 
• Recommends transfer, promotion and leave in accordance with established Human Resource Policies and Procedures; 
• Identifies skills/competency gaps and contributes to the development and succession planning for the Division to ensure adequate staff capacity; 
• Monitors the performance of staff and facilitates the timely and accurate completion of the staff annual performance appraisals and other periodic reviews; 
• Ensures the wellbeing of staff supervised; 
• Effects disciplinary measures in keeping with established guidelines/practices;
• Performs any other duties. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Good oral and written communication skills; 
• Customer and quality focus; 
• Good teamwork and co-operation; 
• Good interpersonal skills; 
• Compliance 
• Integrity; 
• Good change management

Technical: 

• Use of technology (relevant computer applications such as Microsoft Office suite Managing external relationships 
• Knowledge of ICT systems analysis and design, 
• Knowledge of systems networking, hardware engineering and database management, Knowledge of standards and procedures in the development and implementation of ICT systems, 
• Knowledge of the local and international ICT systems environment, including standards, practices and trends, 
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices, 
• Understanding of Project Management principles and lifecycle, 
• Ability to manage a range of projects types and complex business initiatives and change programmes, 
• Experience of resource planning against the prioritised portfolio of projects,
• Capability to track project benefits realisation and lessons learnt activities to feed into on going improvements. 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, ICT, Management Information Systems or a related discipline; 
• Training in Leadership/Supervisory Management; 
• Five (5) years related experience, with at least two (2) years in a senior management capacity in an MIS environment. 

OR 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, ICT, Management Information Systems or a related discipline; 
• Training in Leadership/Supervisory Management; 
• Seven (7) years related experience, with at least four (4) years in a senior management capacity in an MIS environment. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software. 
• The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions. May be required to travel locally and internationally to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.