Job Description

The Senior Director: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leads the University-wide ICT department and serves as the chief information officer (CIO) for the University. This role is responsible for providing the vision and strategic leadership pertaining to the delivery of information technology strategies across the University, enabling the technology-based student learning experience and employee productivity. The role directs the planning and implementation of enterprise-wide IT systems (digital backbone) in support of institutional operations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of business development and service quality. This role is responsible for all aspects of the organisation's information technology and systems that will lean towards supporting the core academic and research business of the University, while at the same time integrating all systems. Leading the Information and Communication Technology portfolio, the role is principally responsible for driving digital transformation across the entire institution.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll

Duties and responsibilities

• Leading the strategic and operational planning for the delivery of an effective digital infrastructure for the University.
• Ensuring that all the risks for a continuous and available digital infrastructure are managed effectively, for example, cybersecurity and appropriate human resources.
• Proactively managing an integrated partnership with all role players of the academic project, as ICT is the fundamental backbone of the academic project.
• Promoting and overseeing strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including the government, vendors and partner organisations.
• Driving transformational change and innovation while balancing business, infrastructure and technology needs.
• Approving and supporting all academic and administrative IT system operations, data centres, process improvement, business intelligence and report writing, help desk services, communication networks (voice and data), systems integration, enterprise systems management and IT security.
• Defining and communicating organisation plans, policies and standards for the University for acquiring, implementing and operating IT systems.
• Managing the operating, strategic and capital budgets for the department through risk assessments and compliance with financial policies.
• Partnering with relevant stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of new systems and processes to ensure the accurate provision of data and/or the appropriate use of new technology to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensuring that appropriate risk and governance measures, for example, relating to audit requirements, security requirements, etc., are in place.
• Creating a culture of IT professionals focused on deep business alignment, accountability for outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Managing and overseeing the performance and development of IT staff.
• Submitting or overseeing timeous submission of statutory IT governance and management reports.
• Representing the University on relevant external forums.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A postgraduate degree on NQF Level 8 or equivalent in Computer Science/Information Systems or a related field, as well as additional technical certifications as required in an ICT environment.
• A minimum of ten years' relevant experience, of which at least five years should be at a senior level, in managing an equally complex and similar ICT environment.
• At least five years' experience in ICT and broader information functions in a higher-education (HE) or related context/environment.
• A proven track record of strategic planning and operational execution, as well as monitoring and evaluation of ICT solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to apply ICT in solving business problems.
• Experience in the implementation of a digital transformation strategy.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

• Results-orientation:

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals and work to achieve success.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

• Strategic thinking:

- The ability to think strategically and operationalise thinking into plans and projects.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

• Business acumen:

- The ability to demonstrate effective communication skills, negotiation skills, persuasion skills, good interpersonal skills and well-reasoned decision-making ability.

• Leadership:

- A successful track record of leadership and team building.
- The ability to positively influence and inspire others towards shared goals.
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

• Building coalitions:

- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and persuade others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Required Documents

Please ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a professional body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver's licence (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer/last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties
1 August 2024 or as soon as possible.

Closing date
31 March 2024.

Salary
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits
Subject to specific conditions: pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9737 or email JonesEY@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9012 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its employment equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Additional Information

University of the Free State