HEAD OF ICT

Job Description

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
(b) Directly Supervises:
o Senior Information and Communications Technology Officer
o Information and Communications Technology Officer

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To oversee all of SWICO’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) operations covering the hardware and software components of the computer systems and network, and the data systems that capture, process and analyse information related to the operations of SWICO; monitor, maintain and support SWICO’s technology infrastructure and systems; give advice on potential areas of ICT development for SWICO; and provide leadership and guidance to the staff in the Department.

KEY RESULT AREAS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Result Area 1: ICT Management
(i) Develop and periodically review ICT policies, procedures and strategies for SWICO
(ii) Develop and implement ICT annual work plans
(iii) Develop ICT standard operating procedures
(iv) Oversee the ICT operations of SWICO, including networking, hardware and software; to ensure that ICT activities are undertaken in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This will include:
o Day to day administration and maintenance of software and hardware
o Troubleshooting and problem resolution
o Upgrades, repair and replacement of hardware and software
o User assistance and customer care
o Security administration and asset tracking
(v) Arrange the purchase, installation and maintenance of all computer hardware, software and networking connections authorised for use at Head Office and at the Branches, ensuring that all proprietary software is properly licensed for use and that those licences are kept up-to- date and paid for.
(vi) Monitor the installation and management of printers and other ancillary equipment.
(vii) Take measures to ensure that anti-virus, anti-spam and anti-hacking software is kept up-to- date throughout the local area network and its interfaces, and that all reasonable precautions are taken to keep viruses, spam and hackers out of the SWICO system.
(viii) Create domain user accounts and assign rights.
(ix) Create user email accounts and mailboxes.
(x) Monitor internet usage on a monthly basis, and make related recommendations as necessary.
(xi) Respond in an efficient and professional manner to all ICT related requests and incidents.
(xii) Act as the primary point of contact for dealing with SWICO ICT problems and for interfacing with vendors and service providers.
(xiii) Create, implement, and keep under review a disaster-recovery plan for SWICO’s computing and data needs, including regular back-ups of essential data.
(xiv) Manage centralised file storage user access
(xv) Monitor the uploading of website content to SWICO website
(xvi) Keep abreast of technological change in order to be able to advise on the suitability of new software, hardware, ideas etc
(xvii) Plan for SWICO’s future computing needs, and make the necessary technical recommendations.
(xviii) Meet with the Senior Management on a regular basis to review any technology-related issues that may be affecting SWICO’s efficiency.
(xix) Prioritize ICT problems, and provide regular updates on outstanding issues to those concerned.
(xx) Maintain computer network uptime to the optimum.

Result Area 2: Operations of SWICO Computing Infrastructure

1. Plan, implement and test measures to ensure the reliability, dependability and trustworthiness of SWICO’s computing infrastructure.
2. Monitor the configuration and troubleshooting services for all network and server related hardware.
3. Maintain control all ICT-related equipment through proper documentation of problem logs and audit trails.
4. Oversee the configuration and management of servers, and ensure effective and efficient day-to-day operations of all server systems and networking components (e.g. servers, routers, switch, etc).
5. Implement appropriate monitoring processes and tools to observe and provide alerts about the ‘health condition’ of the ICT infrastructure, and take appropriate proactive action.
6. Plan, schedule and keep up-to-date records of preventive maintenance for all hardware and software components.
7. Manage licensing for all the software used at SWICO.

Result Area 3: Information Security

1. Implement SWICO’s Information Security Policy.
2.  Periodically review and evaluate the security policy and make recommendations to senior management.
3.  Record and report information on security incidents to the General Manager Corporate Services and ensure they are attended to immediately.
4. Organise regular security awareness programmes for SWICO staff.
5. Perform periodic internal information security audits.
6.  Ensure security standards are followed and maintained, such as anti-virus and anti-spam updates on a regular basis.

Result Area 4: Relationship Management

1. Meet with relevant users to identify requirements for new infrastructure components (e.g. servers, new software etc).
2. Manage ICT service providers

Result Area 5: Management of the Department

1. Conduct weekly departmental meetings and participate in the monthly Division top management meetings, reporting ICT performance, highlighting areas of concern and presenting ideas for improvement.
2.  Provide line supervision for the ICT team, and develop the team by encouraging accountability, better customer service and enforcing performance standards.
3.  Proactively identify areas that require change and introduce performance and efficiency improvements.
4.  Participate in the determination of the need for, and the recruitment of ICT staff, in liaison with the General Manager Corporate Services and the Head Human Resources.
5. Conduct periodic performance appraisals of ICT staff.
6. Oversee and keep control of the expenditures on ICT services against the approved budget,
   and advise on necessary actions
7.  Prepare periodic reports on SWICO’s ICT services, and submit to the General Manager Corporate Services

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS: Head of Information and Communication Technology
Minimum Academic Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Security or equivalent experience in related areas of expertise and proven skills for the job role
Additional Training/Qualifications Necessary
 Microsoft Professional Certification, and
 Microsoft Systems Engineering Certification
 Security-related certifications (e.g. Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified
Information Systems Auditor).
 IRAU Certification
Minimum Experience and Exposure

•  At least 5 years’ related work experience and a solid background in ICT infrastructure operations and computer network administration.
•  Experience in the design and updating of websites
•  Experience in implementation of information security.
• Managerial and leadership experience with the ability to mentor and guide other technical staff and successfully manage the working of an ICT team.

Special Knowledge

• Up-to-date knowledge of developments in computer hardware, software and systems.
• Knowledge of relational database software (MSAccess, SQL Server or MySQL)
•  Knowledge of networking protocols, such as IP, TCP, UDP, ICMP, ARP and others.
•  Knowledge of website development tools such as (X)HTML, ASP, JavaScript, CSS, php, etc
•  Knowledge of regulatory and compliance issues, and applicable legislation, standards, policies and procedures within ICT.
• Knowledge of information security, including such areas as: General information security principles and policies
  o Implementation of security policies;
  o Information Security standards (e.g. BS7799)

Key Skills

•  Systems analysis and design
• Proven experience in information security
• Visual programming
• Web site development
• Network Administration
• Preventive maintenance of computers and accessories
• Trouble shooting of ICT systems and hardware
• Proven experience in monitoring, administering and troubleshooting Local/Wide Area
  Network environments.
• Proven experience with managing the deployment, maintenance and operations of ICT Systems (Windows based) and with defining system requirements to meet business needs.
• Skills in examining and re-engineering ICT operations and procedures to meet changing needs.
• Strong technical skills in the latest computer operating systems
• Management and organising skills
• Communication skills
•  Interpersonal skills
•  Oral and written presentation skills
•  Training skills

Other Qualities/Attributes

• Integrity
• Confidentiality
•  Result orientation
• Good Team Player
•  Innovativeness
•  Patience
• Commitment to quality and thoroughness
•  Flexibility
•  Reliability
• Good time management
•  Ability to work under pressure

HOW TO APPLY:
Candidates who had already applied should not re-apply again. Interested persons can deliver applications,
detailed curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications with two referees addressed to:
The Human Resource Manager Statewide Insurance Company Limited

Plot 1, Bombo Road
P.O. Box 9393
Kampala – Uganda.
The applications should reach SWICO Head office or email their CV to hr@swico.co.ug with the subject
title of “Head ICT”.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of submission, please consider yourself unsuccessful.