Job Details

The Zambian Open University (ZAOU) is an institution of high standing both locally and internationally, whose vision is “to be an internationally recognized University providing quality education through full-time, Open and distance, and blended learning’’. The University is now looking for a self-motivated, suitably qualified individual to fill up the position of Director, Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Position: Director, ICT

Reports to: Vice Chancellor

Role Overview : To provide strategic direction and leadership in the development and implementation of policies, operational plan, procedures and processes pertaining to information and communications technologies in order to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across the University. The job holder is also responsible for coordinating the introduction and implementation of new information technologies, and for the provision of quality IT services. The job holder reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor.

Immediate subordinates include one level: Software Support Technicians and IT Support Engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

IT Governance

• Lead the development, monitoring, review, and implementation of the IT policies,
  procedures, processes and operational plans
• Provide professional support and advice to the Board, senior management and
  colleagues and relevant Committees on matters related to ICT
• Ensure that the organisation’s business goals are aligned with ICT function goals
• Ensure that all stakeholders particularly the Board and senior management are
  involved in the governance and management of ICT
• Coordinate the implementation of ICT Annual Work Plans
• Ensure that IT risks are properly identified and mitigated
• Provide a secure and protected IT Infrastructure
• Ensure that an appropriate and enabling IT environment is provided to all stakeholders

IT Service Management

• Ensure provision of service oriented IT systems
• Maintain a catalogue of IT services which can help improve service performance of
  the University

IT Administration

• Manage the operations/activities of the Directorate
• Prepare annual budgets and manage financial resources allocated to the Directorate
• Participate in staff recruitment and undertake performance appraisals of staff in the
  Directorate
• Prepare quarterly and annual operational performance reports of the Directorate
• Prepare periodic management reports on ICT activities for various Committees and
  other internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in policy formulation and strategic management of the University as a
  member of the Senate, Senate Committees, Management and other Committees.

IT Project Management

• Lead the development, review and implementation of the IT system
• Ensure that all IT projects are properly managed and implemented using approved
  internal and international standards
• Ensure that all IT systems have an effective and monitored life cycle

Capacity Building/Training

• Contribute to staff development activities, particularly those related to open and
  distance learning and ICT
• Conduct training workshops to promote awareness of, ownership, commitment and
  adherence to ICT policies and standards
• Conduct research and consultancy in the areas of specialization

IT Performance Management

• Ensure IT investments are measured against IT performance
• Ensure Monitoring performance of IT services provided by the ICT function

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in information technology or related field
• Certification in IT Governance such as COBIT, CEGIT, ISO 38000 etc.
• At least five years ICT managerial experience in a university or similar institution
• Should be abreast with the use of latest information and communications
  technologies
• Exposure to ICT in education is an advantage
• At least two years experience managing IT Project management

Skills Requirements:

• Good communication skills, including good writing and oral skills
• Computer literate
• Excellent Time Management skills
• Negotiation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Leadership skills
• Student-oriented
• Ability to keep confidential information
• Open to feedback.
• Innovative

Mode of Application

Candidates meeting the stated requirements are required to submit their applications
comprising the following:

a) Letter of application;
b) Curriculum Vitae;
c) Certified copies of relevant academic and professional certificates;
d) Names, Cell Phone numbers, E-mail and postal addresses of three (3) referees, two (2)
of whom must be professional referees.

All applications should be addressed to:

The Registrar
Zambian Open University
Newfoundland Campus Farm
Plot No. 7096
P. o. Box 31925 LUSAKA WEST