Head, Information Systems Department - Insurance Company

A reputable insurance company in Ghana controlling a significant share of the life insurance market is seeking to recruit desirable professionals with a high pedigree to assume the under-listed position as Head Of Information Systems Department

Head Of Information Systems Department

The Head Of Information Systems Department will plan, direct and manage the Information Systems Depanment in order to ensure the development and implementation of cost-effective systems and efficient computer operations to meet current and future decision-making requirements.

Key Tasks / Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and implement IT initiatives that will enable the Company to compete mote vigorously and more profitably in a constantly chang;ng and demanding marketplace
• Translate the Company's vision into systems and procedures.articulating this critieai link to the company Stakeholders including the Executive Team, IT staff and employees.
• Participate actively with the Operations .i.)epxrtment to ensure the IT systems Address the needs of the business.
• Lead and coordinate development of IT infrastructure to ensure key business strategies and processes are supported by systems that enable growth and flexibility.
• Develop plans and budgets in light of integral needs and operating unit's approved projects.

• Develop detailed system and other functional specifications and user documentation for major systems as well as analysing user requirements and translating them into new applications.
• Handle all aspects of contract administration including establishing Service Level Agreements (SEAS) with software and hardware vendors as well as other related service providers.
• Translate business needs into system solutions making maximum use of while ensuring longer term of the architecture.
  
• Ensure of necessary application system to support business and operation needs
• Develop IT policies and procedures on a basis for ensuring consistency in standards and leveraging of common systems.
  
• Establish and measure IT performance relative to cost value creation and customer satisfaction in the key areas of operating systems, telecommunications, network management and desktop
  
• Lead and coordinate selection, installation, operation. support and maintenance of Information Technology Infrastructure (i.e.operating systems, networks, telecommunications, hardware and peripherals ).
  
• Optimise return on IT investment by acquiring cost-justified IT components, as measured by performance, support availability, price, upgradeability and future industry trends.
  
• Protect the Company and its operations against its IT risks, including unauthorised access to information, data integrity problems, loss of processing capability and poor service levels.
• Set office automation standards within the Company and oversee acquisition, deployment and support of office support systems.
  
• Ensure that IT infrastructure is successfully exploited to achieve continuous improvement and competitive advantage by identifying needs and developing and providing appropriate training and support for all users.
  
• Manage and own the performance of the Local Area Network in the Company.
  
• Communicate system downtime to vendor for resolution.
  
• Ensure an effective Backup procedure for the Company and ensure that data backups are taken for all databases in the Company.
  
• Ensure an effective Disaster Recovery System for business continuity.
  
• Supervise ISD staff and ensure that time, quality and other set standards are achieved.
  
• Interpret conditions of service to ISD staff.
  
• Appraise the performance of ISD staff.
  
• Identify trainang needs for ISD staff and organise or recommend appropriate traingng for them.

Educational Qualification and Experience

• A minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or any field of study
  
  A Masters' Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Technology Management or an MBA with in Information Technology Management or a related field trom a recognised university.
  
• Additional professional certifications in ITIL,CISA, PMP be an advantage.
  
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-qualification work experience witli at least five (5) years work experience in a Senior Management position in a reputable institution. The banking or insurance industry will be an advantage.
  
• Proven working knowledge of Enterprise Architecture frameworks, Application Development. Network Management, IT Security, Cloud Technologies and Project Management.
  

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Strong leadership, teamwork and negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, influencing, organisational and technical skills.
  
• Strategic planning and proiect management experience.
  
• Ability to provide technical coordination in the implementation of projects.
  
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work well under pressure.
  
• Display high levels of integrity and honesty.
  
• Goal-oriented self-starter.
  
• Familiarity with leading Enterprise technologies such as Active
  
• Directory, Web Servers, Database Servers, File Servers and backup systems.
  
• Strong working knowledge of security standards with experience in managing cyber and information security risks.
  
• Excellent knowledge in e-business and leading payment technologies.