Director: Information & Communication Technologies

SUMMARY:
Like its bold start in 1916 and its subsequent stance of defiance in the 1960's through to 1994, this iconic university has shown grit and determination. Now again in the 2000's, it has faced yet another bout of assault, this time of covert proportions. And yet again, the same grit and determination has shone through. Are you eager and determined to help reposition this iconic institution to the position it so richly deserves? The University of Fort Hare is seeking applications from appropriately qualified and experienced candidates for a Director: Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) position on a Five (5)-Year Fixed-Term contract, in the Infrastructure & Technology division.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in IT/Information Systems/Computer Science/ Computer Engineering.
• An additional business management qualification such as an MBA.

• Be tasked with digital transformation and ICT strategy in alignment with institutional strategic and operational goals.
• Be at the forefront of ensuring the transition to digitalised platforms and tools for Teaching, Learning, Research, Administration and Operations, as well as ITC governance and compliance in the context of digital transformation implementation and monitoring cost and operational efficacy.
• Ensure focus on Application Development/ERP deployment from inception to completion.
• Implement and manage major ICT interventions.
• Have knowledge of a wide range of big data technologies and the ability to stay up to date with the latest software and hardware available for the benefit of the institution.

• Play a key role in shaping the strategic direction for digitised ICT of the institution.
• Govern the implementation of policies & strategies agreed by Council / Senate.
• Promote the institution’s reputational profile through networks & partnerships.
• Provide oversight, leadership & guidance to units under area of responsibility.
• Play a key role in executive/governance committee.
• Direct the leadership resources as per structure.
• Monitor the achievement of the unit’s strategic plan achievement.

• Formulate & review ICT strategies aligned with vision & mission.
• Approve implementation of structures, resources & systems for the operation of the portfolio of ICT programs & projects.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders in aligning ICT functions with institutional goals.
• Conduct regular strategic alignment reviews.
• Provide regular feedback to senior stakeholders on plan implementation.

• Conduct long-term financial projections & planning.
• Lead resource management processes.
• Lead strategic cost management processes.
• Allocate & re-allocate funds & resources based on portfolio needs & requirements.
• Approve financial strategies in conjunction with senior stakeholders.
• Obtain approval for annual budgets from executive committee.
• Exercise prudent budgetary control.
• Approve large payments, assets procurement & services.
• Report on financial & budgetary objectives/plans.

• Plan leadership talent, succession and development based on strategy.
• Direct preventative & mitigation strategies for anticipated talent risks.
• Recruit, select & appoint a leadership team based on the approved Resource Plan.
• Build & direct the leadership team in portfolio structure.
• Manage performance management aligned with the Performance Management System.
• Direct talent competence, skills & performance levels aligned with strategy.
• Submit succession & development plan progress reports to senior leadership.

• Participate in key institutional policy and decision-making bodies.
• Develop & foster partnerships with local & international academic institutions.
• Engage with industry/government stakeholders aligned with the business area.
• Participate in related industry forums.

• Remain abreast with new & leading developments for digitisation in higher education to ensure effective implementation of digital transformation strategies for the institution.

• Accountable (together with the Executive Director) for the Information & Communications Strategy and Goal achievement of the institution.
• Accountable for Information & Communication Technology policies & procedures.
• Have metrics in place for monitoring ICT effectiveness, costs & reliability.
• Initiate training for ICT security awareness for students and institutional staff.
• Initiate disciplinary action on non-compliance / violating policies & procedures.

1. Applications must be accompanied by:
2. A recent and comprehensive curriculum vitae
3. A Covering Letter stating how applicants satisfy the requirements of the advertised position/s
4. A completed University of Fort Hare Application Form
5. Copies of the applicants’ qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from SAQA
6. Failure to comply with the above directions will result in the application/s being disqualified.