Director of Information Technology

Information

Common information

Director of Information Technology (Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic)

Department: Information Technology

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Duty station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Deadline: 19 July 2024

UCA Background:

The University of Central Asia (UCA) is a world-class center for knowledge and learning, connecting isolated rural communities with the global community and building the human capital needed for modern economies and stable governance.

UCA was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognized standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information, visit: www.ucentralasia.org 

UCA consists of three Schools, the School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Development, and the School of Professional and Continuing Education. The working language of the University is English.

The School of Arts and Sciences offers bachelor’s degree programmes with majors in Computer Science, Communications and Media, Global Economics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences at its residential campuses in Khorog and Naryn.

The Graduate School of Development serves as a hub for conducting multidisciplinary research. Its five distinctive but overlapping research institutes and units have established thematic expertise in the environment, economies, as well as cultures and societies of Central Asia. The school is planning UCA’s first master’s programmes for 2025.

The School of Professional and Continuing Education is the region’s leading provider of short cycle professional education courses designed to improve employment and income-generating opportunities. These courses are offered at 16 learning centers in Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, with over 120,000 learners trained at its centers so far.

Summary of Position:

UCA seeks an IT Director, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This pivotal role prioritizes candidates with a robust background in IT management and a strategic vision for technological advancement. The IT Director will oversee all IT functions to support UCA's growth and enhance operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include managing the IT infrastructure, developing AI and other innovative technical solutions, and aligning IT services with the University's strategic objectives. The role also requires the integration of IT and operational strategies to support comprehensive management of technological resources.

Qualification requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience: 

• MSc, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Industry-relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISA, ITIL, PMP or equivalent.
• Proven experience in leading change management and digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience with multiple technology platforms, including ERP systems (SAP or Peoplesoft), Microsoft Systems, Linux/Open Source, and others.
• Demonstrated ability to drive IT strategic planning and execution to effectively align with organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a proven ability to motivate and develop a high-performing IT team.
• Strong project management skills, with a track record of managing IT projects from conception to deployment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience managing executive-level relationships and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance and risk management in IT, particularly within the education sector.
• Experience developing and enforcing IT policies related to ethical use, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
• Experience in supporting research activities with advanced computing resources and promoting innovation in educational technology.
• Experience in implementing sustainability initiatives within IT operations and maintaining high ethical standards, including discretion with confidential information.
• High ethical standards and discretion with confidential information.
• A minimum of 15 years' IT experience, with at least 10 years in a managerial role, preferably within a non-profit or university context.

Location and Languages:

• Advanced proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. Russian is preferred but not essential.
• Knowledge of other Central Asian languages (Kyrgyz, Tajik, Kazakh) would be beneficial.
• The position will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and would require regional and international travel.

Salary and Package:
Salary and package to attract the best candidate.

Duties

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

   Technology Vision and Planning:

• Develop a technology roadmap that aligns with UCA’s long-term strategic goals.
• Lead the evaluation and adoption of AI and other innovative technologies that can enhance operational effectiveness and innovation.

   Governance and Policy Development:  

• Establish governance structures to ensure IT systems operate within agreed-upon policies and compliance guidelines.
• Develop and enforce IT policies related to ethical use, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
• Communication and customer service
• Actively promote the opportunities that technology presents to the staff, students and stakeholders of UCA; inspire creativity and flexibility in the management and application of technology; and embed a ‘customer first’ culture within the IT team. 
• Represent UCA’s interests with suppliers and partners. 
• Communicate and embed strategic management via objectives, accountabilities and monitoring of progress.

   Stakeholder Engagement:

• Proactively build relationships with a range of stakeholders across the university and within the wider sector. 
• Serve as the primary IT contact for senior management, academic leaders, and external partners.
• Organize regular meetings with key stakeholders to discuss IT performance, challenges, and solutions.

  Application Development:

• Spearhead the development and deployment of IT applications, including ERP systems like SAP, to boost operational efficiency.
• Streamline and stabilize existing SAP modules and enhance their functionality.

  Project Management:

• Oversee IT projects from conception to deployment, ensuring they meet deadlines, budgets, and specifications.
• Implement project management best practices and methodologies to streamline IT operations.

  Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with software and hardware vendors to ensure cost-effective procurement and service excellence.
• Negotiate contracts and manage service level agreements (SLAs) with technology providers.

  Training and Development:

• Motivate, lead and manage the IT team, providing coaching, support and mentorship. 
• Develop a comprehensive training programme for IT staff and end-users to ensure efficient use of technology.
• Encourage continuous professional development and certification in key IT areas for team members.

  Performance Metrics:

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for the IT department that align with the overall objectives of the university.
• Implement tools and processes for regularly assessing IT services and infrastructure performance.

   Innovation and Research Support:

• Collaborate with academic departments to support research activities with advanced computing resources.
• Foster an environment of innovation to explore and implement educational technology advancements.

   Cybersecurity Oversight:

• Develop a university-wide cybersecurity strategy to protect data and IT resources.
• Conduct regular security audits and coordinate with external consultants to strengthen defenses.

   Sustainability Practices:

• Promote sustainable IT practices in line with global standards and environmental policies.
• Implement energy-efficient technologies and practices within the IT department.

   Financial Management:

• Manage annual IT budgets and streamline the efficient use of given resources.
• Supervise external audits on IT controls and safeguard IT assets.

Conditions

How to Apply:

Please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and contact information of three references) on: https://tinyurl.com/43eavy8r

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities