Job brief

The company is a leading regional reinsurance company headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The Company was incorporated in 1993 through a joint initiative of leading insurance companies in Kenya and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. Today, the Company offers short-term and long-term reinsurance solutions to over 200 cedants, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, the Company incorporated a subsidiary office in Tanzania.

The Company understands the local business and is international in character, with a strong credit rating from AM Best and Global Credit Rating (GCR). The Company's vision is To be the risk partner of choice in our markets, and its mission is To provide quality risk solutions, excellent service and enhanced value to all the stakeholders.

POSITION SUMMARY IT MANAGER

The IT Manager oversees the IT function within the Company, ensuring its strategic alignment with business goals and operational excellence. The role develops and implements IT strategic initiatives and maintains the Company's IT infrastructure and application systems. The role also oversees IT security initiatives, including cybersecurity and business analytics.

This role combines IT strategic thinking and hands-on technical expertise to ensure scalable, secure, and high-performing systems that support the Company's goals and deliver service to internal and external stakeholders.

Position Title

IT Manager

Position Profile

IT Strategy and Planning, Project Management, Security Management, Systems and Network Administration, Vendor and Budget Management, and Asset Management.

Department

IT Department

Resource Persons

IT, Technical, Finance, Risk and Compliance, HR and Administration in the Group (i.e., the Company and its Subsidiary).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

IT Strategy Develop and implement the Companys IT strategy aligned with the overall business goals. IT Operational Excellence Ensure optimal use of the Companys IT investments to support the Companys operational excellence goals. Establish and maintain IT operational excellence in all areas, including understanding of business IT requirements, systems development, acquisition, implementation, and support. Formulate and maintain IT standards, policies, and procedures that are aligned with corporate objectives, best practices, and Group IT Governance standards. Lead and implement IT projects, including system upgrades, migrations, and new system implementations and technology integrations. Maintain and demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the Information Technology function. Develop IT budgets, manage annual IT expenditures, and ensure that initiatives undertaken are aligned with overall strategic plans and corporate objectives and within the approved budget. Create and maintain a business-enabling infrastructure of applications, hardware and networks for the Company. Continuously create and share an understanding of business IT requirements for the company. Propose IT-related plans, policies, investments and projects. Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and business partners, ensuring that the Company gets the best value for its IT investments. This includes ensuring that service level agreements are monitored and continuously improved, and that contracts are effectively reviewed and maintained. Provide leadership to the IT department staff, create a motivated, high-performing team, and monitor their performance. Ensure that the department attracts, continuously develops and retains IT talent and the skillsets required to support the achievement of business objectives. Stay abreast of technological and business developments and advise the Company as to the viability of emerging technologies and business trends.

PROFILE

Experience

Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with a solid background in systems administration, network management, or IT support. At least 4 years in a managerial or leadership role, overseeing IT teams, budgets, and cross-functional projects. Familiarity with IT governance, risk management, and compliance standards. Proven track record of managing IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, databases, and enterprise applications.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology or equivalent. Professional certifications (MCP, MCSA, CISM, CRISC, MCTS, OCA, IMIS or equivalent)

Skills

Business Acumen: Understanding of how IT supports business goals and how to align IT strategies with business needs. Technical skills: Strong understanding of computer hardware, software, networks and operating systems and a sound knowledge of database management. Leadership and management skills: Ability to lead and motivate IT teams, manage projects, and delegate tasks. Problem-solving skills: Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve technical and business-related IT issues. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Solid understanding of cybersecurity practices and tools, including modern approaches to the management of cybersecurity threats. Solid knowledge of website design and management Analytical Skills: Ability to conceptualise and convert ideas to solutions, analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Project Management Skills: Ability to plan, organise, and execute IT projects successfully. Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)

Personal qualities

Innovative and a strategic thinker Ability to motivate teams to meet tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects Proactive, solutions-oriented and results-oriented Ability to work under pressure, with minimal supervision Diligent, flexible, hardworking, self-motivated and a team player Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted