Chief Information Officer (5-Year Contract) Renewable Subject To Performance

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (5-YEAR CONTRACT)

Advert reference : uj_

Advert status : Online

Apply by : 10 June

Position Summary

Job category : University and Academy

Campus : Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

Contract : Fixed Term Contract

EE position : EE

Level : Executive

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES).

With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice.

The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor's vision of "Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for societal impact in the context of the changing social, political, and economic fortunes of Africa".

Position Overview

Reporting to both the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a member of the UJ Executive Leadership Group (ELG) and is responsible for providing exceptional strategic leadership to advance and elevate the work of the Information and Communications Systems (ICS) division.

The CIO manages and oversees the information technology (IT) strategy, policies, and operations within the university.

He or she plays a critical role in ensuring that technology supports the academic and administrative functions of the institution and aligns with its overall mission and objectives.

The CIO has therefore a strategic, operational, and administrative oversight of the Information and Communication Systems (ICS) Division.

Key Responsibilities

1. Developing and implementing IT strategies that support the academic and administrative goals of the university.
2. Leading and managing the university's IT department, including IT staff, budgets, and resources.
3. Ensuring the security and integrity of the university's IT systems, data, and networks.
4. Overseeing the implementation and maintenance of IT infrastructure, systems, and applications that support teaching, learning, research, and administrative functions.
5. Collaborating with academic departments, faculty, and staff to identify and prioritize IT initiatives that enhance the student experience and support research and innovation.
6. Keeping abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the higher education IT sector and recommending new technologies that could benefit the university.
7. Managing vendor relationships and contracts and ensuring that IT services and solutions meet the university's needs and standards.
8. Providing strategic guidance and direction on IT issues to university leadership, including the Member of Executive Committee, Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the Council.
9. Developing and implementing IT policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices in higher education.
10. Leading IT projects and initiatives to successful completion, on time and within budget.
11. Overseeing IT governance and compliance to ensure that the organization's practices, policies and systems comply with relevant regulations (POPI Act, ECT Act) and other industry best practices.
12. Ensuring that the University's infrastructure, network, and systems support the University's objectives.
13. Ensuring the effective, responsible, and efficient management and utilization of the Division's finances and resources.
14. Maintaining and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
15. Communicating and collaborating with peers, departments and the UJ community to articulate the benefits of technology initiatives and build consensus around IT-related decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Masters' qualification (NQF 9) in a technical or commercial field (or equivalent).
2. At least ten years' demonstrable senior managerial experience in an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment.
3. Demonstrable strategic leadership and operational management experience in an ICT environment gained at a reputable institution of higher learning.
4. Experience in driving innovation in a dynamic ICT environment, coupled with an excellent track record of ICT strategic project implementation.
5. Proven experience in managing budgets, resources, and vendor relationships within a university setting.
6. People management experience coupled with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
7. Ability to lead a dynamic, and highly skilled team of ICT professionals.
8. Have developed and maintained excellent local and international networks.
9. In-depth understanding of current national and international debates around ICT models, and related approaches.

Terms of Appointment

The position of Chief Information Officer is a 5-year contract appointment with an executive-level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The appointment may be renewed for a further term of office, subject to performance.

A compulsory 12-month probation period will be applicable.

Retirement age : The normal retirement age for members of the Senior Leadership Group is 65.

Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve a 5-year term.

Application

To apply, submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae and letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position.

The name and full contact details (including telephone numbers and email addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be included.

Applications must be marked 'Confidential' and addressed to the Executive Director: Human Capital Management, and emailed to Ms. Ayanda Gcabashe.

Applications can also be submitted via the UJ website, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to, and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements, the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups.