Chief Information Officer (CIO) - Cape TownFull job descriptionJob DescriptionThe Purpose:The purpose of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) within the PPECB is to develop, implement and oversee the organization's entire IT strategy and information technology (IT) operations. This role is a senior executive position which reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Therefore, it plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation; innovation; and growth within the organization by effectively leveraging technology to achieve strategic objectives and deliver business value.Key Responsibilities:The CIO is responsibility for:Strategic Leadership: Aligning IT strategy with the overall business objectives of the organization, working closely with other C-suite executives and board members to develop long-term IT plans that support business growth, innovation, and efficiency.IT Governance: Establishing and maintaining IT governance frameworks to ensure that IT investments and initiatives are aligned with the organization's goals, compliant with regulations, and adequately managed to mitigate risks.Technology Innovation: Stays abreast of emerging technologies and trends that could impact the organization's industry and business model. Lead efforts to explore and adopt innovative solutions that can drive competitive advantage and improve operational effectiveness.Information Security: Accountable for ensuring the security of the organization's information assets, including data, systems, and networks. Develop and implement robust cybersecurity strategies to protect against internal and external threats, comply with regulations, and safeguard customer and corporate data.IT Operations Management: Oversees the day-to-day operations of the IT department, including infrastructure management, application development, support services, and vendor management. Establish performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure that IT services meet the needs of the organization and its stakeholders.Digital Transformation: Leads digital transformation initiatives aimed at leveraging technology to improve business processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. Furthermore, collaborates with business units to identify opportunities for automation, optimization, and digitalization of workflows and services.Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Manages the IT budget and allocate resources effectively to support strategic priorities and operational needs. Prioritize investments based on ROI, risk assessment, and business value, and ensure that IT spending is optimized and aligned with organizational goals.Stakeholder Engagement: Engages with internal and external stakeholders, including executives, employees, customers, partners, and vendors, to understand their needs, gather feedback, and communicate IT initiatives and accomplishments. Builds strong relationships and foster collaboration to drive business outcomes through technology.Talent Development: Responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing top IT talent to support the organization's strategic objectives. Needs to foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and diversity within the IT department, and provide opportunities for professional growth and advancement.Risk Management and Compliance: Needs to assess and mitigate IT-related risks, including cybersecurity threats, data breaches, system failures, and compliance violations. Ensuring that IT policies, procedures, and controls are in place to mitigate risks and maintain regulatory compliance.Job RequirementsQualificationsA relevant ICT university degree is required, relating specifically to Information Technology and Information Systems.A relevant post graduate degree is desirable, relating to business administration or other business management qualifications.ExperienceA minimum of fifteen (15) years' experience in the ICT field of which five (5) years are in a similar role as a senior manager of an ICT department/ operations department is required.Proven experience of successful strategic ICT planning and execution.Demonstrated ability to apply IT in solving business problems.Experience with systems design and development from business requirements analysis through to day-to-day management.Proven track-record of successful implementation of ICT projects and management of service providersIn-depth experience in the use of Microsoft systems, Microsoft software and mobile technology is essential.Relevant experience in the perishable produce export industry or a regulatory environment is advantageous.Proven experience and knowledge of cloud technologies, SaaS solutions, outsourcing including negotiating and managing such contracts with vendors.SKILLSThe position requires a strategic individual with a hands-on, operational approach that can effectively manage ICT projects to their successful completion.To achieve this, the Chief Information Officer should demonstrate.Advanced project management, change management and strategy development competence.Proficiency in information and communication technologies.Substantial exposure to data processing, hardware platforms, software applications, and outsourced systems.Adept at high-level presentations.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Ability to set and manage priorities astutely.Ability to lead and manage a high-performance ICT team.Able to manage diversity in a fast-changing environment.Well-developed cognitive competence:Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities.ability to apply creative and innovative problem-solving to complex problems.ability to sustain big-picture thinking, while maintaining keen attention to detail.Negotiations and vendor management skills.Well-developed emotional competence.Ability to work under pressure.Highly self-motivated and self-directed.Well-developed interpersonal competence.Strong influencing and negotiating skills.Good listening skills.Advanced relationship-management skills.Strong service orientation.KNOWLEDGEExcellent understanding of project management principles.Considerable knowledge of business theory, business processes, management and business office operations.Fully conversant with principles relating to compiling, analyzing, managing and reporting on a variety of budgets.Sound understanding of computer systems characteristics, features, and integration capabilities.Familiarity with all mainstream technology products and services will be advantageous.Sound understanding of the workings of national government, e-government, the perishable products industry and the export logistics chain is important.Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) will also assist towards ensuring good corporate governance, especially in regard to procurement and risk management in the portfolio.In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to ICT.Strong understanding of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures.Superior understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.PPECB is an equal opportunity employer and promotes compliance with the provisions of the Employment Equity Act.It is our intention to promote equity according to our Employment Equity plan with the filling of posts. All applications will be considered, with the understanding that, in terms of the PPECB Employment Equity Plan, preference will currently be given to candidates from the designated groups.
