Assistant Manager - Senior Solution Quality at Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for conducting performance testing, User Acceptance Testing, Regression Testing, test automation and other required assurance activities and recommend for production deployment of assigned business systems solutions. The role will be expected to utilize processes that enhance testing efficiency such as use of data for AI driven testing; agile testing practices like testing automation, test driven development and shifting left etc

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Support the planning, design and execution of test plans, test scripts and process plans for projects
• Work closely with various departments to perform and validate test cases based on quality requirements and recommend changes to predetermines quality guidelines
• Ensure that the end product meets the minimum quality standards, is fully functional and user friendly
• Support resource allocation decisions during project prioritization with stakeholders
• Lead and guide assigned team reportees on required Quality engineering deliverables
• Apply Quality Assurance/Engineering expertise on assigned initiatives and undertake research on best practice as part of benchmarking
• Hands-on monitoring of team members’ and working alongside others
• Manage delegation and completion of tasks to ensure timely delivery
• Guide, motivates and encourage team members
• Provide regular progress reports to management

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Lead cross functional testing teams to undertake all required quality engineering activities for assigned initiatives
• Ensure that delivered solutions are aligned to business requirements and scenarios through software testing to ascertain fit for use.
• Engage and negotiate with relevant stakeholders to establish acceptance and evaluation criteria for software test assignments through entry and exit criteria.
• Ensure that test plans, test cases, test scripts and test data are developed and available for planned assignments
• Conduct defect triage meetings are effectively organized by liaising with the relevant stakeholders to plan meetings, circulate agendas and reports, taking note of action points checking that agreed actions are carried out.
• Ensure that required tools for software application lifecycle management, load, stress and performance testing are available for use.
• Conduct source code reviews on software solutions maintained or developed by internal resources to improve solution quality
• Identify, document and categorize risks likely to impact software testing and develops mitigation measures in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Administrative; Stakeholder and Quality Standards Responsibilities/ Tasks

• Collaborate with business subject matter experts to understand and document solutions delivery test cases and test acceptance criteria
• Proactively engage with stakeholders to address needs and issues
• Ensure high level of customer service across all interactions and deliverables
• Manage stakeholder relationships and expectations
• Serve as team representative at designated meetings and respond to questions/tasks related to quality assurance/engineering management/
• Maintain quality standards in all assigned Initiatives
• Participate in post-implementation quality audits
• Participate in planning and scheduling of solutions implementation audits
• Participate in conducting of solutions implementation audits; follow-ups on corrective actions and preparation of solutions implementation audit report
• Collaborate with unit team members to deliver on Solutions delivery initiatives
• Complete all assigned  tasks to ensure timely delivery
• Comply with HR requirements on staff policy guidelines and requirements
• Mentoring, training and skills development of interns and attaches
• Any additional duties as assigned

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).

Academic qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science or other related technical Field from a recognized university
• Practical experience in relevant MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• Broad technical expertise combined with business acumen skills
• Project; Quality Management or Business Analysis training or experience is an added advantage

Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies/Attributes:

• Excellent Business Analysis and Process improvement technical skills 
• Proactive and Solutions Oriented with well-developed decision-making skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Highly innovative; creative and results driven
• Strong logical and strategic thinker
• Lateral Thinker and Team Player
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills along with meeting facilitation skills - must be able to listen to customers, document requirements quickly & accurately, and review written materials for accuracy. Must also be able to communicate technical information to persons at all technical levels.
• Risk management and analysis
• Project Management; Quality analysis and Change management skills
• Strong leadership, people management and interpersonal skills
• Excellent business awareness and understanding
• Desire to continually learn new skills

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

Membership to one or more of the below professional bodies will be an advantage:

• Certified International Software Testing Qualification Border (ISTQB) Tester
• IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
• Project Management Certification
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
• Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP)
• ISO 27001
• International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC)
• International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA)

Previous relevant work experience required.

• At least four (4) years’ work experience in  a similar role with one (1) year at supervisory level
• An understanding of Business improvement methodologies and techniques
• Practical experience in relevant MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• A good understanding of technology.
• Experience in leading people in diverse roles
• Knowledge/Certification in ISO 9001:2015 an added advantage