Head of IT and Innovations at Rose Avenue Group

Job Responsibilities

Technology Leadership

• Develop and implement the bank’s technology and shared services strategy, aligning it with the overall business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the management and the enhancement of the bank’s ICT infrastructure including hardware, software and data centers.
• Ensure the reliability, security and scalability of digital platforms, include mobile banking, online banking and digital payment systems.
• Lead the adoption of emerging technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency, such as cloud computing and fintech integration.
• Implement a standardized company-wide IT architecture that considers the uniqueness of user departments/ business units while ensuring leveraging of similar technologies across the business units and partnerships of Faulu and third-party service providers.
• Implement an application architecture that provides for the independent selection of a platform, for application execution and data base services and enables IT to efficiently deliver and upgrade strategic computer applications

Innovation and Product development

• Drive the innovation agenda by identifying and developing new digital financial products and services that meet the needs of the customers.
• Collaboration with the product development, marketing and customer experience teams to launch and promote new digital solutions.
• Foster culture of innovation within the bank, encouraging staff propose and explore new ideas and technologies.

Digital Transformation

• Lead the digital transformation initiatives across the bank, include the automation of processes, digital customer onboarding and the integration of digital and alternate channels.
• Manage the transition to digital platforms ensuring minimal disruption to customers and operations.
• Monitor and analyze digital trends and customer behavior to refine digital strategies and enhance customer engagement.

Financial, Operations and Risk management

• Oversee the shared services department, ensuring that all processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with the bank’s strategic goals.
• Implementing and enforcing the board-approved AML, KYC & CFT policy within the Department, Unit or Branch.
• Drive utilization and profitability of the alternative banking channels by the bank’s clients to deliver the Bank’s NII Strategy
• Implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect customer data and ensure compliance with the data protection regulations.
• Identify and mitigate technology – related risks including operational risks, data breaches and systems failures.
• Overseeing Physical Security of entire business and security of equipment’s.
• Implementing self-compliance checklist and ensuring compliance to internal and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor, on a continuous basis, all transactions to ensure that unusual and suspicious transactions are reported to the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).
• Ensure compliance with internal and external Auditors as well as regulatory agencies.
• Establish effective systems, procedures and standards of performance for staff in the IT, Operations and security Department and in the branches.
• Oversees the delivery of day-to-day support of all banking operational functions and work with other stakeholders to provide the technology solutions, process improvement efforts to promote efficiency and standardization across the organization

Effective stakeholder Management

• Working closely with the relevant Head Office departments, ensure effective administrative support to all the branches including resolving premises and other business-as-usual operational and service issues arising from time to time
• Vendor relationship management to ensure that business systems are covered through relevant Service Level Agreements.
• Provide feedback to head of segments on all products, service offerings and processes and recommend alignments to customer needs and expectations.

Business Continuity Management and Planning

• Establish business continuity plans to ensure reliable and secure service delivery.
• Responsible for the overall budgeting and planning for the daily Operation Department functions.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary team of IT and Operations
• Develop and implement training programs to upskill staff and keep them updated on the latest technological advancements.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.
• Drive a high-performance culture among the branches and take charge of performance management across branches.
• Develop and roll out initiatives geared to achievement of all operations and ICT KPIs. 

Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g. PMP, ITIL,CISM) are highly desirable.
• 10 years’ experience in Technology management with significant experience in the financial services, fintech and microfinance sector.
• Strong understanding of digital banking technologies, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record of leading successful digital transformation projects.
• Excellent strategic thinking, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in technology and project management tools.
• Innovative mindset with a passion for leveraging technology to promote financial inclusion.
• Strong leadership and team building skills.
• Results Oriented with a focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast paced and evolving environment.