JOB DESCRIPTION: International Information Technology Manager   (IITM)                            
AREA/UNIT: Finance and Services Area
RESPONSIBLE TO: Finance and Services Director
RESPONSIBLE FOR: IT Unit
GRADE OF POST: A
 

SPECIFIC JOB PURPOSE

• To lead the development, maintenance and support of efficient and cost-effective information, voice, image and communication services for Practical Action, its subsidiaries and its staff worldwide
• To develop and lead an Information Technology strategy to meet Practical Action’s needs.
• To guide the work of IT staff in each Country and Regional Office in co-operation with their local management.
• To lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver successful IT solutions for users.
• To manage the UK Information Technology Unit.
• To advise the Finance and Services Director and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on information technology matters.

SCOPE OF ROLE

• The International Information Technology Manager is responsible for formulating all Information Technology policies and procedures and gaining approval for these from SLT.
• The IITM must understand and judge how to use appropriate opportunities in the fast changing IT Environment to effectively meet the needs of IT users across Practical Action. Requiring expertise in IT Hardware, Software, Networking, Communications and Development and creatively, effectively and securely mixing these together.

SPECIFIC JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

• The IITM is responsible and accountable for the development and delivery of an effective  IT platform and service for Practical Action and its staff. These services are essential for the efficient and effective working of staff and poor or unreliable delivery will have a severe impact on the effectiveness and productivity of Practical Action. Reliable access to Email, Sharepoint, Sun, Raisers Edge, Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer are essential for the day to day operations of Practical Action.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Planning and Management
• To ensure that efficient, reliable and user-oriented information and communication technology services, including secure local and wide area networks, are provided to staff in Practical Action and its subsidiaries internationally.
• To ensure effective management of IT projects and supervise the management of key information technology projects, directly managing IT projects when appropriate.
• To contract and manage external suppliers of information and communication technology equipment or services as required and ensure the effective management of third party contracts for delivery of IT services contracted in the UK.
• To develop and maintain effective co-ordination between the Information Technology staff in all Practical Action locations worldwide.
• To provide functional oversight of the work of IT staff in Country and Regional Offices, advising their local management on any issues affecting their performance.
• To provide advice and support on information and communication technology matters to Country and Regional Offices as required.
Strategic Direction
• To develop an Information Technology strategy to support the Practical Action Strategy and to update this in response to changes in the organisational strategy and developments in the solutions available. 
• To lead the development and support of UK and international information and communication technology systems to meet the organisation's needs in a cost-effective way.
• To lead the development and documentation of IT policies and procedures for use throughout the organisation, consulting with others as appropriate and ensuring communication of agreed policies and procedures to relevant staff in each country.
• To advise Directors and other managers on information technology matters, particularly strategic systems development, software, network and hardware standards, training and supplier selection.
• To maintain a current knowledge of developments in the field of information technology to guide strategic IT development and investment, and advise Directors accordingly.
• To propose, justify, plan, lead and evaluate the implementation of international IT investments required to implement the IT strategy plans.
Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management
• To develop suitable monitoring processes to ensure compliance with internal policies as well as relevant information technology and data protection legislation, and advise Directors on related changes to policy and practice.
• To identify, develop and supervise delivery of suitable training for IT staff in UK and Country offices to enable them to effectively support the organisation’s IT facilities.
• To ensure that advice and assistance is provided to all staff for the effective use of information technology hardware and software.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• International IT Managers who have a dotted line responsibility to the IITM who is responsible for developing and supporting them plus ensuring policies and procedures are followed.
• SLT providing IT expertise and advice.
• Managers who have particular IT requirements eg. Fundraising, Finance, Communcations, Knowledge and Quality Assurance.
• External relationships with key IT suppliers and other NGO’s (to learn from best practice)

LINE MANAGEMENT OR SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• To line manage the staff of the Information Technology Unit in the UK consistent with Group policies and values.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To provide financial management and control for all the work of the Information Technology Unit in the UK, including budgets, expenditure control and contract management.
• To ensure effective financial management and control for international information technology projects, including budgets, expenditure control and contract management.
• To identify funding opportunities and raise financial and in-kind support for the work of the Information Technology Unit, in liaison with the Marketing and Communications Area.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Level of educational achievement required
• Graduate, or equivalent,in a relevant discipline
Level of experience required
• 10 years’ experience in Information Services, of which at least 3 should be in a managerial capacity.
.Specific skills required
• Extensive experience of IT Infrastructure and Services Management.
• Experience in the management of Microsoft Windows server and client infrastructure, including Active Directory.
• Knowledge and experience of Networking and Network security.
• Experience of Microsoft Exchange – Email management and Microsoft SQL – Database management.
• Experience in the management of Microsoft Virtualisation Infrastructure.
• Experience of Microsoft SharePoint or similar collaborative technologies.
• Experience in the supply and delivery of IT training to end users.
• Knowledge of Cloud Computing is desirable.
• Knowledge of Intranet, Extranet and Internet is desirable.
• Knowledge of telephony systems, in particular technologies such as VOIP and ISDN is desirable
• Knowledge of disaster recovery planning and business continuity experience is desirable
• Experience of managing  business software development is desirable
Specific experience required
• Experience of managing in an international organisation
• Experience of IT project design and management.
• Experience of managing IT support
• Experience of managing external suppliers and contractors.
• Systems and business analysis experience.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Self - Motivation
Competence demonstrated by the level of timeliness and accuracy the individual displays in carrying out their role, by their personal energy and enthusiasm and by their willingness to learn to exceed expectations in their role.

Drive for results
Competence demonstrated by the level of responsibility and accountability demonstrated by the individual in meeting or beating commitments and objectives, whatever the organisational level of the role. Illustrated by evidence of seeking better ways of doing things, looking to improve on status quo and willingness to deal with difficult situations that effect output of their role. 

Planning and organizing
Competence demonstrated by the ability to process requirements of role effectively. Is able to gather and use resources effectively. Can prioritise their and/or their teams’ workload appropriately and are able to review and amend priorities and actions as and when required.

Initiative
This competence is demonstrated by evidence of an ability to work independently, within a set context; to act on current or future problems or opportunities; to respond creatively and effectively to the unexpected. Displays a curious and questioning approach in their role and environment.

Decision–making
Competence is demonstrated by the timeliness and sound reasoning of decisions. There is a balance of consultation with action. Will communicate, will follow through and will be accountable for outcome. Will always have the interests of Practical Action at the core of the decision. Will support decisions once argued through and made.

Teamwork
Competence demonstrated by the ability and inclination to work co-operatively with others. Will recognise the value of sharing ideas, knowledge and information with others and takes personal responsibility for doing so.

Influencing
Competence evidenced by the ability to use a range of approaches and select the appropriate style for a situation. Is able to demonstrate good listening skills, presents own view in a convincing manner, whilst acknowledging different perspectives, feelings and concerns.  Works for a win-win outcome in resolving differences, and is usually able to win others over to own way of thinking. Is well networked with excellent external focus.

Leading and Managing
Competence evidenced by the ability to inspire, enthuse and communicate, delegating supporting, coaching or directing as appropriate. Provides clarity and direction to the team. Is able to identify, address and solve performance issues with their team.

Managing relationships
Competence demonstrated by an ability to understand and react appropriately to motivations that drive colleagues’ behavior. Is sensitive to cultural differences and behaves appropriately within them. Understands how to develop productive working relationships

International Information Technology Manager

For further details and an application pack, please complete the form on the "Download" tab of this page to download files, or contact the HR Unit, Practical Action; Tel: 01926 634426 or by email: recruitment@practicalaction.org.uk

Closing date for return of completed applications is Wednesday 18th July 2012

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Please be aware that all applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.