HEAD OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

HEAD OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Industry: Microfinance Banking | Financial Services
Location: Obanikoro, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Managing Director / Executive Management

Monthly Salary:₦450,000 GrossExperience:5–8 Years

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our client, a reputable Microfinance Bank, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of Information Technology (IT) to provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership for the Bank's technology function.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management of the Bank's IT infrastructure, BankOne Core Banking Application, information security, cybersecurity, digital banking channels, systems availability, technology operations, business continuity, and IT regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate must have hands-on experience working with BankOne within a banking environment, with a strong understanding of core banking operations, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, systems administration, and technology risk.

The successful candidate will ensure that the Bank's technology environment remains secure, resilient, reliable, scalable, and compliant with applicable Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requirements, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), and other relevant regulatory and industry standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. IT Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the Bank's IT strategy in alignment with business objectives, operational requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across IT infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and technology operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain IT policies, procedures, standards, and operating frameworks.
• Lead technology improvement and digital transformation initiatives across the Bank.
• Provide technology advisory support to Management and other business functions.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the IT team to ensure effective service delivery and accountability.

2. BankOne Core Banking Application Management

• Take primary responsibility for the administration, support, performance, and availability of the BankOne Core Banking Application.
• Monitor BankOne operations and ensure timely resolution or escalation of application-related issues.
• Manage user access, roles, privileges, configurations, and system controls within BankOne.
• Coordinate BankOne upgrades, patches, integrations, configurations, and system enhancements.
• Liaise with BankOne support teams, vendors, and service providers for technical support and issue resolution.
• Ensure appropriate change management, access control, audit trails, and system documentation are maintained.
• Support business users in the effective utilisation of BankOne and related banking applications.

3. IT Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee the Bank's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, databases, endpoints, internet connectivity, communication systems, and related technology platforms.
• Ensure high availability, reliability, performance, and security of critical IT systems.
• Monitor system uptime, capacity, performance, and infrastructure health.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, patch management, system upgrades, backups, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Ensure effective technical support for the Head Office, branches, and other business locations.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of IT assets, systems, licences, and technology infrastructure.

4. Information Security & Cybersecurity

• Develop and maintain appropriate information security and cybersecurity controls across the Bank.
• Protect the Bank's systems, applications, networks, and data against cyber threats and unauthorised access.
• Manage access controls, authentication, user privileges, endpoint security, and security monitoring.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate IT and cybersecurity risks.
• Coordinate vulnerability assessments, security reviews, penetration testing, and remediation activities where applicable.
• Lead the response to cybersecurity incidents and ensure appropriate incident documentation and escalation.
• Promote cybersecurity awareness and responsible technology usage across the organisation.

5. Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

• Develop, maintain, and periodically test the Bank's IT Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans.
• Ensure appropriate backup, recovery, redundancy, and system resilience mechanisms are implemented.
• Establish and monitor appropriate recovery objectives for critical banking systems.
• Coordinate disaster recovery testing, document results, and implement required remediation actions.
• Ensure critical systems can be restored within agreed recovery timelines following an incident or disruption.

6. Regulatory Compliance, IT Risk & Audit

• Ensure IT operations comply with applicable CBN guidelines and regulatory requirements relating to information technology, cybersecurity, electronic banking, outsourcing, and business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and applicable data protection requirements.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory examinations, technology assessments, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain appropriate IT policies, registers, risk assessments, controls, procedures, and supporting evidence.
• Track and close IT audit findings and regulatory observations within agreed timelines.
• Prepare periodic IT risk, compliance, performance, and systems reports for Management and relevant governance committees.

7. Digital Banking & Systems Integration

• Oversee the availability, performance, security, and integration of digital banking platforms and electronic channels.
• Support the integration of BankOne with payment platforms, third-party applications, digital channels, and other business systems.
• Identify technology opportunities that improve customer experience, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
• Lead or support implementation of new technology solutions and digital initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate security, testing, documentation, and change management for technology integrations.

8. Vendor & Service Provider Management

• Manage relationships with IT vendors, BankOne support teams, software providers, internet service providers, technology partners, and other service providers.
• Monitor vendor performance against agreed service-level agreements.
• Coordinate escalation and resolution of critical technical and service issues.
• Review technology solutions and vendor proposals based on reliability, security, scalability, and cost effectiveness.
• Maintain appropriate records of IT contracts, licences, warranties, and service agreements.

9. IT Governance, Budget & Reporting

• Establish effective IT governance, controls, processes, and performance monitoring mechanisms.
• Prepare and present periodic IT performance reports to Management and the Board or relevant committees.
• Develop and monitor the IT budget and ensure effective utilisation of technology resources.
• Monitor IT expenditure and recommend cost-effective technology investments.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, access controls, approvals, and accountability within the IT function.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of IT systems, policies, infrastructure, risks, incidents, and technology assets.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

Success in the role will be measured by:

• High availability and reliability of critical banking systems.
• Effective performance and uptime of the BankOne Core Banking Application.
• Timely resolution of critical IT incidents and service disruptions.
• Effective implementation of cybersecurity and information security controls.
• Successful disaster recovery and business continuity testing.
• Compliance with CBN, NDPA, audit, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Timely closure of IT audit and regulatory findings.
• Effective management of IT vendors and service-level agreements.
• Successful implementation of approved technology and digital projects.
• Improved IT operational efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Accurate and timely IT reporting to Management and relevant governance bodies.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or HND in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years and up to 8 years of relevant IT experience.
• At least 3 years' experience in an IT supervisory or management capacity.
• Must have proven professional experience working with BankOne within a banking environment.
• Previous experience in a Microfinance Bank, commercial bank, fintech, or other regulated financial institution is mandatory.
• Strong hands-on experience in BankOne administration, support, configuration, user management, troubleshooting, and systems integration.
• Proven experience managing IT infrastructure, networks, servers, databases, cybersecurity, and digital banking technologies.
• Demonstrated understanding of banking technology operations, IT controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Professional Certifications

Relevant certifications such as:

• CISA
• CISSP
• CCNA
• MCSE
• ITIL
• PMP

or other recognised IT, cybersecurity, infrastructure, governance, or project management certifications will be an added advantage.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL & PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• BankOne Core Banking Application
• IT Infrastructure Management
• Network Administration
• Server Administration
• Database Management
• Cybersecurity & Information Security
• Digital Banking Platforms
• IT Risk Management
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
• IT Governance & Controls
• Data Protection & Privacy
• Systems Integration
• Incident & Problem Management
• IT Vendor Management
• IT Project Management
• Regulatory & Audit Compliance
• Technology Strategy & Digital Transformation
• IT Budgeting & Cost Management
• Team Leadership & People Management
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

APPLICATION

Interested and qualified candidates should send their updated CV to:

hiring@mysigma.ioSubject:Head of Information Technology (IT) – ObanikoroOnly candidates who meet the stated requirements, particularly proven BankOne experience within a banking environment, will be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.