Chief Technology Officer

Job Description

YES | Your Employment Solutions delivers full-cycle recruitment services and executive search support by discovering and screening the most qualified candidates utilizing cutting-edge technology and timeless traditional headhunting methods. Based in Addis Ababa, YES has become the industry leader in the specialty areas of manufacturing, engineering, telecom, HR, sales, marketing, information technology, supply chain, accounting & finance and Operations

Background of the Client

Alliance Microfinance AS in partnership with Norwegian Church Aid, Bakken & Bæck and East African Holding is seeking to establish Alliance MFI, Ethiopia's first digital MSME bank, with a priority to support urban and rural smallholder farmers with digital, financial services and market integration. To succeed with our mission, we need a professionally skilled CTO who is passionate about optimizing the digital experience for our customers with cutting-edge products and services, while at the same time understanding customer pain points and complex environments.

The position as Chief Technology Officer to oversee all technical aspects and technological resources of Alliance MFI for the purpose of organizational set up and growth will be appointed by East African Trading House, a sister company of East African Holding prior to the formation of Alliance MFI.

The role will require leading on the technological vision for Alliance MFI and the company's technological development in line with the business objectives as per Business Plan and Strategic Plan.

Main responsibilities Strategy

• Developing an IT and digital roadmap for the first three years and anticipating the future growth and trends of fast-moving IT landscape and keep pace with latest innovations
• Working towards the establishment and implementation of a new Core Banking System for Alliance MFI
• Evaluating new technologies and making recommendations on technological solutions
• Maintaining competitive advantage over peers on digital operations while leveraging the country’s digital ecosystem
• Providing strategic insights and business case justifications for IT/digital spending on key IT initiatives
• Managing IT related expenses according to the company assigned budget
• Managing all IT related projects as per schedule and deliverables
• Ensuring compliance and governance of the local regulations as well as local and group policies and guidelines in Technology and Information Security area
• Establishing partnerships with mobile wallet and digital operators across Ethiopia

Management and oversight

• Identifying security threats, formulate strategies and methods to mitigate such threats
• Managing the daily operations and implementation of the IT security strategy
• Reducing the risks of outside breaches and protect sensitive internal and external information
• Developing and maintaining IT data and system security policies
• Running security audits and risk assessments
• Identifying needs of digital solutions and ensuring its development in a timely manner to help increase operational efficiency of the MFI
• Digitizing the operations of the MFI and reducing cost of operations by leveraging digital innovations 
• Developing and maintaining overall framework of IT policies, standards and strategies that will empower business
• Ensuring IT quality management through uniform processes and procedures
• Supporting other departments, meeting their IT related needs in a time bound manner

Leadership

• Demonstrating strong people management and communication both locally and internationally, with clients and/or partners
• Empowering and leading an IT team to meet business and IT security goals
• Setting priorities, objectives and KPI targets that underpins what contributes to delivery of value to business aligned best practices

Human resource management

• Leading on recruitment, development, motivation and retention of assigned management and staff conforming to budgetary objectives and human resources policies
• Ensuring appropriate training programs for the organization are in place to attract, retain and develop the key personnel required to support information services

Financial management

• Developing and maintaining annual operating and capital budgets for company information and technology systems operations consistent with programmatic plans and established financial guidelines
• Monitoring IT activities and costs as related to the overall utilization of resources required to meet programmatic operational requirements
• Developing and maintaining corporate policies and standards aimed at minimizing costs related to the acquisition, implementation and operation of IT systems
• Maintaining contact with existing and potential new partners for DFS and innovative channels and IT suppliers. Evaluate alternatives, perform appropriate cost benefit analysis, and recommend solutions that minimize costs commensurate with acceptable risks
• Reviewing company hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts, soliciting involvement and participation of other management team members as appropriate. Develop, when possible, company master purchase or lease agreements for hardware, software, maintenance and telecommunication services

Job Requirement

Education and experience 

• At least 15 years’ experience in the IT field out of which at least 10 years in banking / microfinance sector
• First-hand knowledge in supervising development of software solutions
• Strong knowledge in Core Banking Solutions and Digital Operations
• Deep familiarity with Digital Financial Services, how they are built and offered to microfinance clients
• Strong knowledge and working experience with mobile banking platforms, USSD platforms and mobile wallets
• IT graduate, MBA preferred

Skills and competencies

• Passionate for innovation and customer centric IT digital models
• Entrepreneurial/start up mentality
• Team player able to delegate, supervise and empower team members while working well with other departmental heads
• Strategic ability to create an digital vision for rural customers, among others, in Ethiopia
• Up-to-date with the current levels of IT security and threats that could impact Alliance MFI’s digital and financial assets
• Strong project management skills and management of development, maintenance and support teams
• Commitment to continuous professional development, professional reading and willingness and ability to learn and improve continuously
• Ability to work independently, ability to meet deadlines and targets while demonstrating attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven working experience as a CTO or Head of IT or relevant experience
• Excellent knowledge of technical management, information analysis and of computer hardware/software systems
• Expertise in data centre management, data governance and data lake platforms
• Hands-on experience with computer networks, network administration and network installation
• Fluency in English (reading, writing, understanding), Amharic and additional Ethiopian languages a strong plus