Position title: Head of IT

Date: 05^th August 2024

Work base: Head Office in Rwanda

Reporting to: Managing Director

Expected starting date: Any time

Employment Contract type: Open-ended contract.

About theASA International (Rwanda) Plc:

ASA International (Rwanda) Plc (subsequently referred to as “ASA Rwanda”) is a for-profit, deposit taking Microfinance Institution licensed by National Bank of Rwanda and incorporated under The Companies Act, No.103495622 in Rwanda in 2014 and started operations in 2016, currently serving small business through Loans and savings in 37 branches across the country. ASA Rwanda is a subsidiary of ASA International listed on London Stock Exchange, one of the world’s largest international Microfinance institutions in the world operating in 13 countries in Africa and Asia.

As a financial company and ASA international (Rwanda) plc is mostly engaged to work for the low income people of the country and as long as there is a possibility of financial irregularities in the activities, the company created a department/position to work to prevent any sorts of misappropriation.

Vision: Reduce poverty by improving the lives of the underprivileged with a key focus on female entrepreneurs.

Mission: We have a strong commitment to financial inclusion and socioeconomic progress.

Objective: Providing Microfinance loans for business purpose to low-income entrepreneurs with an objective of improving financial inclusion and realize socioeconomic progress. Our loans provide an alternative to low income entrepreneurs without access to credit from traditional banks. We provide these loans using the ASA Model.

Function summary

Head of IT is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, budgeting, implementation, and management of information technology and management information systems within the organization. The role requires a dynamic leader with strong stakeholder management skills and a deep understanding of both microfinance operations and technological innovations

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Programme Management:

• Develop and execute the IT & MIS strategy aligned with the organization’s overall goals and objectives.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology and data analytics to improve efficiency, scalability, and client experience in microfinance operations.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
• Drive technology related change in a programme structure with a high sense of personal leadership.

IT Infrastructure Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and security systems.
• Ensure the reliability, availability, and security of IT systems to support uninterrupted business operations.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and best practices to safeguard data integrity and privacy.

Management Information Systems (MIS):

• Lead the development and enhancement of MIS platforms to facilitate data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define reporting requirements and ensure timely and accurate delivery of management information.
• Implement analytics tools and dashboards to monitor key performance indicators and track organizational performance.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with IT vendors, service providers, and consultants to ensure quality service delivery and cost-effective solutions.
• Evaluate and negotiate contracts, service level agreements, and pricing terms to optimize value for the organization.
• Monitor vendor performance and compliance with contractual obligations.

Team Leadership:

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing IT & MIS team capable of delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the department.
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Strategic, tactical and operational IT finance & reporting:

• Prepare, manage and report on IT budgets and utilization
• Deliver strategic, tactical and operational reports on programmes, planning, progress, and issues

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Programming, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• MBA/Master’s degree in IT or in other relevant subjects will be an advantage

Requirements – Skills, Knowledge, Abilities – for Head of IT

• Being Rwandan by nationality;
• Proven 10 Years of experience in a senior leadership role overseeing IT and MIS functions, preferably in the microfinance or financial services sector.
• Strong technical expertise in IT infrastructure management, software development, database administration, and cybersecurity.
• Experience with MIS platforms, data analytics tools, and business intelligence solutions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Having Strong technology/digital skills
• A passion for leveraging technology and data to drive operational excellence and business growth.
• Experience in hiring, managing, and retaining a team of talent technology professionals
• Experience in managing Firewall ,cisco routers and switches
• PMP, ITIL, CCNA certification desirable
• Be ready to work or travel anywhere in the country where ASA International (Rwanda) Plc has branches;
• Willing to work under pressure and ready to complete necessary jobs on time

Salary & Benefits:

• Market conform salary and employment conditions.
• In-house Medical Insurance covering him/her and legal dependents as company policy
• Communication allowances as per company policy
• Monitoring allowance as per company policy
• Annual Salary Increment as per company policy depending on company profit
• Festival Allowance as per company policy

Cover Letter included the candidate’s expected salary; Detailed CV; copy of Degree; Work certificates from previous employers; any other document that may prove a candidate’s competency to the post; Copy of ID Card.

Applications should be addressed to the Managing Director of ASA International (RWANDA) Plc located in KIGALI City, GASABO District, Plot No. – 95, NTORA Village, KG 784 St. RUHANGO Cell, Gisozi Sector, Kigali, Rwanda

Online Application to be sent to [email protected] with subject line mentioning Head of IT. Submission of Application should be before 19^th August 2024 at 5:00 PM. Please note that only candidates with the needed qualifications and relevant experience will be shortlisted. If you do not hear from us in 2 weeks after the deadline, know that you are not meeting our requirements.

ASA International aims to attract and select a diverse workforce, ensuring equal opportunity to everyone, irrespective of race, age, gender, class, ethnicity, disability, location, and religion. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Done at Kigali on 06^th August 2024

Signed and approved by:

Md.Golam Mostofa

Deputy Managing Director

ASA International (Rwanda) Plc