ABOUT AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION

AATF is an international not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to promote food security and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in SSA. AATF works with African governments, private and public technology owners and developers, NGOs, seed companies and African smallholder farmers to identify and access technologies that address farmers’ critical problems and empower them through the availability of a choice of agricultural innovations that generate wealth and health for their families and communities. AATF is a registered charity under the laws of England and Wales and has host country status with the Government of Kenya. The Foundation depends on the ongoing support and collaboration of different partners and investors to meet its objectives.

To learn more about AATF please visit https://www.aatf-africa.org/.

ROLE OVERVIEW: PROGRAM TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGER

The Program Technology and Infrastructure Lead/ Manager will establish strategy and manage the organisation’s IT infrastructure, with a focus on system administration, maintenance, and networking. Furthermore, the incumbent will manage databases and security, as well as develop software to support internal and external customers.

He or she will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and supporting the organisation’s computer systems, Software development initiatives, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), intranets, individual computers, mobile devices, and other technology. In terms of business analytics (BA) and business intelligence, s/he will transform data into insights that support the organisation’s strategic objectives. The Program Technology and Infrastructure Lead/ Manager will be in charge of securing networks, computers, and mobile devices to protect the organisation’s data from internal and external threats.

This position reports to the Director, Corporate Services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Strategic leadership and work planning:

Develop a coherent ICT strategy in close collaboration with external and internal stakeholders.
Develop, manage, and maintain the IT service fabric or Enterprise architecture encompassing infrastructure, applications, communication, and mobility.
Formulate and deploy long-term strategic plans for acquiring and enabling innovative, efficient, and cost-effective information processing and communication technologies.
Maintain change and configuration policy to enhance controls and security.
Develop and implement ICT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, equipment replacement and service provision; and
Lead the Organisation in its implementation and use of ICT, including testing, trailing, and implementing new technologies, applications, services and facilitating necessary training.
Support Business process re-engineering to suit organisation goals and product development
Develop and manage ERP resources optimising them and integrating for use
Develop a data security policy as per Data Protection Act and other universal guidelines such as GDPR guidelines.

B. Management of the ICT Operations:

Manage operational and strategic ICT planning, including business requirements, project planning and organising the allocation of resources.
Review performance of ICT systems to determine operating costs, productivity levels and potential upgrade requirements.
Provide infrastructure cost management plans with growth and estimates.
Implement and maintain cyber security protocols safeguarding organisation assets, integrity and value.
Benchmark, analyse, report on and make recommendations for the optimisation of the ICT infrastructure and systems.
Lead and direct the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development and support of all hardware and software based on business needs.
Lead in the development of business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for ICT initiatives.

C. Management of resources of the unit

Develop, test, and manage the IT Business Continuity plan.
Lead the Information Systems Unit in the most cost-efficient way, ensuring that ICT services meet the expectations and needs of internal and external stakeholders.
Negotiate and manage vendors, outsourcers and consultant contracts, as well as service agreements; and;
Manage procurement needs, related contracts, Internal/external suppliers, and contract continuity.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

University degree in Electrical/Electronic /Software Engineering Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related field. Master’s degree in software engineering would be advantageous.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certificate or Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or Certified Network Security Certificate is required.
Certification in Enterprise IT Architect or Business Processes Reengineering is required.
Experience in ICT system integration and administration or design of ERPs is required for this role
Proven working experience (over 7 years) in similar roles is required.
At least 10 years of work experience in an ICT service environment
5 to 10 years of relevant management experience in a comparable organisation.
Extensive experience working within a multicultural environment is desirable.
Minimum 5 years’ knowledge and experience in ICT industry with Project/Product Management, Software development and process workflow mapping.
Proven experience in developing policies at strategic corporate level.
Extensive knowledge and experience in relevant regulatory frameworks and IT standards such as Data Protection.
Experience in data engineering for analysis and forecasting is advantageous.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to understand and use data to drive decision-making and strategy
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously amid ambiguity and without direction and to forge partnerships and drive for results
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with excellent fluency in English (spoken and written).
An excellent strategic leader and team manager/supervisor.
A strong service orientation to colleagues. S/he can work effectively and excel in a team setting.

WHY JOIN AATF AS PROGRAM TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGER?

The new AATF strategy (2023 – 2027) empowers staff to impact over 30M smallholder farmers in Africa through tailored technologies. AATF’s reputation spans 24 countries, where it has already achieved significant results.

The organisation offers an appealing salary and benefits package, fostering individual growth and success.

AATF’s culture is collaborative, results-oriented, and purpose-driven, facilitating collective achievement. Employees work together to reach as many smallholder farmers as possible, supported by a collegial environment. AATF provides a conducive setting where individuals thrive and contribute to its mission of agricultural advancement in Africa.

LOCATION AND CONTRACT TERMS

The position’s holder will be stationed in Nairobi, Kenya. The Program Technology and Infrastructure Manager is recruited on a two (2) years renewable contract, based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

AATF provides a competitive salary package and promotes a multicultural workplace that supports gender parity, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send your cover letter, detailed CV, and the names and contact information of three references to: Aatf_Technologymanager@adelkoconsult.com, on or before 10^th May 2024.

*Only Kenyan nationals are eligible to apply.

AATF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of the recruitment process will be anchored on merit, competence, and performance.