Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Head of Information Technology
Reports to: Executive Director, Operations & Information Technology
Role Purpose:
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) serves as the strategic leader responsible for the overall technology strategy, governance, and operations within UBA Pensions Custodian Limited. The CIO ensures that technology infrastructure, applications, and data systems are robust, secure, and aligned with the business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices to optimize pension custody operations and deliver value to stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
i. Develop and implement an innovative IT strategy that supports the mission and goals of the pension custody business while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as those set by the Pension Commission (PenCom).
ii. Oversee the management and continuous improvement of core IT infrastructure, including data centers, networks, servers, and security systems, essential for safeguarding and efficient custody of pension assets.
iii. Lead digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, automate manual processes, and improve customer service delivery through technology.
iv. Oversees the technological infrastructure (Network and Computer systems) in the organization to ensure optimal performance
v. Direct and organize IT-related projects
vi. Monitor changes and advancements in technology to discover ways the Company can gain a competitive advantage.
vii. Analyze the costs, value, and risks of information technology to advise Management and suggest required actions
viii. Collaborate with other departments, the Board, and external regulators to align IT capabilities with organizational priorities and compliance requirements.
ix. Oversee disaster recovery and business continuity planning related to IT infrastructure to mitigate operational risks.
Qualifications & Experience:
i. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
ii. Professional certifications in IT management or security (e.g., CISSP, CISM, ITIL) are an advantage.
iii. At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in IT leadership roles, preferably with experience in financial services, pension fund administration, or custody businesses.
iv. Proven track record managing complex IT infrastructure and security in regulated environments.
v. Strong understanding of IT governance, compliance, risk management, and digital transformation strategies.
Key Competencies & Skills:
i. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute IT strategies that support long-term organizational goals.
ii. Leadership: Capable of leading diverse technical teams and driving organizational change.
iii. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
iv. Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify IT system issues and implement effective solutions.
v. Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with pension industry regulations and data privacy laws.
vi. Vendor Management: Skilled in negotiating contracts and managing IT vendor relationships.
vii. Project Management: Experience managing large-scale IT projects and ensuring timely delivery. Should also have professional qualifications in Project management, e.g., PMP or PMI-ACP. Best for this role is PMI-ACP and 2. Microsoft certification, since we use a Microsoft-based system - BC.
viii. The candidate should also have a demonstrable track record of managing midsize to big projects and working with advanced Microsoft tools.