Chief Information Officer (1 Post) (5-year Fixed-Term Contract Appointment)

• The University islooking for an energetic, passionate and knowledgeable individual asits Chief Information Officerto lead and manage the ICT Directorate and who will be responsible for providing visionary strategic leadership, to enable the technology and digital transformation of the University's academic project and operations. The incumbent will further remain abreast of and exploit the latest technology in higher education sector, especially with regard to Information Assurance, dissemination, security, Information and management. S/he will be the chief custodian of the University's Digitalisation strategy and its implementation. He/she will report to the Executive Director: Institutional Support and must meet the requirements and be responsible for the key performance areas listed below.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• An NQF level 8 qualification in Computer Science/Information Systems or Electronics or Electrical Engineering
• A post graduate qualification in Computer Science/Information System or Equivalent isrecommended
• A post graduate Management qualification such as an MBA/MBL is highly recommended
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library ITIL certification would be an added advantage
• Certification in Cyber Security will be an added advantage
• A minimum of thirteen 13 years' experience of which at least five 5 years has been at a Senior
• Management level with a proven track record for effective leadership and management in budgeting and employee development within the Information Technology environment.
• Knowledge and broad understanding of the use of ICT as a business driver
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary functions, e.g. computer and network services, ICT governance, cybersecurity, digitalisation, administrative platforms, teaching and learning and research systems, modern telecommunications and management information
• Proven knowledge and experience in scenario or strategic planning in complex and diverse knowledge and information management environments, including systems thinking abilities.
• Business and systems analysis skills, including experience in the analysis, implementation, and evaluation of IT systems/infrastructure and their specifications
• Demonstrated project management experience, including experience of commissioning services from third parties and managing relationships with suppliers and contractors
• Computer skills MS Office suite

COMPETENCIES

• Technical/ professional knowledge and skill
• Up to date with contemporary ICT development and skills
• Strategic leadership, decision making and problem solving
• Resource Management and Mobilisation
• Above average communication skills written and spoken and solid report writing
• Strong interpersonalrelations, collaboration, teamwork and ability to build strong stakeholder relations
• Personal impact, stature, integrity and credibility
• Ability to work independently and under pressure with tight deadlines
• Results-oriented with a high work ethics and standards
• The ability to understand negative consequences and threats and to manage decisions/business processes to negate/minimize risk
• Ability to implement and manage change
• Ability to manage diverse teams; an impeccable administrator
• Client service orientation

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Develops an ICT Vision and ICT strategy for the University, including on digital transformation which is key to the University's strategy
• Develop and oversee the implementation of strategies and policies to ensure an optimal mix of information and communication technology services are available to the academic community, and the operations
• Promote effective management of information and information technology as an abler of strategic resources, including the academic enterprise
• Provide overall direction forthe enterprise architecture with specific reference to the ICT infrastructure architecture
• Develop a digital transformation strategy that feedsinto the overallstrategic direction of the University, demonstrating innovation in the implementation of the university's business processes and solutions.
• Draft and propose policy related to the direction and development of ICT services and facilities across the University.
• Develop an enterprise technology, knowledge, and information management strategy, and drive the creation of enterprise technology standards to ensure system compatibility and seamless integration
• Ensure innovation in the implementation of University's Business processes and solutions
• Provide overall management, technical, and financial direction for strategic enterprise IT projects
• Ensures effective management of business and technical teams to ensure all projects meet strategic objectives
• Manage ICT budget and funds in accordance with University's financial procedures and processes, within a clear project management framework
• Provide technical leadership to the University's information and cyber security capability
• Ensure the implementation of the quality assurance standards and risk management measuresto meet both internally set standards and the requirements of external bodies
• Effectively manage and develop employees within the IT operations and support team
• Represent SMU in the regional, national and international ICT committees, professional organizations, and specialized groups, ensuring that ICT is benchmarked nationally and internationally on an ongoing basis
• Produce relevantstrategic and operationalreports as and when required, as part of ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the strategic objectives of the Directorate
• Effectively promote and practice good corporate/IT governance
• Ensure compliance with SHE policies and procedures
• Contribute to the overall development of SMU and actively improve institutional culture
• Any other duties assigned by the Executive Director: Institutional Support and/or Vice Chancellor

Candidates should submit their applications to the Human Capital and Transformation Department for the attention of Interim Executive Director, Prof Mala Singh at hr.recruitment9@smu.ac.za by no later than 16:00 on the closing date as indicated on this advert.

Deadline:25th September,2026