Senior Advisor, Global Information Technology at Pathfinder International

Job Description

Senior Advisor, Global Information Technology at Pathfinder International

Summary of Role:  

The Sr. Advisor, Information Technology works closely with the Information Technology Director, Pathfinder decision-makers, and country offices to identify, recommend, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions throughout Pathfinder.  The position provides day to day direction, guidance, and support for IT solutions that enhance business operations and ensures optimal performance of all Pathfinder office IT systems and operations in alignment with the objectives of Pathfinder International and the Country-Led Strategy.  Facilitates and streamlines communications to the IT Director; manages a team of IT Regional Managers; and works closely with the IT Systems, IT Applications, and IT Security teams to meet the technology needs of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management: 

• Leads and manages a team of IT Regional Managers. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, and directs their work.
• Coordinates the flow of information from the global IT team to the country IT teams. Develops capacity of country office staff to maintain reasonable standards for infrastructure and systems.

Global IT Infrastructure:

• Establishes a framework of communication between country leadership and IT to discuss challenges and opportunities and enhance the pipeline between the IT team and Country staff to ensure highest level/efficiency of support and service.

Project Management:

• Establishes project scopes, goals, timelines, resources, and deliverables that support organization goals and tracking projects progress.
• Ensures IT projects are thoroughly communicated to country leadership and IT management.

IT Infrastructure and Systems:

• Collaborates with country office teams to assess, benchmark, and make recommendations for IT infrastructure, systems, and applications to ensure operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations. Oversees provision of end-user services, including help desk and technical support services to ensure they meet internal SLA standards.

Risk Management:

• In coordination with the IT Director and the IT Security Manager, designs and implements a comprehensive risk management program, including implementation of disaster recovery, business continuity and data security plans, addressing compliance risks, and ensuring system documentation.
• Responsible for the implementation and training of all IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision throughout the Pathfinder country offices.

Networking Systems Planning and Execution: 

• Participates in and supports capacity planning and the development of long-term strategic goals for networking and telecommunication systems.
• Consults with country offices and systems team to evaluate requirements, recommend designs, provide cost analyses, plan projects, and coordinate tasks for installation of data networks.
• Works with the systems team to establish network specifications and policies by evaluating network performance including availability, utilization, throughput, good output, and latency.

Vendor Management: 

• Participates in negotiations with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure products and services.
• Works with vendors to resolve complex network problems.

Required Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences, information technology, or related field.
• 8 years’ experience managing or directing an IT operation.
• Experience with IT strategic planning and development, project management, infrastructure, and policy development.
• Experience with systems documentation.
• 8 years’ experience with Microsoft systems and application administration, service desk platform management, ITSM, ITIL.
• Systems Design and Development: Skills in systems design and development from business requirements analysis through day-to-day management.
• IT Systems: Advanced knowledge of current network and PC operating systems, hardware, protocols, and standards including cloud technologies.
• Management and Supervision: Management and supervisory skills, including skills leading cross functional teams in multiple locations or underdeveloped countries. Relevant experience with distributed teams in country offices.
• IT Systems: Advanced knowledge of current network and PC operating systems, hardware, protocols, and standards including cloud technologies.

Preferred Competence and Work Experience:

• Previous work experience with an international NGO
• Certifications in Project Management.
• A passion for service improvement.

Other Information: 

Technology to be Used:

• Uses cellular and office phone, laptop, or desktop computer.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel required (20% or less)

Senior Advisor, Global Information Technology at Pathfinder International