Vacancy for a Head of Information Technology (IT)

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About the Organisation

The Association of African Universities (AAU), headquartered in Accra, Ghana, is an international non-governmental organisation established by universities in Africa to promote cooperation among African higher education institutions and strengthen their engagement with the global academic community.

AAU serves as a continental platform for dialogue, capacity development, policy advocacy, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange in higher education.

The Association invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Head of Information Technology (IT) at its Secretariat in Accra.

Position Summary

The Head of Information Technology (IT) will provide strategic leadership for the Association’s digital transformation agenda and oversee the planning, development, security, and management of AAU’s ICT infrastructure and digital services.

The successful candidate will align ICT systems and services with AAU’s strategic objectives, enhance digital integration across African higher education institutions, and promote secure, scalable, and innovative technology solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Secretary-General, the Head of IT shall provide:

1. Strategic IT Leadership and Governance

Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with AAU’s institutional objectives and digital transformation priorities.
Provide overall strategic and operational leadership to the IT Department.
Lead digital transformation initiatives across the broader university network, extending beyond Secretariat operations.
Continuously assess emerging technologies and advise on their implications for digital policy, innovation, and the strategic positioning of the network.
Establish and maintain IT governance frameworks, standards, and policies.

2. IT Operations and Infrastructure Management

Oversee all IT operations, including systems administration, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications, and user support services.
Ensure data protection, regulatory compliance, system integrity, and business continuity planning.
Supervise and evaluate professional and support staff within the IT Department.
Manage IT budgets, procurement processes, vendor relationships, and service-level agreements.

3. Digital Platforms and Knowledge Systems

Lead the development, enhancement, and maintenance of AAU’s digital platforms, including websites, knowledge repositories, collaboration systems, and virtual engagement tools.
Lead and oversee the design of the MEL systems for projects at the Association of African Universities
Establish and maintain an information and knowledge clearinghouse on African higher education.
Promote effective internal and external communication systems and digital collaboration tools.

4. Network Engagement and Regional Digital Initiatives

Provide IT leadership for broader outreach and university/network engagement.
Oversee strategic initiatives related to:
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
- Research and Education Networks (RENs)
- E-learning platforms
- Virtual classrooms
- Adoption of digital tools supporting teaching, learning, and research collaboration.
Support and enhance platforms that facilitate research collaboration among member universities.
Foster structured collaboration with IT Units across member institutions to promote interoperability, knowledge exchange, and capacity development.

5. Project Management and Resource Mobilisation

Coordinate and oversee IT-related projects, including donor-funded initiatives and regional digital collaboration programmes.
Proposal development, grant writing, and broader resource mobilisation efforts related to IT and digital innovation.

6. Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening

Design and implement capacity-building programmes and workshops for IT professionals across member institutions.
Promote digital literacy and innovation culture within the Secretariat and the wider network.
Strengthen partnerships and technical cooperation in IT development.

7. Other Duties

Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Secretary-General.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related field;
OR
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline with substantial senior-level professional experience.

Professional Experience

Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in ICT management, including at least three (3) years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience managing enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud systems, and cybersecurity frameworks.
Proven ability to manage multiple and complex projects simultaneously.
Strong understanding of ICT challenges and opportunities within higher education, particularly in Africa.
Experience working with international partners, donor-funded programmes, and academic networks is an advantage.
Demonstrated experience in proposal development and fundraising support.

Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge of IP-based networks and enterprise systems architecture.
Expertise in cloud services, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital transformation frameworks.
Experience in knowledge management systems and institutional digital platforms.

Core Competencies

Strategic vision and institutional leadership
Excellent project management and analytical skills
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
Capacity to work effectively in multicultural and multilingual environments
Commitment to advancing digital equity and innovation in African higher education

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Initial contract of four (4) years, including a one-year probationary period.
Renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
Competitive remuneration package payable in US dollars.
Twenty-one (21) working days of annual leave.
Additional benefits include post adjustment allowance and housing subsidy.

Equal Opportunity

The Association of African Universities (AAU) is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the African continent. Qualified women and men from Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabophone regions are strongly encouraged to apply.

In view of the continental mandate and representational role of the Association, suitably qualified candidates — both female and male — from Southern and Eastern Africa are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online and should include: https://www.research.net/r/HOIT26

A cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest and suitability for the position.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Three (3) confidential letters of reference must be submitted directly by referees through the designated online portal https://www.research.net/r/HOIT26Ref

Only electronic applications submitted via the official application link will be considered. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

Applications should be addressed to:

Human Resource & Administrative Manager
Association of African Universities
African Universities House
Trinity Avenue, East Legon
P.O. Box AN 5744
Accra, Ghana

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview at a date to be communicated in advance.
The AAU reserves the right to extend the application deadline, to make no appointment, or to appoint at a lower grade if appropriate.