Vacancy title:
IT Director

Jobs at:
Kepler

Deadline of this Job:
7th September 2018

Duty Station:
Kigali, Rwanda

Summary
Date Posted: 24th August 2018 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed , Employment Type: Full-Time

In 2013,we launched a new venture to build the first pan-African network of high-quality, affordable university programs, enabling even students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed. Nearly 300 students are now enrolled in Kepler.
Africa has the fastest-growing youth population in the world, but its education systems are not ready to unleash what could be the transformative generation of talent that permanently changes the face of the continent. Studies show that more earning potential is unlocked with each year of higher education than any other period of study. We aspire to help unleash a generation of African students who otherwise would lack the opportunity to achieve their potential.

JOB DETAILS:
Generation Rwanda/Kepler
About Generation Rwanda/Kepler

• The challenge: All across sub-Saharan Africa, millions of young people struggle every day with access to education and employment – and the kinds of livelihoods that lead to economic security and mobility for themselves and their families. Every young person deserves the chance to be educated; every young person deserves the opportunity to have a meaningful job.
  
• Who we are: Kepler is a nonprofit university program that is building a transformative model of education-to-employment services for young people across the region. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the economic mobility of thousands of individuals, families, and communities in all of our countries of operation. We want to reimagine what higher education can look like in sub-Saharan Africa.
  
• What we do: Through a rigorous curriculum of in-person, online and on-the-job learning, Kepler students graduate with the relevant skills and the right attitude to meet the needs of the changing global economy. We partner closely with Southern New Hampshire University - a global leader in higher education - which allows our students to attain affordable, internationally recognized degrees while studying in East Africa.
  
• Our history: Kepler launched in Rwanda in 2013. Our 50+ staff currently serve 550 students across two campuses in Rwanda – our flagship campus in Kigali, as well as a second campus in the Kiziba refugee camp in Western Rwanda, where we serve refugee learners.
  
• The future: Kepler has an ambitious new strategy for the next five years, which will include launching in two new countries; expanding our academic offerings; partnering with other public and private sector universities, and reaching a new level of organizational sustainability.
  About the position:
  The Information Technology Director is responsible for developing, planning and leading Kepler’s IT strategy, defining and delivering IT projects, and managing the IT department to ensure effective use of technology tools and infrastructure to support the success of Kepler program across all campuses. The role will oversee the use of new technology systems and services, software, data storage systems, the creation of IT vendor contracts, the development of tech policies and initiatives, and other areas related to the IT function at all Kepler campuses. The IT Director is a critical member of the team and will be involved in the management team working on country level and expansion projects.
  Responsibilities:
  
• Planning and developing IT strategies and operations that are in line with the organizational goal of growth and to match trends in the use of tech in education
  
• Establishing, implementing and managing IT department policies and procedures
  
• Overseeing and managing department staff, and budgeting
  
• Determining Kepler’s requirements for IT systems, software, and student computers
  
• Ensuring constant availability of network by using Cisco Meraki and solving network problems as they arise; Managing devices on the Meraki system as well as the ISP bundle supply; Maintaining the network configuration map and documentation of issues and solutions
  
• Identifying security vulnerabilities and eliminating them with strategic solutions that increase data security
  
• Identifying information system needs and recommending new technology solutions
  
• Overseeing and managing the information systems such as Google Suite (including student and staff emails), Student Information System (SIS), Canvas, CSM (Core Skills Mastery), video resources/NAS, Student Portal, and BambooHR
  
• Ensuring that Kepler technology systems are in compliance with all local and international regulations
  
• Establishing and maintaining a relationship with IT vendors to provide maintenance and support of the IT Systems.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned
  Required qualifications:
  
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology; Master’s preferred
  
• Prior experience in a similar role; at least five (5) years of experience
  
• Experience managing, growing and leading an IT team
  
• Experience with programming or software development
  
• Experience with managing networks
  
• Willingness to learn new systems and interest in technology trends
  
• Highly-developed communication skills (interpersonal, written, and verbal), and ability to inspire others
  
• Effective and tech-savvy manager
  Reports to: Chief Operating Officer