Manager, IT Services Unit, Global Services Centre

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The IFRC is a membership organisation established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The IFRC is in the process of establishing a Global Services Centre (GSC) in Budapest, Hungary in 2016. The IT department is led by the Director IT and the Budapest based Manager of the IT Services Unit is a key member of the global ITD management team, contributing to the development and implementation of an IT strategy that best serves the IFRC’s business needs.

Job Purpose

To deliver a high quality IT infrastructure and telecommunications environment and support services worldwide for the IFRC, including the maintenance and support of essential global IT and the development of standards for users.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Manage state-of-the-art IT and Telecommunications

• Manage the operations of the IT and telecommunications infrastructure worldwide within the ITIL framework to provide services to the IFRC that meet agreed requirements (availability, performance, cost etc.).
• Identify risks, develop and implement contingency plans to address risks and anticipated future requirements.
• Lead the development and implementation of vision setting, strategies, architecture, lifecycle plans and system operations and support policies for IT and telecommunications infrastructure and systems world-wide, aligned with and in support of the approved IFRC IT Strategy, including reporting on IT operational performance.
• Support the Cloud Migration and Support roadmaps, and other IT strategic initiatives.
• Manage the maintenance, support and administration on IFRC IT and telecommunications systems worldwide to ensure quality, timely and cost effective provision of service.
• Manage IT Services Unit staff at the GSC in Budapest; assign work and special projects; monitor workload and productivity; evaluate performance; promote staff training and development; provide assistance in analysing and resolving complex issues. 

Manage the design and implementation of new IT systems

• Provide cost-effective service levels that benchmark well or better than per organisations on cost per user. Provide reliable systems infrastructure operations with a declining cost per user.
• Lead the Risk Management and audit requirements for the IT Services Unit at the GSC as part of the ITD. Track and report on all audit recommendations in the ITD Risk Register as needed for IFRC Technology governance, especially for the IT Steering Committee (SC-IT) and Board committees. Ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of projects which address and mitigate IFRC technology-related risks.
• Work closely with the Transition Manager ensuring adequate testing, documentation and training required for a smooth hand-over of applications into production. Work together to forecast applications increase for support and operations as our portfolio and user base grows.

Contribute to cost-effective and reliable innovations in IFRC’s IT&T Strategy

• Participate in the planning, vision setting, development and implementation of the IT and telecommunications and Telecoms portion of the IT strategy for the IFRC, focusing specifically on IT operational infrastructure requirements. Participate in the development and implementation of an IT enterprise architecture and related standards, providing subject matter expertise on IT infrastructure details.
• Contribute to the development of the new IFRC IT Strategy 2016-2020.
• Propose and implement new technologies and systems, especially in the area of infrastructure, to keep the IFRC systems in line with evolving industry standards. Develop and maintain relationships with partners and technology provider organisations, as required.

Coordinate internal and external stakeholders

• Develop and promote effective working relationships within IT Infrastructure and support, within ITD, within the IFRC – in the field and in the HQ.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, share knowledge freely and where required. Provide training, documentation, etc., when required.
• Communicate and discuss with regional and divisional leaders to understand requirements and set expectations. Consult and advise them and develop joint technology roadmaps assisting and coordinating implementation of “One IT”.

Be a role model in leading and managing an effective, high quality team, fit for purpose

• Be accountable to the Geneva based IT Director on progress made and delivery, providing data for reporting. Be a pro-active advisor and dynamic member of the IT department management team, supporting strategic content areas and/or organizational change.
• Ensure effective coordination with divisions and regions, demonstrate a proven service and co-creative orientation towards National Societies and an active exchange with peers, partners and stakeholders in the external environment.
• Contribute to the design of the Budapest based IT Services Unit team structure, participate in recruitment of the unit staff members and establish the IT team to meet the expectations of the IT Services Unit at the GSC in Budapest. Ensure ongoing team management, including knowledge transfer and the updating and establishment of processes and procedures.

Education

Required:

University degree, in Engineering, computer sciences discipline.

Project management professional certification.

Preferred:

University degree, in management administration or similar discipline.

Experience

All required:

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience within the RCRC Movement and/ or international humanitarian or development organisations.
Proven experience in unit and project management.
At least 10 years’ relevant work experience, including 5 years’ application management experience.
At least 5 years of successful people management experience, including locally recruited staff.

Knowledge, skills and languages

Required:

High level of expertise with systems and applications, as well as policies and procedures, in common use at the IFRC: Network components, e-mail systems, Client/Server systems, ISPs & IP connectivity, applications, hardware (Current are predominately Microsoft, HP, Dell and Cisco based).
Proven training, knowledge transfer and supervision within the sphere of people management.
Ability to undertake strategic thinking and translate into practice.
Systems modelling, integration and optimization. Infrastructure study, deployment and operation.
Strong written and oral communication skills (including advanced knowledge of one of the major languages of the Federation).
Able to network effectively and influence and inspire others including the membership, governments, other agencies, and own peers, staff, and partners.
Focused on quality and standards, results, and accountability. 
Teamwork and trust-building, inclusive of National Society relations.
Proactive approach to finding creative and constructive solutions to difficult issues.

Fluently spoken and written English.

Preferred:

Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic); Knowledge on Russian and/or Hungarian is an asset.

Competencies and values

Accountability
National Society relations
Teamwork
Development
Integrity 
Strategic Orientation
Collaborating, influencing
Managing performance
Building alliances
Building trust
Effective communication

For a full job description, please visit: http://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/working-with-us/current-vacancies/job-description/?id=3040