Requirements

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills
  
• In-depth knowledge of banking systems and IT infrastructure
  
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and risk management
  
• Excellent project management and execution capabilities
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
  
• Ability to drive innovation and digital transformation
  
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the financial services industry
  

IT Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and implement the bank’s IT strategy in alignment with business goals.
  
• Provide leadership in driving digital transformation and innovation initiatives.
  
• Advise executive management on technology trends, opportunities, and risks.
  

IT Operations & Infrastructure:

• Oversee the management of IT infrastructure, networks, and systems to ensure high availability and performance.
  
• Conduct periodic system resilience tests and failovers to ensure business continuity
  
• Ensure efficient delivery of IT services and user support across the bank.
  
• Manage core banking systems and related applications.
  

Information Security & Risk Management:

• Establish and enforce IT security policies, procedures, and controls.
  
• Ensure protection of the bank’s data, systems, and digital assets.
  
• Monitor and manage IT risks, including cybersecurity threats and system vulnerabilities.
  
• Ensure incident response and regulatory escalation
  
• Provide direction and oversight on data governance (i.e. access control, data protection, and NDPR) and data management.
  

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., CBN guidelines) and industry standards.
  
• Maintain up-to-date documentation for audits and regulatory reviews.
  
• Liaise with internal and external auditors on IT-related matters.
  

Project Management & Digital Initiatives:

• Lead the planning and execution of IT projects, including system upgrades and digital banking solutions.
  
• Drive automation and process improvement initiatives across the bank.
  
• Ensure timely delivery of projects within scope and budget.
  
• Coordinate and oversee change management activities i.e. change/release processes and controls
  

Enterprise Architecture & Integration:

• Define and maintain enterprise architecture aligned with business and digital strategy.
  
• Establish architecture standards, integration frameworks, and API governance.
  
• Provide oversight on solution design and system integration across all technology initiatives.
  

Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers.
  
• Negotiate contracts, manage third-party and outsourcing risk and ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
  
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand and meet business technology needs.
  

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team to achieve high performance.
  
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  
• Ensure adequate training and capacity building within the IT function.