Systems Applications Manager

Directorate: Information Communication Technology

Position: Systems Applications Manager

Ref: NCWSC2012-009

Location: Headquarters-Kampala Road Industrial Area

Grade: 3

Reporting to: ICT Director

Supervises: Systems Applications Coordinators and Officers

Broad Role: The Applications Manager’s role is to supervise and maintain the organization’s repository of software applications through best practices, planning and coordinating the processes required for the provision of user applications and systems.

Duties and responsibilities

• Ensure that applications meet business requirements and systems goals, fulfill end-user requirements, identify and resolve systems issues
• Review and analyze existing applications effectiveness, efficiency and develop strategies for improving or leveraging the systems
• Cultivate and disseminate knowledge of application-usage best practices
• Research and make recommendations on software products and services in support of procurement and development efforts
• Evaluate, install, configure, and deploy new applications, systems software, products, and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout the enterprise
• Collaborate with analysts, designers, and system owners in the testing of new software programs and applications
• Analyze documentation and technical specifications of any new application under deployment or consideration to determine its intended functionality
• Ensure that any new software integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system compliance, and interface specifications
• Design, develop, and install application enhancements and upgrades
• Coordinate feasibility studies for software and system products under consideration for purchase, and give advice based on findings
• Contribute to pre-testing phase of development by evaluating proposals in order to identify potential problem areas, and make the appropriate recommendations
• Negotiate contracts with software and service providers
• Liaise with company’s software suppliers for prompt rectification of any problems or emergencies
• Manage and provide direction for the application team in support of business operations
• Liaise with network administrators and software engineers to assist with quality assurance, program logic and data processing
• Compile and maintain inventory of company software and systems assets and their corresponding contracts/agreements
• Develop and communicate training and documentation for end users, hold clinics/presentations as necessary, and other user-related activities
• Develop, distribute, and coordinate in-depth end-user reviews for modified and new systems or applications.

Education, Professional Qualifications and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Design, Computer Science or Software Engineering
• 7 years direct experience managing applications and/or systems management 3 of which must be at senior management level
• Broad knowledge in systems analysis and design (Conversant with PRINCE II model)
• Proven experience in overseeing the direction, development, and implementation of software solutions
• Direct, hands-on experience with automated software management tools
• Strong knowledge of system and software quality assurance best practices and methodologies
• Extensive experience with core software applications, including CMS, Oracle Financials etc
• Technically fluent in programming languages, including OOP
• Working knowledge of network and PC operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Unix
• Working knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and standards, including FDDI, ATM and Frame relay.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
• Strong customer-service orientation
• Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language
• Ability to conduct research into application issues and products
• Highly self-motivated and directed
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Good project management skills and/or substantial exposure to project-based work structures
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.

Interested candidates holding the necessary requirements are encouraged to send their hard copy application with clear reference of the job code on the envelope, detailed CV, names and contact of 3 referees, one of whom must be a former employer, copies of certificates, testimonials, current telephone number and email address on or before March 5 , 2012 to the address indicated below.

The Manager
Human Capital Advisory Services
The Kenya Institute of Management
P.O Box 43706 00100,
Nairobi Kenya

or dropped at

The Kenya Institute of management
2nd floor, Luther Plaza
Uhuru Highway/Nyerere Rd Roundabout

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (NCWSC) is an equal opportunity employer.