Vice President, Head of Information Technology, Oman

JOB PURPOSE:

• Set the strategic agenda for IT in Oman in conjunction with EXCO and Group colleagues. Manage all information technology needs for the business from preparing the local IT strategy, evaluating systems, to overseeing implementation of the systems, to ensure cost effective IT delivery. Identify, source, and implement local IT solutions that cannot be provided by Group as necessary.
• Develop technology roadmaps, strong governance over IT operations, vendor management, regulatory compliance, and business relationship management.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Oman Branch IT to achieve timely, accurate, and uninterrupted delivery of IT services.
• Manage the stakeholders’ relationship and expectations “both locally within the country, within the OMAN region and within the group” effectively ; this includes local Business , Information security, compliance, Data privacy, group technology , etc
• This role assumes the position of the Head of IT- Oman, and is responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of the FAB Oman Branch's IT operations by ensuring the effective management of the processes, systems and people required to design, develop, deliver, and improve technology services across the business
• Oversee the day-to-day IT operations in accordance with IT policies and technology standards as FAB Group and local regulatory requirements.
• Act as a single point of contact for the various business areas in Oman Branch to enhance customer experience, manage customer expectations and achieve customer satisfaction.
• Lead the development and execution of the IT strategy for FAB Oman, ensuring alignment with Group objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Drive digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence to deliver business value and competitive advantage.
• Serve as the principal advisor to executive leadership on all technology matters, with full accountability for IT risk, compliance, and business continuity.
• Champion a culture of high performance, agility, and continuous improvement across the IT function.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

IT Strategy

• Contribute to the development of technology strategies and roadmap in alignment with Head Office’s global strategy in tandem with the needs of the branch.
• Responsible to provide regular updates on Oman IT deliverables and progress of OMAN IT strategy and roadmap implementation .Propose or influence technology solution delivery based on business requirements, existing applications and latest technology trends.
• Monitor developments or advancements in technology, assess their value-add potential and applicability for adoption by branch.
• Partner with business/IT leadership team to develop and deliver IT strategies, technology innovation & solutions that drive business and service excellence.
• Act as an advisor to the business leadership team by providing solutions to support business needs, enhance branch efficiency and enrich customer experience.

IT Operations

• Ensure all the IT hardware and applications in OMAN branches are running/functioning well within the agreed SLA.
• Monitor all IT issues and ensure timely closure of these issues.
• Conduct the IT assessments for all new or existing systems, where required and applicable
• Manage and report all serious IT incidents, including providing root cause analysis and remedial actions to be taken.
• Ensure all IT documentations are up to date
• Ensure all IT activities including changes to existing systems and implementation of new systems/ processes are in compliance with HO Policy and local regulations.
• Support and undertake all disaster recovery activities for primary and DR sites conduicted by Head Office and/or branch
• Proper maintenance of a comprehensive inventory listing for all IT assets
• Manage the OMAN IT vendors and responsible for the effective oversight of the technology service providers to FAB OMAN

Leadership Management

• Accountable for and have direct oversight over a team of IT employees, including those from outsource service providers
• oversee resource allocation plan to ensure appropriate balance between tactical and strategic demands, staff development plan, staff appraisals and feedback.
• Identify and develop key talent and ensure proper succession/back-up plan is in place
• Oversee OMAN branches annual budget.
• Manage and control the branch’s annual IT budget and expenditure by ensuring proper costs recording, classification of costs, timely accruals and produce variance reporting.
• Provide advice to Senior Management on all IT related laws, regulations and guidelines and their implications to the branch.
• Provide resolution to Senior Management on all IT-related issues or problems.

Information and Cyber Security

• Proactively address the external threat environment for emerging threats, data breaches, IT security breaches, and implement the appropriate courses of action, including timely patching for vulnerabilities
• Manage and contain information security incidents and events to protect corporate IT assets, intellectual property, regulated data and the branch’s reputation.

IT Governance and Compliance

• Accountable for all aspects of IT Governance, Risk Management and Compliance by ensuring there is adequate business and systems controls in place for addressing business/regulatory data and IT compliance, for CBOregulations/notices. This is in addition to ensuring adequate procedures/processes are in place for continuous monitoring of both internal and outsourced/managed services vendor environments.
• Ensure compliance to IT polices, processes, Information security policy and local regulations
• Full ownership and accountability for IT audit, RCSA (Risk Profiles) and other 3rd assurance reviews and ensure risk remediation in timely manner

Procurement and Project Management

• Accountable for procurement of all IT equipment upon consultation/direction from Head Office in Oman branch and ensure proper oversight on the technology procuremg in OMAN branches
• Ensure all OMAN local IT initiatives are negiotiation with terms favourable to the branch and/or timely renewed prior to expiry of contracts
• Ensure all change management activities are carried out orderly, including changes to existing systems and implementation of new systems / processes are in compliance with HO Policy and local regulations, testing have being conducted with results properly validated and documentation/training have been shared with staff
• Accountable for the overall successful delivery of projects by overseeing the delivery to ensure that IT solutions implemented fulfil branch’s needs.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related qualification
• Certification in Cloud , Project Management Professional (PMP), COBIT, CISSP and/or other relevant technical certifications will be an advantage
• At least 12 years of relevant work experience in banking Business and technology services , IT infrastructure and operations, inclusive of at least 5 years’ experience in leading and managing employees.
• Good track record in IT strategy development, solution design, programme and project delivery and service management.
• Strong working knowledge in enterprise applications, technical infrastructure, web and mobile technologies and IT security.
• Strong business process and analytical skills with the ability to assimilate information quickly and communicate complex requirements and issues clearly and concisely.
• Good grasp of IT technologies, methodologies, architectures, and best practices.
• Understanding and appreciation of new trends and shifts in technology, ability to evaluate these trends/shifts for IT infrastructure and operations and developing budgets/plans that align to long term business transformation.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (both oral and written), influencing and negotiation skills
• Pro-active, dynamic, dedicated and responsible self-starter with strong customer orientation
• Confident and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with multi-tasking capabilities
• Strong knowledge and understanding of CBO regulations