Job Description
About the job ICT Manager
POSITION OVERVIEW
The ICT Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing Family Legacy Missions Zambia’s information and communications technology ecosystem. This position requires a forward-thinking technology leader who can align ICT initiatives with our mission of serving vulnerable children in Zambia, drive digital transformation to improve our programs’ effectiveness, and build resilient technology infrastructure that supports our schools, children’s villages, and administrative operations.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Reports to: Director of Impact and Performance/Country Director
Direct Reports: ICT Officers and Digital Transformation Officer
POSITION PURPOSE
The ICT Manager drives technological innovation and ensures operational excellence at Family Legacy by developing and executing a comprehensive ICT strategy. This role bridges technology and ministry objectives to create seamless digital experiences, enhance organizational efficiency, and leverage appropriate technologies to support our mission delivery across our network of schools, children’s villages, and administrative offices throughout Lusaka.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Leadership & Innovation (25%)
- Develop and implement a comprehensive ICT strategy aligned with Family Legacy’s mission and values
- Lead digital transformation initiatives to modernize systems that support our sponsorship programs, educational services, and administrative functions
- Identify appropriate technologies that can enhance our ability to serve children effectively while maintaining good stewardship of resources
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the ICT department
- Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure technology investments support ministry growth and program improvement
- Establish key performance indicators to measure technology effectiveness in supporting our mission
- Ensure ICT investments deliver measurable improvements to program efficiency and effectiveness
2. Infrastructure & Systems Management (20%)
- Design and maintain robust, scalable technology infrastructure across all Family Legacy locations (headquarters, schools, children’s villages)
- Implement appropriate cloud solutions to enhance system availability and disaster recovery capabilities
- Manage system architecture to ensure optimal performance for both office-based and field-based staff
- Oversee the selection and management of applications that support our educational, child welfare, and sponsorship programs
- Develop automation solutions to streamline operations and reduce manual processes
- Ensure all systems protect children’s data according to the Zambia Data Protection Act (No. 3 of 2021) and international best practices
- Implement effective e-waste management practices that promote environmental sustainability
3. DevOps & Software Development Leadership (15%)
- Drive efficient development practices for Family Legacy’s custom applications (sponsorship management, student information systems, etc.)
- Oversee software development projects from requirements gathering through deployment
- Implement appropriate development methodologies to enhance productivity and responsiveness
- Guide the development and integration of web portals and databases that support our ministry operations
- Establish testing and deployment processes that minimize disruption to ongoing operations
- Ensure proper documentation of all custom applications and integration points
- Promote the development of appropriate local ICT solutions and content that address specific ministry needs
4. Cybersecurity & Child Data Protection (15%)
- Develop and implement comprehensive information security policies with special attention to protecting children’s data
- Implement required data protection measures in compliance with the Zambia Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021, including appropriate technical and organizational safeguards
- Ensure data sovereignty by maintaining appropriate data residency requirements when using cloud services
- Conduct data protection impact assessments before implementing new technologies
- Implement robust access controls and data minimization principles across all systems containing children’s information
- Develop incident response and breach notification procedures
- Lead security awareness training for all Family Legacy staff
- Ensure security operations comply with applicable cybersecurity regulations
5. E-Services Development & Digital Inclusion (10%)
- Lead the development and implementation of e-services that enhance program delivery for children and families
- Ensure all digital services are accessible to all stakeholders regardless of location, gender, ability status, or technical proficiency
- Implement digital solutions that address barriers to access for marginalized groups
- Facilitate system integration and data sharing across departments while maintaining appropriate privacy controls
- Develop and maintain a digital identity management system for program participants
- Support the development of e-learning platforms for our educational programs
- Ensure systems can integrate effectively with necessary external services and platforms
6. Research, Innovation & Local Content Development (5%)
- Establish an innovation framework to identify and test emerging technologies that could benefit our programs
- Collaborate with local educational institutions to promote ICT research relevant to child welfare and education
- Create opportunities for the development and testing of locally-developed ICT solutions
- Support digital entrepreneurship initiatives among our older students and alumni
- Evaluate and implement appropriate emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud solutions where they provide meaningful benefits
- Promote the development of local language digital content for our educational programs
7. Team Leadership & Development (5%)
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing ICT team that understands Family Legacy’s mission and values
- Develop staff through training, coaching, and creating growth opportunities
- Foster a collaborative team culture that emphasizes both technical excellence and heart for ministry
- Implement performance management processes aligned with Family Legacy’s values
- Create succession plans for critical technical roles
- Promote knowledge sharing across departments to enhance digital literacy
- Develop and implement ICT capacity building programs for staff at all levels
8. Stakeholder Relationship & Governance (5%)
- Establish service priorities that enhance the effectiveness of our programs for children
- Implement appropriate IT service management practices that support both headquarters and field operations
- Develop communication channels to understand program needs and gather feedback
- Create support resources that empower users at all technical levels
- Measure and report on service performance metrics
- Conduct regular service reviews with key ministry stakeholders
- Engage with relevant ICT bodies and maintain awareness of industry standards and best practices
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
- Professional certifications such as PMP, ITIL, CISSP, or cloud certifications are advantageous
Experience
- 5+ years of ICT leadership experience, preferably in non-profit or educational settings
- Demonstrated experience leading technology initiatives in resource-conscious environments
- Experience managing technology systems across multiple locations
- Experience with appropriate cloud technologies for non-profit organizations
- Background in implementing cybersecurity controls with emphasis on protecting sensitive data
- Experience managing technology budgets with attention to stewardship and sustainability
- Knowledge of Zambian data protection regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience developing and implementing comprehensive ICT strategies in challenging environments
Technical Knowledge
- Enterprise systems suitable for educational and non-profit organizations
- Cloud computing platforms and services appropriate for our context
- Software development practices and application integration
- Cybersecurity principles with emphasis on protecting children’s data
- Database technologies and data management
- Network management across distributed locations
- IT service management frameworks
- Disaster recovery and business continuity planning
- Understanding of the Zambia Data Protection Act requirements
- Sustainable ICT practices including e-waste management
- Local content development approaches appropriate for Zambian context
Professional Skills
- Strategic planning aligned with ministry objectives
- Project management in resource-conscious environments
- Team leadership and development in a mission-driven organization
- Vendor management and relationship building
- Budget management with emphasis on stewardship
- Risk management and regulatory compliance
- Change management sensitive to organizational culture
- Clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Problem-solving with creativity and resourcefulness
COMPETENCIES
Mission Alignment
- Demonstrates commitment to Family Legacy’s Christian mission and values
- Aligns technology decisions with our purpose of serving vulnerable children
- Balances innovation with responsible stewardship of resources
Leadership
- Inspires and motivates teams toward shared ministry objectives
- Builds capabilities through mentoring and development
- Makes decisions with wisdom and integrity
Cultural Sensitivity
- Demonstrates respect and understanding for Zambian culture
- Develops solutions appropriate to local context and infrastructure realities
- Works effectively in cross-cultural environments
Adaptability
- Finds creative solutions to technology challenges in our operating environment
- Pivots strategies in response to evolving ministry needs
- Remains composed under pressure and during infrastructure challenges
Servant Leadership
- Approaches technology leadership as service to the organization’s mission
- Prioritizes the needs of programs serving children
- Demonstrates humility and willingness to support all departments
Regulatory Compliance
- Maintains current knowledge of Zambian technology regulations
- Ensures organizational compliance with the Zambia Data Protection Act
- Implements appropriate governance structures for data protection
Digital Transformation
- Demonstrates ability to lead organizational change through technology
- Identifies opportunities to improve service delivery through digital solutions
- Balances innovation with practical implementation
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
- Based at Family Legacy headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia
- Regular visits to our Legacy Academies and Tree of Life Children’s Village
- May require occasional evening and weekend availability during critical implementations
- Must be comfortable working in various environmental conditions at our facility locations
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to travel to various Family Legacy facilities in Lusaka
- Computer-based work with periods of extended screen time
- May require occasional lifting of equipment up to 20 pounds