Massive Recruitment in Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)

Our Client, The Kenya Bankers Association, recognizing the central role of the banking industry in the payment system, established the Integrating Payment Systems (IPS) project in 2012 to address the challenge of creating a more integrated retail payment system in Kenya. 

Provisionally named the Kenya Interbank Transaction Switch (KITS), this is a system envisioned to provide the banking industry with a platform to significantly improve the sharing of payment system infrastructure, provide a seamless inter-bank settlement mechanism thereby managing settlement and liquidity risks. 

The Association has settled on a technology solution provider and embarked on its implementation. 

They are now inviting applications for dynamic professionals to fill in the following position in their Nairobi office:
 
Team Leader Support Analyst
 

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, this is a position responsible for optimally managing the Data Centre in terms of infrastructure, security, consumables, networks and personnel. 

The incumbents will also be responsible for providing operational implementation, management and support for all services provided to clients 24/7, ensuring SLA’s are met and client satisfaction is guaranteed.

Principal Accountabilities:
  • Acting as the interface between IT Operations and Development on program and IT Operations and IT Infrastructure on hardware and network configurations and implementations
  • Managing new bank IT take – on implementations and IT Operations and internal/external clients in respect of processing problems
  • Providing training on the Operations Control Centre functions to bridge IT operators
  • Operating as per laid down operational processes i.e. Start of Day, End of Day, Command Execution, activating jobs, etc
  • Monitoring of all services, including networks, as per the laid down thresholds and standards defined in the application standards for abnormalities and out of line occurrences to ensure the products perform to the SLA's for both the production and Disaster Recovery Planning site
  • Logging of incidents in an accurate and informative manner as and when they occur.
  • Communicating and assisting bank customer counterparts relating to operational problems and queries
  • Partaking in Disaster Recovery and Business Resumption Planning activities under the direction of the Chief Information Officer
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in IT/Engineering/Computer Science or related field
  • ITIL V3 Certified
  • Expert knowledge of Linux Operating System ( Red Hat Linux)
  • Working knowledge of Windows Operating System
  • Knowledge of Oracle Relational Database Management System Operations
  • A minimum of 6 years’ experience as IT Helpdesk Support in a complex working environment with at least 2 years as IT Support Manager in a financial industry
  • Proven experience in managing Incidents/Problem
  • Proven experience managing a team of operators in a shift environment
  • Experience in managing Preventive Maintenance Calendar is a plus
  • Experience with Tieto Card Management Solutions is an added advantage
  • Strong leadership, management and team building skills

Systems Development Analyst
 

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, this is a position responsible for delivering cost effective systems, solutions and support on time and within the set budget, meeting the SLAs and the Company’s business requirements. 

The incumbent will also be tasked with maintaining a high availability of IT team support, with focus on efficient problem resolution, operational routines and change execution
 
Principal Accountabilities:
  • Providing Technical Support for the Applications, Network and Database  Systems
  • Reviewing, analysing and responding to business requirements with proposed solutions and timing
  • Assisting in business project roll out
  • Providing consultancy to business and technical plan, connectivity and security, which is consistent to the Company standards
  • Evaluating Business requirements, preparing systems to enable product or system testing is carried out on time and within schedule
  • Creating and maintaining project plans, test plans and reports which are regularly communicated to the business
  • Establishing cooperative relationship with Business Units and other IT team members to deliver technical support and solutions
  • Maintaining system security and integrity and training users on new and updated products
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in Computer science or a Diploma in IT or its equivalent
  • At least 5 years or more experience IT in busy environments
  • Exposure in banking or Financial Industry systems
  • Expert Knowledge in Payment systems
  • Working Knowledge of Linux and Windows Operating systems
  • Working knowledge of Oracle Relational Database Management  System
  • Experience in a Card Production environment
  • Experience supporting Tieto Card management suite will an added advantage
  • Experience in IT project management and production support is an added advantage
  • Service management skills and techniques
  • Ability to complete tasks within deadlines
  • Proven ability to manage external resources (vendors)
  • Strong troubleshooting/problem assessment skills
  • Ability to prioritise tasks
  • Self – driven and able to manage situations
  • Excellent communication skills; both written and verbal

Switch Business Support Analyst
 

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer this is a position responsible for providing Technical support Services to Business Teams and analysing business requirements to ensure optimum service delivery by the Switch. 

The position is also responsible for establishing cooperative relationship with Business units and other IT team members to deliver technical support and solutions. 

The incumbent will also be responsible for the planning and controlling of the IT Network and Architecture within the Switch.

Principal Accountabilities:
  • IT Network design and implementation within the Data Centres and Data Recovery Planning Sites
  • IT network security and audit focus for the Switch infrastructure
  • Assisting other technology streams with networked solution design and implementation
  • Installing and staging hardware and software
  • Capacity planning on IT Network
  • Reviewing, analyzing and responding to business requirements with proposed solutions and timing.
  • Resolving customer problems and in crafting solutions to unique customer requirements
  • Creating and maintaining test plans for System updates and version upgrades
  • Providing linkage to system vendors in troubleshooting and working to identify and resolve reported system problems
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in Computer Science or a Diploma in IT or its equivalent
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in Business Support Area for IT systems; at least 1 year Experience supporting  Card Management System Payment Switch environment is critical
  • Certification in Oracle RDBMS
  • Certification in Programming will be an added advantage
  • Certification in Project management or Change Management (ITIL) will be an added advantage
  • Expert knowledge of Operating Unix or Linux systems 
  • Working Knowledge of Windows Operating systems and expert Knowledge of Oracle Relational Database Management System
  • Expert knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) and proven experience in IT project management and production support
  • Self – driven and able to manage situations.

Product Manager
 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this is a position responsible for managing the business side of Switch Product, which covers both the strategy and operational aspects. 

The position is also responsible for owning the business relationships with the Company’s stakeholders.
 
Principal Accountabilities:
  • Delivering a product strategy and plan for related products and value-added services. The plan should include product positioning, value – added opportunities, product profitability, pricing, market positioning.
  • Recommending and motivating new services based on market trends, customer needs and the Company’s strategy.
  • Taking accountability for the operational performance of the services from a business perspective and proactively managing this with IT Operations. This includes performance monitoring, communication and any appropriate industry reporting
  • Conducting monthly reporting, account/plan monitoring and implementation of plans and also determining key milestones and delivering as agreed with executive management
  • In collaboration with the Chief Finance Officer, producing the annual pricing review and project – manage the implementation of annual price changes with the associated terms and conditions
  • Overseeing the P&L for the product set
  • Liaising, coordinating and driving necessary internal support areas to deliver on the product plan. This includes completion of technical requirements and specifications; determining needed hardware and software.
  • Managing the business side of new customer take – on including contract completion
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in a relevant field
  • MBA or equivalent advanced degree is an added advantage
  • A minimum of 6 years’ experience; 4 in digital payments. 
  • Experience in the financial industry is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Payment Systems
  • Experience working in a payments card environment will be an added advantage
  • Experience in data analysis is an added advantage.
  • Proven account/customer management experience
  • Proven track record of driving usage/consumption
  • Experience in developing product positioning and messaging, communications, launching new products, and developing and executing go – to – market strategies
  • Strong business case & analytical abilities

IT Operations Support 
 

Reporting to the Team Leader Support Analyst, this is a position responsible for providing operational implementation, management and support for all services provided to clients 24/7, ensuring SLA’s are met and client satisfaction is guaranteed. 
 
Principal Accountabilities:
  • Operating as per laid down operational processes: Start of Day, End of Day, Command Execution, activating jobs, etc
  • Monitoring of all services, including IT networks, as per the laid down thresholds and standards defined in the application standards for abnormalities and out of line occurrences to ensure the products perform to the SLA's for both the production and DRP site
  • Logging of incidents in an accurate and informative manner as and when they occur
  • Escalating and reporting of out of line situations to the Operations Supervisor or Chief Information Officer
  • Communicating and assisting bank customer counterparts relating to operational problems and queries
  • Performing management functions in accordance with the paid down parameters relating to backup, bank output and processing
  • Participating  in Disaster Recovery and Business Resumption Planning activities under the direction of the Chief Information Officer
  • Strictly adhering to all security protocols, both physical and technical
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in IT/Engineering/Computer Science or related field
  • ITIL V3 Certified is an added advantage
  • At least 3 years’ experience as IT Helpdesk Support in a complex and busy working environment. Experience in the Financial Industry is an added advantage.
  • Working Knowledge of Linux ( Red Hat Linux) Operating System
  • Working knowledge of Windows Operating System
  • Knowledge of Relational Database Management Systems
  • Experience in Operating and running Applications in Oracle Database an added advantage
  • Experience in managing Incidents/Problem/ Change is required.
  • Experience in managing Preventive Maintenance Calendar is a plus
  • Experience with Tieto Card management suite  is an added advantage
  • Proven experience in customer service
  • Ability to plan and schedule IT operations
  • Must be prepared to work in a shift environment

Executive Personal Assistant
 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this is a position responsible for providing high level administrative and operating support to the Executive to manage workload and activities.

Principal Accountabilities:
  • Screening and managing all incoming calls and emails and handling business correspondences
  • Completing other office administrative duties
  • Organizing logistics for face – to – face and conference call meetings
  • Communicating to team or project members all relevant details regarding meetings
  • Coordinating the development of meeting agendas and assisting with setting up sub – committee meetings and calls
  • Organizing a minute – taker for meetings and maintaining Virtual Boardroom documents
  • Maintaining product and project calendar
  • Providing a variety of information to assist workflow throughout the organization
  • Supervising support staff and Maintaining office supplies
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in Management/Business
  • At least 5 years’ relevant experience for a large and busy organization. 
  • Experience in a financial institution is an added advantage.
  • Basic knowledge in human resource management, logistics, accounting, and procurement
  • Proficient in ICT
  • Proven experience in customer service
  • Strong business writing and presentation skills
  • Excellent communicator who is politically savvy and a team player

Database Administrator
 

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, this is a position responsible for supporting the Company’s suite of databases and related applications for daily operations, troubleshooting, architecture, design and capacity planning and long term planning including implementing physical database back – ups, recovery programs and archiving functions.

It is also responsible for effective communication with stakeholders on work schedules, deliverables, architecture, and break fix items.

Principal Accountabilities:
  • Testing, validating and implementing performance and resource optimization improvements in consultation with IT operational and development teams
  • Designing database structures and using data modelling tools
  • Designing and development of Schema, Aggregations, Indexes, SQL Views, Triggers and Storage
  • Implementing procedures and supporting database activities such as performance tuning, data loading and unloading
  • On – call for production databases, daily maintenance, monitoring, problem resolution and internal customer/development support
  • Database optimization using techniques such as materialized views, parallel processing, partitioning and indexing
  • Performing database application server patching and configuration changes as required
  • Continual assessment of current technical processes and advising/proposing/implementing process improvement
  • Establishing and maintaining sound back – up and recovery policies and practices
  • Implementing and maintaining database security policies and best practices
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in Computer Science, IT, or any related field
  • Masters in Computer Science or IT will be an added advantage
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience, 2 in actively supporting/maintain an enterprise database infrastructure, broad work experience including administration, engineering and architecture in enterprise environments
  • Extensive knowledge of Relational Database Management Systems architectures and concepts.
  • Certification in Oracle Database Administration, OCP or OCM is an added advantage
  • Extensive knowledge with Oracle 11g and 12c
  • Expert knowledge of  Oracle Structured Query Language
  • Experience in RAC, RMAN, DataPump, and Grid Control
  • Experience in Linux (Red Hat Linux) Operating Systems Administration
  • Expert Knowledge of Windows Operating system
  • Knowledge of Networking ( TCP/IP) and Routing
  • Flexible, self-reliant and self-driven

Chief Information Officer
 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this is a position responsible for leading and directing Information Technology Strategy, product development, technology infrastructure and operations capability for the Company. 

The incumbent will also ensure that demands and requirements are balanced within the IT and business divisions
 
Principal Accountabilities:
  • Developing and executing an ICT Strategy and related ICT standards in support of and to enable the overall company strategy
  • Positioning ICT as a proactive technology driver, whilst maintaining a collaborative delivery focus
  • Provide and continually test Disaster Recovery ad Business Resumption Planning
  • Taking responsibility for managing the relationships and processes with regulators, industry stakeholders and internal stakeholders regarding escalations and industry outages e.g. advising parties of the outage, fixing/correcting the problem and producing a report of the outage/problem and future prevention
  • Developing and managing the IT budget, including capital expenditure in liaison with the Chief Executive Officer
  • Executing and controlling ICT procurement, support and maintenance based on approved ICT Capex and Opex budgets
  • Aligning ICT objectives and programs/projects to enterprise – wide objectives and strategies
  • Ensuring ICT governance and Risk Management compliance execution
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in Computer Science, IT, or any related field
  • Masters in Computer Science or IT will be an added advantage
  • A minimum of 6 years of experience, 3 in leading a technology organization in financial services industry
  • Project Management Certifications e.g. PRINCE2, PMP e.t.c.
  • ITIL Certification or experience
  • Ability to understand complex systems environment and communicate technology direction appropriately to multiple audience
  • Experience in leading the architecture and development of consumer facing products (including websites and/or mobile applications)and of internal business solutions
  • Experience in running 24/7 operations including support for system, network, communications, telephony and security infrastructure
  • Proven ability to manage and develop a technology team with close alignment with business units
  • Proven leadership and collaboration skills in diverse, fast – paced work environments

Business Analyst
 

Reporting to the Product Development Manager, this is a position responsible for performing regular scheduled jobs to ensure that tasks are activated and completed within the required deadlines. 

The position will also be responsible for liaising with customers to ensure that their expectations are met. 

The incumbent will also be responsible for growing Switch Revenues according to budget and business plan.

Principal Accountabilities:
  • Developing communication material to inform customers, stakeholders and the public on switch performance and activities
  • Suggesting  new product innovations to drive value to customers and stakeholders
  • Working with the Operations and Development Teams to ensure service expectations are in line with customer needs
  • Assisting the Product Manager in developing and implementing  product strategy and plan for related products and value – added services
  • Coordinating communication between Operations Team and Customers
  • Gathering Switch Performance Statistics on Operations and Service levels
  • Compiling  Revenue Performance  Statistics and reporting on them against targets
  • Developing customer requirements and specifications; determining needed hardware and software in collaboration with internal support teams
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
  • Degree in a Business/Commerce or related field
  • A minimum of four years of experience; 2 years’ experience in the payment industry or  Financial Services Industry
  • Proven experience in digital payments
  • Experience in developing product positioning and messaging, communications, launching new products, and developing and executing go – to – market strategies
  • Knowledge of business aspects of  Card Schemes
  • Proven ability to think strategically
  • Analytical – good understand of  P&L / financial principles
Interested candidates are requested to forward their updated CVs to recruit@virtualhr.co.ke stating their current and expected remuneration, daytime telephone contacts and addresses of three referees. 


Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.