Head of Digital Solutions - UAE National

ministry of community empowerment; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Community Empowerment seeks a senior IT leader to drive digital transformation and IT governance across enterprise systems, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. You will align technology initiatives with national digital government strategies and regulatory requirements while delivering innovative solutions for improved services and performance.

Responsibilities include leading strategy, overseeing budgets, vendor management, and ensuring governance, risk, and compliance across IT

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or a related discipline is required.
• Master's degree preferred in IT, digital transformation, or business administration.
• Professional certifications in IT governance or security are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ministry's digital transformation strategy and technology roadmap.
• Oversee enterprise applications, IT infrastructure, and data platforms.
• Govern information security, IT service management, and compliance with standards.
• Manage ICT procurement, vendor contracts, and budget planning.
• Drive innovation, digital government initiatives, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Digital Transformation

IT Governance

Cybersecurity

Stakeholder Management

Cloud Computing

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/CE

Master's degree in IT or MBA

Job description

Job Summary:

Lead the Ministry's digital transformation and information technology functions by developing and implementing innovative digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency, service delivery, and organizational performance. The role is responsible for defining the Ministry's digital strategy, overseeing enterprise applications, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity governance, digital government initiatives, and technology projects, while ensuring alignment with the Ministry's strategic objectives, regulatory requirements, and international best practices. The position also drives technology innovation, service excellence, and continuous improvement to support the Ministry's digital agenda.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Ministry's Digital Transformation Strategy and Technology Roadmap, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and national digital government initiatives
• Develop and oversee departmental strategic and operational plans, ensuring effective execution and alignment with the Ministry's overall strategic objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality technology services in accordance with agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Develop, implement, and monitor IT governance frameworks, technology policies, standards, information security controls, and quality management practices to ensure effective governance and service delivery
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize business technology requirements and digital initiatives, leading the successful delivery of technology projects using modern technologies and industry best practices
• Oversee the management, availability, performance, security, and continuous improvement of the Ministry's IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, cloud services, and data platforms
• Lead the implementation of Digital Government initiatives and ensure compliance with national digital government requirements, digital maturity frameworks, and regulatory obligations
• Oversee ICT procurement activities, technology investments, vendor management, contract administration, and resource planning to ensure effective utilization of budgets and technology assets
• Ensure the resilience, availability, security, and business continuity of all technology systems by implementing robust cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and risk management frameworks
• Monitor departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), service performance, project delivery, and operational effectiveness, providing periodic reports and recommendations to senior management
• Contribute to the preparation and management of the IT Directorate's annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring effective financial planning and resource allocation
• Develop and implement information security awareness programs, cybersecurity training, and communication initiatives to strengthen the Ministry's security culture and compliance
• Ensure compliance with internationally recognized standards and frameworks related to IT governance, information security, IT service management, and quality assurance, including ISO standards and industry best practices
• Promote innovation by identifying and implementing emerging technologies, automation solutions, artificial intelligence, and digital capabilities that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience
• Develop and implement initiatives that promote continuous learning, professional development, knowledge sharing, and employee engagement to build a high-performing and future-ready IT team
• Perform any other duties and responsibilities related to the scope of the department as assigned by the Director

Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related discipline
• Master's degree in Information Technology, Digital Transformation, Business Administration (MBA), Information Systems, or a related field is preferred

Preferred Certification:

• Project Management Professional (PM
• ITIL 4 Managing Professional or ITIL Experience
• COBIT Foundation or COBIT Design & Implementation
• TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Certificate
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISS
• Certified Information Security Manager (CIS
• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect, AWS Solutions Architect, or equivalent cloud certificate
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Agile, or Digital Transformation certification
• ISO 27001 Lead Implementer or Lead Audit

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in information technology, digital transformation, enterprise applications, infrastructure management, or IT service delivery
• Minimum 5 years in a managerial or leadership role leading IT operations, digital transformation initiatives, enterprise technology projects, or information systems function
• Proven experience in developing and implementing digital transformation strategies, technology roadmaps, and enterprise-wide digital initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience managing enterprise applications, IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, data management, and business continuity
• Strong experience delivering large-scale ICT projects, digital platforms, system integrations, and technology modernization initiatives
• Experience in IT governance, information security, risk management, IT service management (ITSM), and implementation of international standards and best practices
• Proven experience managing ICT procurement, technology vendors, contracts, service providers, and technology budgets.
• Experience in developing KPIs, operational plans, technology policies, and continuous improvement initiatives.