Head of Technology & Data

Christian Aid; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global movement organization based in the UK is seeking a Head of Technology & Data to innovate and empower IT users. This role involves managing ICT services, strategic development of technology functions, and leading a team to optimize functionality. Candidates should have extensive ICT management experience and hold a relevant degree with MCSE accreditation. The organization aims to create a world free from poverty and advocates dignity, equality, and justice worldwide.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing ICT services, including strategy development.
• Advanced leadership and team-management skills.
• Highly detailed knowledge of information and communications technologies.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a secure enterprise infrastructure with 24x7 cloud servers.
• Develop a strategic road map for technology and data functions.
• Manage ITIL compliant processes in change management and service transition.

Skills

Management of ICT services

Project Management

Advanced communications

Problem-solving skills

Leadership and team management

Supplier management

Education

Degree level or equivalent with an MCSE

Tools

Microsoft Azure

ITIL Foundation

Network and application security tools

Job description

Reporting in to the Director of Finance and Corporate Governance, the Head of Technology & Data will champion the development, implementation, and use of information technology and data throughout Christian Aid, creating a culture of innovation and empowering IT users.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for building, supervising and maintaining a highly available and secure enterprise infrastructure including 24x7 cloud servers, mobility and remote access services and Azure Active Directory.
• Develop a road map for the strategic development of technology and data functions which incorporates system upgrades, installations, and conversions to ensure smooth transitions and optimised functionality for all users.
• Manage ITIL compliant processes including change management and service transition striving for innovation, reliability, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Collaborate proactively to develop strategies that enhance client services, amplify user efficiency, and inspire creative solutions to emerging challenges.
• Inspire and empower ICT staff by hiring, training, mentoring, and appraising team members, cultivating a culture of continuous development and excellence.
• Oversee network administration and network engineering (VPN, VOIP, Wan or relevant emerging technology) in key sites.
• Foster adaptability within ICT staff to align with evolving user needs, emerging technologies, and varied team dynamics.
• Maintain accurate documentation of systems, policies, and processes, ensuring clarity and accessibility for users and team members.
• Deliver user support through responsive helpdesk services and technical solutions tailored to client needs.
• Foster a culture of innovation ensuring Christian Aid are at the forefront of technological advancements to identify and implement solutions that align with organisational values and goals.
• Manage ICT budgets responsibly, ensuring financial integrity in purchasing, planning, and reviewing resources.
• Develop robust ICT policies related to system architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, and service delivery to ensure business continuity and uphold organisational resilience.
• Build strong long‑term partnerships by negotiating and managing vendor, outsourcer, and consultant contracts to ensure value‑driven outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree level or equivalent with an MCSE.
• Extensive experience of the management of ICT services, including strategy development.
• Extensive experience of Project Management.
• Advanced communications and problem‑solving skills.
• Highly detailed knowledge of a broad range of information and communications technologies including server, desktop and network hardware and operating systems, application development, information security, internet technologies, support services, systems management tools.
• Advanced leadership and team‑management skills.
• Substantial supplier management experience.
• Highly developed appreciation of the interaction and impact of business and ICT strategies and operations.

Desirable

• ITIL Foundation, Practitioner.
• Knowledge and experience of satellite communications.
• Knowledge and experience of telephony and conferencing solutions.
• Experience of multi‑site delivery of ICT solutions, ideally in a multinational context.
• Hands‑on experience of managing resources on Microsoft Azure platform.
• Experience of network and application security implementation.
• Use of systems management and monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies.

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.