Senior Officer (Information Technology)

The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education is seeking a senior IT leader to drive strategic planning, governance and digital transformation across the academy's IT landscape. You will lead cybersecurity, policy development, and the management of infrastructure, cloud services, and digital platforms to support teaching and research excellence.

Responsibilities include project leadership, vendor management, and team supervision, with emphasis on compliance, risk management, and continuous

Qualifications

• A degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience, including 2 years in supervisory capacity.
• Experience in IT infrastructure, systems and services management; digitalisation initiatives.
• Knowledge of PDPO, data privacy and information security requirements.
• Good communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and review the IT roadmap and annual plans in alignment with objectives.
• Lead IT governance, cybersecurity, risk management and policy development.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, cloud services, websites and digital platforms for reliability and security.
• Manage IT projects end-to-end including planning, budgeting, procurement, testing and deployment.
• Coordinate vendor management, procurement, and service levels; supervise IT team and training.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

English and Cantonese

Education

Degree in Information Technology/CS/IS

Postgraduate qualification advantage

Job description

Responsible to

Head (Corporate Services) of the HKAGE

Main Job Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Technology Development

• Develop, formulate, implement and regular review of the Academy's long-term IT roadmap, annual IT plans and technology initiatives in alignment with organisational objectives and operational needs.
• Conduct research and analysis on IT developments and prepare recommendations to the Senior Management Team ton digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, cloud services and other emerging technologies.
• Work with users and relevant stakeholders to analyse business needs, identify improvement opportunities and recommend practical and cost-effective technology solutions.
• Assist in evaluating and prioritising IT initiatives having regard to operational needs, technical feasibility, resources, risks and organisational priorities.
• Keep abreast of developments and good practices in information technology, cybersecurity and educational technology, and assess their potential application within the Academy.

IT Governance, Cybersecurity, Compliance and Risk Management

• Assist the Head (Corporate Services) in developing, implementing and reviewing IT policies, procedures, standards and controls to support effective IT governance and secure operations.
• Coordinate compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements relating to information technology, personal data privacy, information security and cybersecurity.
• Conduct IT risk assessments, identify control gaps and recommend appropriate preventive, mitigating and remedial actions.
• Monitor cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities and security incidents, and coordinate vulnerability assessments, security reviews and remediation activities.
• Coordinate internal and external IT audits, compliance assessments and security reviews, and follow up on findings and recommendations.
• Implement and monitor appropriate security and data protection controls to safeguard the Academy’s information and technology assets.
• Maintain proper documentation and records relating to IT governance, risks, compliance, security controls and audit requirements.
• Coordinate cybersecurity awareness activities and promote good information security practices among users.

IT Infrastructure, Systems and Operations

• Manage the day-to-day administration, maintenance and support of the Academy’s IT infrastructure, cloud services, business systems, websites and digital platforms to ensure their reliable and secure operation.
• Administer and support Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Teams, databases, learning systems, websites and other related technologies.
• Monitor system performance, service availability, backup activities and operational issues, and coordinate timely investigation and resolution where required.
• Review system reports, utilisation information and service performance, and recommend improvements to enhance reliability, efficiency and user experience.
• Maintain effective control over IT assets, software licences, inventories and technology lifecycle records.
• Handle escalated and complex technical issues and coordinate with service providers or vendors for resolution where necessary.

Project Management, Systems Development and Digitalisation

• Manage assigned IT projects throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements analysis, planning, budgeting, procurement, implementation, testing, deployment, documentation and post-implementation review.
• Develop project plans, schedules and deliverables, monitor project progress and risks, and coordinate resources and stakeholders to facilitate timely implementation.
• Liaise with divisions and users to analyse business requirements and translate operational needs into appropriate system or technology requirements.
• Coordinate the development, enhancement, implementation and integration of business applications, databases, websites, reporting tools, digital workflows and other technology solutions.
• Implement process automation and digitalisation initiatives to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery.
• Conduct user acceptance testing, implementation reviews and quality checks to ensure solutions meet agreed business and technical requirements.
• Prepare and maintain appropriate project, system and technical documentation.

Procurement, Vendor and Contract Management

• Lead IT procurement exercises, including preparation of technical specifications, requirements, evaluation criteria and related documentation.
• Conduct technical assessment of proposals and quotations and prepare recommendations for consideration and approval.
• Liaise with vendors, consultants and service providers on IT systems, projects, maintenance and support services.
• Monitor vendors’ performance, service levels, contractual requirements and project deliverables, and follow up on issues as necessary.
• Coordinate outsourced IT services to ensure satisfactory quality and timely delivery.
• Assist in IT budget preparation, expenditure monitoring and planning for system, equipment, licence and service renewal.

Team Supervision, User Support and Training

• Supervise IT team to provide professional and technical advice to users on IT systems, digital tools and technology-related issues.
• Monitor the quality and progress of assigned IT services and activities and follow up on outstanding matters.
• Coordinate user support services and follow up on complex or escalated cases to ensure effective and timely resolution.
• Provide guidance, coaching and support to Officer (IT) in coordinating work priorities and assignments.
• Develop and deliver user training, briefings, system documentation, user guides and operating procedures.
• Facilitate the adoption and effective use of digital technologies, AI-enabled tools and information security practices across the Academy.

General and Administrative Support

• Serve as a key contact point among users, management, vendors, consultants and service providers on operational and project-related IT matters.
• Prepare reports, analyses, recommendations, presentations and submissions relating to IT operations, systems, projects, risks and technology initiatives.
• Provide IT and technical support for corporate and cross-divisional initiatives as required.
• Maintain proper IT records, documentation and management information to support planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head (Corporate Services) or Senior Management Team.

Requirements

• A recognised degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline would be an advantage.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior capacity, preferably gained in the education, NGO, government or public sector.
• Solid experience in the administration and management of IT infrastructure, systems and services, with hands-on experience in IT project implementation, system enhancement and/or digitalisation initiatives.
• Experience in developing or reviewing IT policies, governance frameworks, information security controls and operational procedures, with sound knowledge of IT risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Sound knowledge of Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO), the Data Protection Principles and their application to the management and security of information systems and personal data.
• Good knowledge of cybersecurity, information security, cloud technologies and emerging technologies, including AI and automation, and their application in an organisational environment.
• Experience in managing IT projects and working with users, vendors, consultants and service providers to deliver technology solutions that meet operational and business requirements.
• Experience in preparing technical specifications, tender/quotation documents and evaluation criteria, and in conducting technical assessments for the procurement of IT systems and services, would be an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organisational and project management skills, with the ability to identify issues, assess risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Good communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Good awareness and understanding of applicable security laws and requirements and their implications for the planning, implementation, operation and management of IT systems and services.
• Familiarity with educational technology, learning management systems and other digital platforms used in an educational environment would be an advantage.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as PMP, ITIL, CISSP, CISA, Microsoft, cloud or cybersecurity certifications, would be an advantage.
• Good command of written and spoken English and Cantonese. Mandarin is preferable.

Terms of Appointment

The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term of contract. Re-appointment will be subject to mutual agreement and good performance.

For the protection of children and mentally incapacitated persons, prospective employees are requested to undergo a Sexual Conviction Record Check executed by The Hong Kong Police Force.