Chief Technology Officer

To support its growth, AP has been developing a landscape of systems and technologies over the years, that cater to both the operational needs of the parks (connectivity and networks; domain awareness systems such as Earth Ranger and GIS; tracking devices; power dimensioning and monitoring) and the institutional platform (various ERP systems for finance, HR, procurement; security; cloud computing). Currently, these services are provided by three separate functions: ‘Systems’ (reporting to Chief Financial Officer); ‘Technology & Networks’; ‘IT & Support’, which both report to the Chief Operations Officer.

African Parks aims to merge these functions into a single Systems, Technology & IT department, with representation on the Executive Committee of AP (Exco), and is seeking to recruit a CTO who will develop and lead an integrated technology, systems, and IT strategy for AP. The CTO's role will be primarily strategic. They will define the most suitable systems vision for AP and its growth ambitions, while ensuring appropriate change management processes are in place to implement this vision throughout the organisation.

Four elements will be crucial for the CTO:

- Bringing together and coordinating the functional experts and activities of the IT & Support, Technology & Networks, and Systems departments into an integrated Technology Department, and formulate a unified strategy to address the organisation's various needs (both at the park level and the institutional platform);
- Establishing a single source of truth (SSOT) within the organisation, to allow for a central and reliable data and reporting system;
- Establishing and ensuring the maintenance of AP IT and Technology standards across all parks and Head Office, particularly in terms of security and connectivity;
- Maximising automation and systems integration to allow managers to focus on strategic issues, with the applicable systems allowing teams to "manage by exception";

**Key tasks and responsibilities**
- _Strategy and planning:_
- Own the vision of the “System of Systems”, and ensure the right technology strategy is in place with clear goals and objectives to consolidate and structure Tech/IT infrastructure that will support current operations and AP growth targets. Key in this is ensuring it is fit for purpose for the conservation sector;
- Collaborate with Exco and other major stakeholders to identify appropriate technology needs, assess existing systems, and recommend suitable solutions for improving efficiency and effectiveness;
- Conduct ongoing technology market research to stay informed about emerging trends, tools, and methodologies relevant to conservation and AP operations. Assess and integrate them as needed;
- Build strategic relationships with systems, technology and IT service providers and suppliers;
- Manage the delivery of technology services throughout the organization, ensuring service levels meet agreed standards, and support change management where needed.
- Focus on standardisation across the organisation;
- Identify opportunities for technology-driven efficiency improvements and cost reductions;
- Oversee compliant, secure and easy-to-use filing and archiving systems - SharePoint.
- _IT & Support:_
- _Security & Risk management_
- Promote a culture of security awareness and providing training to employees;
- Develop and execute an organization-wide cybersecurity strategy;
- Identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks (risk register);
- Establish and enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures;
- Select and implement security technologies to protect the organization's assets;
- Develop business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- _Technology & networks:_
- Ensure that a centralised and secure Technology infrastructure is in place;
- Define the Technology backbone for all parks and ensure that the standards are met across the organisation to uphold a set of information systems;
- Ensure that tried-and-tested technology solutions are properly packaged to facilitate smooth replication in parks.
- Validate roll-out plans of the various information systems and oversee implementation across the organisation;
- Ensure that systems are always developed in a way that allows for integration (AP System of Systems) and replication across the portfolio - taking into account park complexities and limitations as required;
- Evaluate and monitor systems efficacy and functionality to ensure that the users’ needs continue to be met in an efficient way;
- Ensure training plans are in place and support change management where needed.
- Develop data management policies and procedures to ensure the accurate collection and storage of data (support on data collection component, as well as analysis aspects will fall under the Business Intelligence Unit within the Conservation Development department);
- Establish data governance frameworks to maintain data quality, privacy, and security standards (in coordination wit