JOB DESCRIPTION: MANAGER – INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSP India) is a non-denominational, non-political, non-government organization. AKRSP India was established in 1983 and it seeks to contribute to rural poverty reduction through community involvement and empowerment that leads to efficient management and an improved environment.
Job location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Position Summary:
The IT Manager will drive the organization’s digital and technology strategy to strengthen program delivery, operational efficiency, data management, and decision making across AKRSP(I). The role will ensure robust IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and seamless integration of systems across field and head office operations.
Reporting Structure:
- Reports to: Sr. Manager – Admin
- Direct reports: IT Officer (Head Office)
- Dotted line reports: IT Engineers at SHT/Field Offices
Key responsibilities:
1. IT Strategy
- Develop and implement a long-term IT and digital transformation strategy aligned with organizational goals.
- Act as a strategic expert to senior leadership on technology adoption, innovation, and risk mitigation.
- Drive IT governance, policies, and compliance frameworks.
2. IT Infrastructure & Operations
- Oversee end-to-end IT infrastructure across Head Office, SHTs, and field locations, including servers, networks, cloud systems, and field connectivity.
- Ensure high system uptime, data availability, and business continuity across all locations.
- Manage the IT asset lifecycle (procurement, deployment, maintenance, and disposal) with appropriate controls and cost efficiency.
- Ensure optimal performance of IT infrastructure across all locations by managing internal teams and external vendors, with clear SLAs and monitoring systems for reliable high-speed internet connectivity (Wi-Fi), efficient functioning of printers and network devices, and overall system responsiveness.
- Drive timely identification and resolution of recurring issues related to network slowness, hardware inefficiencies, and user experience challenges across offices and field locations through structured support systems.
- Establish and monitor performance benchmarks for network uptime, bandwidth utilization, system responsiveness, and device efficiency, ensuring continuous improvement across locations.
3. Digital systems & platforms
- Continuously assess and optimize existing IT systems and infrastructure to improve speed, reliability, and user experience.
- Drive initiatives to upgrade outdated hardware if any, network configurations, and legacy systems where required.
- Introduce automation and technology solutions to reduce manual inefficiencies and downtime.
- Provide technical expertise in technology front in optimization of enterprise systems/software such as:
- HR, Procurement software
- Finance & Accounting systems
- Program MIS and monitoring tools
- Drive integration across systems to enable data-driven decision-making.
- Support digitization of field processes using mobile/web-based solutions.
4. Data management & analytics
- Strengthen data governance practices, including data quality, security, and accessibility.
- Enable dashboards and analytics for leadership and program teams.
5. Cybersecurity & compliance
- Establish and oversee robust cybersecurity frameworks across the organization, including risk assessments, audits, and incident response mechanisms.
- Ensure compliance with applicable IT laws, data protection regulations, donor requirements, and internal policies.
- Strengthen organization-wide data safety systems, including secure data storage, access controls, backup protocols, and disaster recovery mechanisms.
- Drive periodic security audits and vulnerability assessments, ensuring timely mitigation of identified risks through internal teams and external experts.
- Promote a culture of data security and responsible IT usage by enabling regular staff awareness initiatives and adherence to best practices.
6. Vendor & stakeholder management
- Manage relationships with IT vendors, service providers, and consultants.
- Negotiate contracts, monitor SLAs, and ensure value for money.
- Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Admin, Procurement, M&E, and Program teams.
7. Team leadership & capacity building
- Lead and mentor the IT team, building internal capabilities.
- Design and conduct IT training for staff across levels to ensure effective system usage.
- Promote adoption of digital tools across field and office teams.
8. Service Delivery & User Experience
- Ensure high-quality IT service delivery to all staff, including timely resolution of tickets and proactive issue management.
- Improve end-user experience by addressing pain points such as slow Wi-Fi, lagging systems, and device inefficiencies.
- Establish SLAs and helpdesk systems to track and improve IT support performance.
Key Deliverables / Success Indicators
- High system uptime and user satisfaction
- Successful implementation and adoption of digital platforms
- Improved data availability and decision-making dashboards
- Strong cybersecurity posture with minimal incidents
- Cost-effective IT operations and vendor management
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s in IT, Computer Science, or related field (MBA preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in IT management, with at least 3 years in a leadership, strategic, or decision-making role.
- Experience in the development / non-profit sector is highly desirable.
- Proven track record in digital transformation and enterprise system implementation.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
- Knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud systems, and cybersecurity
- Experience with HRMS, ERP, MIS platforms
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to work in decentralized and field-based environments.
Preferred Attributes:
- Willingness to travel to field locations
- Sensitivity to grassroots development contexts and challenges
- Alignment with organizational values and mission
Key Benefits:
- Opportunity to work with a renowned NGO.
- On-site and off-site training opportunities.
- 5-day work week.
- Comprehensive medical insurance for employee, spouse, and children.
- Maternity and paternity leave as per organizational policy.
- 15 General Leaves and 16.5 earned leaves annually (earned leaves can be encashed if not utilized).
- 10 declared public holidays and 3 optional holidays.
- Annual break every year.
We strongly encourage women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and specially abled candidates to apply
Please note that we will begin the search immediately, and if a suitable candidate is found, we will close the application process!