Information Systems Manager

DNA Economics (“DNA”) is a specialist economic and development consulting firm, which provides clients with the in-depth expertise and analysis necessary to make the right choices.

Founded in 2004, DNA Economics combines a deep understanding of the Southern African business and policy context with specialist skills in international trade, public policy, monitoring and evaluation, and climate change.

Our services are based on our extensive international experience and network; sound economic analysis and quantitative techniques; and unique insights into the business and policy environment in Southern Africa.

For more information on DNA, our projects and our people, please visit our website: www.dnaeconomics.com.

About the role

We are looking for a versatile individual to fill a mid-management position in DNA’s operational structure. The role cuts across four core components.

·       Systems and Software: Strategic management and integration of DNA’s information systems to ensure alignment with its business goals and objectives.

·       Hardware: Lifecyle management and procurement of DNA’s information technology (IT) hardware and physical assets.

·       Information Security: Managing DNA’s systems and security environment and policies.

·       Innovation and Leadership: Developing and managing the company’s IT and AI systems roadmap and budget, and managing related service providers.

It is envisaged that this role will provide significant opportunity for professional growth over a 2 to 4-year period, evolving over time into a senior, executive position. Over time, the successful candidate will be ultimately responsible for overall management of DNA’s IT and information systems. Depending on the seniority of the candidate, the information systems manager may initially report to DNA’s Business Operations Manager or directly to the Managing Director.

While this role requires experience and expertise in managing IT hardware, systems architecture and processes, it does not necessarily require a background in software development or coding.

Requirements

Key roles and responsibilities

The individual will be responsible for DNA’s overall IT, information, systems and AI management, including:

• System management: Managing the functioning, implementation and profiles for DNA’s core business tools, including user management, access control, document control, website, social media and information storage.
  

• Information architecture design and management: Developing and managing the logical structure of DNA’s digital environment to ensure project, staff, and company data, information and files are organized, accessible, and secure.
  

• Process and system optimisation: Identifying, developing and managing workflows and processes that can be automated or improved using DNA’s current software stack / applications (largely Zoho and Sharepoint) to improve efficiency. This may also entail proposing or advocating the transition to different and better systems over time.
  

• Policy and governance: Developing, refining, managing and implementing DNA policies related to IT and information systems, including those related to security frameworks, disaster recovery and Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) compliance.
  

• AI and innovation: Overseeing the governance and implementation of DNA’s AI integration, including the development of systems and policies for AI.
  
• Hardware management: Overseeing and managing IT hardware end-to-end lifecycle, including maintenance and procurement.
  
• Vendor management: Identifying  the need and relevance of external service providers, assessing the cost and value-for-money of service providers, contracting and managing service providers against their service level agreements.
  

Minimum Requirements (Please note: candidates that do not meet the minimum requirements will be automatically excluded from the recruitment process)

• Education: A post-graduate degree in a commerce, computer science or IT-related field.
  
• Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience, with at least 2 years’ experience in a management role.
  
• Technical aptitude: Demonstrable experience managing cloud-based business systems (ERPs, CRMs, or Project Management tools).
  
• Soft skills: Strong analytical ability, self-motivated, and adaptable to a dynamic consulting environment.
  
• Software: Advanced MS Office skills and knowledge.
  

• Legally able to work in South Africa.
  

Ideal additional requirements (advantageous)

• Specific software: Prior experience with Zoho Books, Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects and Microsoft SharePoint.
  
• Qualifications: Additional certification or qualifications related to IT, information systems and cybersecurity.
  
• Development experience: Experience and understanding of application development, including experience in software development, system design and AI.
  
• Industry: Experience in a consulting, professional services or a research environment.
  
• Project management: Knowledge of project management methodologies and processes.
  

Benefits

Company benefits and culture

• Flexibility: DNA expects staff to be able to work independently with minimal supervision. In return, we provide a high degree of flexibility, including a hybrid work policy.
  
• Location: Pretoria (Tshwane).
  
• Remuneration: Salary packages are aligned to market rates. Based on company performance, staff are eligible to earn annual bonuses.