DEPUTY DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Are you looking to use your technology skills and talents to make a 
direct impact on the lives of children? 

Consider joining UNICEF Canada – one of Canada’s most respected & 
historic charities – and be part of a high-impact, mission-driven team working across Canada and globally to create a better world for children.

UNICEF Canada is seeking to recruit a talented & experienced colleague in 
the role of Deputy Director, Information Technology (IT).

Position Details

Position Description

An integral member of UNICEF Canada’s team, this role leads our information technology department and is responsible for all aspects of core technology services. This includes IT security, IT operations, strategy implementation, project management, and administration.

The role is also critical in ensuring that our organization's IT systems, infrastructure, and projects are efficient, secure, and aligned with the organization's mission and goals.

Key Accountabilities

Administration & Project Management (60%)

• Assist the VP, Business Solutions & Technology to develop and implement an IT strategy that aligns with UNICEF Canada's goals and objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Plan and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of resources.
• Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities for IT staff.
• Promote teamwork and continuous improvement within the IT department.
• Oversee project management activities, including Agile methodologies, ensuring IT projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Collaborate with various departments to identify and prioritize IT projects that support their goals.
• Provide project leadership, including defining project scopes, objectives, and resource allocation.
• Manage the administrative functions of the IT department, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement IT policies, procedures, and best practices for comprehensive IT operations.

Technical (40%)

• Oversee the maintenance, monitoring, and optimization of UNICEF Canada's entire IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, virtualization, data centers, and cloud services.
• Ensure the security and integrity of data and systems through robust cybersecurity measures.
• Manage relationships with external IT vendors and service providers.
• Lead the development and implementation of IT security policies, procedures, and practices.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Stay informed about emerging security threats and recommend proactive measures.
• Ensure the availability and reliability of IT services and support for staff across the organization, covering network, servers, virtualization, data centers, and other infrastructure elements.
• Oversee helpdesk support and resolve technical issues in a timely manner.

Required Experience

Technical Expertise

• Microsoft 365 Expertise: Advanced knowledge in configuring, managing, and optimizing M365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and OneDrive. Familiarity with M365 compliance and security solutions such as Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Azure Active Directory (AD).
• Virtualization Technologies: Proficiency in managing virtualized environments using platforms such as VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V.
• Cybersecurity Skills: Deep understanding of network and information security principles and technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), endpoint protection, and security information and event management (SIEM) tools. Ability to design and enforce security policies and incident response plans.
• Networking Acumen: Strong grasp of networking concepts and protocols, experience with network architecture, and management of switches, routers, and wireless networks. Knowledge of network troubleshooting and performance optimization techniques.
• Data Center and Cloud Services: Experience with the administration of on-premises data centers, as well as cloud services such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Understanding of cloud migration strategies and hybrid environments.
• Technical Support: Leadership in managing a technical support team, including a helpdesk that resolves issues efficiently and maintains high service availability. Experience with helpdesk software and IT service management (ITSM) best practices.
• Vendor Management: Proven track record in managing relationships with external IT vendors and service providers, ensuring SLA compliance and cost-effectiveness.

Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or similar
  10 years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of successful leadership
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT management, including IT security, IT operations, project management, strategy implementation, with a proven track record of successful leadership.
• Strong knowledge of IT systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, project management methodologies, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

An Employer of Choice: What We Offer

UNICEF Canada strongly supports workplace wellness and offers the following employee benefits:

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits with Health Care Spending Account
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short Term Disability (STD)
• Long Terms Disability (LTD)
• Employer contributions (5%) to Group Pension Plan
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• 10 paid sick days & 2 personal days
• Maternity and Parental leave top-up
• 3 weeks of annual vacation leave (vacation time increases with time served)
• One additional vacation day on the anniversary of each year of service, up to a max. of 30 days
• 9 to 11 “staff appreciation days” – an additional series of pre-set days off, set & given annually to further extend long weekends
• Discounted rate for a GoodLife membership
• Access to leadership development opportunities and both local & global stretch assignment opportunities
• Internal mentoring & DEI programming
• A chance to do meaningful, high-impact, & life-changing work on a committed and motivated team!

Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces & Recruitment

UNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. 

Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document to careers@unicef.ca by Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Please include your salary expectations in your cover email and reference Deputy Director, IT in the subject heading.

UNICEF Canada sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Consistent with our Child Safeguarding Policy, all successful candidates must receive clearance by a police background check (including a vulnerable sector screen).

About UNICEF & UNICEF Canada

UNICEF is the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for children. Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we work to help children survive, defend their rights, keep them protected, healthy and educated, and give them a fair chance to fulfill their potential.

UNICEF Canada is one of 33 National Committees located in countries around the world. Our team exists to fundraise for UNICEF’s highest priorities, and to work neutrally with governments and the private sector in Canada and internationally to advance the rights and well-being of children and youth.