A Career Opportunity 

UNICEF is the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for children. Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we workday in and day out to help children survive. To defend their rights. To keep them protected, healthy and educated. To give them a fair chance to fulfil their potential. Our work for every child relies entirely on voluntary support, including donations from generous Canadians.

Deputy Director, IT 

(Permanent; Full-time; Flexible Hybrid; based in Toronto)

UNICEF Canada is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Deputy Director, IT to lead its information technology department. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspect of core technology services at UNICEF Canada including IT security, IT operations, strategy implementation, Project management, and administration. The Deputy Director, IT will play a crucial role in ensuring the organization's IT systems, infrastructure, and projects are efficient, secure, and aligned with the organization's mission and goals.

The responsibilities of the position will include: 

Administration and Project Management (60%)

  • Assist the Vice President 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 work 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. 

Technical Requirements  

  • 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.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or
  • 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. 

Salary Range: $85,000 to $104,000 per year 

What we offer 

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

  • Extended Health and Dental Benefits with Health Care Spending Account 
  • Life insurance and AD&D 
  • Short Term Disability (STD)  
  • Long Terms Disability (LTD)  
  • Employer contributions (5%) to Group Pension plan
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • 2 paid personal days. 
  • 10 paid sick days 
  • Maternity and Parental leave top-up 
  • 3 weeks of annual leave (vacation time increases with time served) 
  • One additional day of vacation on the anniversary of each  year  of  service, up  to  a  maximum  of  30  days 
  • Staff Appreciation Days 
  • Currently offering Hybrid/Remote work option 
  • Learning and Development Opportunities 
  • Discounted rate for a GoodLife membership  

For consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@unicef.ca by February 8, 2024. Please attach your cover letter (including salary expectations) and resume as one document and reference “Deputy Director, IT” clearly 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 Protection Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen.  

UNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the position.