Information Technology Systems Lead

International School of Kigali (ISK) is seeking a technology leader to shape how the School uses AI, emerging technologies and resilient core systems to strengthen its services and operations.

This role is both strategic and hands-on. You will ensure that the School's technology infrastructure remains secure and reliable while leading the responsible adoption of AI and digital transformation.

As a trusted advisor to the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team, you will supervise technology support staff and external IT providers, working closely with staff across all departments and technology partners. Institutional strategy and capital budget decisions remain with senior leadership, while specialised development and Tier 3 technical support may be commissioned from external vendors.

Key Responsibilities

AI, Emerging Technology & Digital Transformation

- Develop and lead the School's roadmap for AI, automation and digital transformation.

- Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies based on strategic value, operational benefits, security, privacy, cost and sustainability, and lead the adoption of approved solutions.

- Establish responsible AI governance covering data privacy, human oversight, ethical use and user protection.

- Identify automation opportunities, build staff capability and measure the impact of technology initiatives.

Strategic Technology Leadership

- Maintain an IT strategy aligned with the School's strategic plan and mission.

- Advise leadership on technology investments, lifecycle planning and risks, prioritising initiatives based on value, cost and available resources.

Core IT Operations & Governance

- Ensure the uptime, performance and security of the School's network, cloud services, servers, endpoints and communications systems.

- Maintain backup, business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

- Manage vendors, licensing, service-level agreements (SLAs) and procurement; administer core information systems, integrations and access rights.

- Deliver IT projects on time and within budget, maintaining accurate documentation and asset records.

Digital Safety & Cybersecurity

- Maintain a safe digital environment for all users through web filtering, access controls and monitoring.

- Enforce data protection standards across internal and third-party platforms.

- Oversee threat detection, endpoint security, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and network defence, and lead incident response.

Service Delivery & Stakeholder Alignment

- Establish and manage IT support workflows, ticketing standards and response times.

- Partner with department leaders to ensure core platforms and user-facing technology reliably support their work.

- Translate technical concepts into clear guidance and lead training and change management for new systems.

What You Bring

Essential

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Information Systems, Engineering, Digital Technology or a related field.

- At least four years of progressive experience in IT leadership, technology management or systems administration within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

- Formal training and practical expertise in AI/ML tools, generative AI and workflow automation, with a track record of leading adoption and establishing ethical AI governance, data privacy and risk controls.

- Experience developing technology roadmaps and advising leadership on investment, risk and digital transformation.

- Strong knowledge of enterprise networking, cloud infrastructure, systems administration and cybersecurity, with the ability to analyse operational and user data to inform decisions.

- Experience managing vendors, service agreements, projects and hardware/software lifecycles.

- Strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, professional fluency in English, and the ability to explain technical and AI concepts to non-technical audiences.

Desirable

- Postgraduate qualification in IT, AI, Digital Transformation, Technology Management, Cybersecurity or a related field.

- Experience implementing AI or developing technology governance frameworks within an educational setting.

What Success Looks Like

Reliable and resilient systems; strong data security and digital safety; measured and ethical adoption of high-value technologies, including AI; responsive IT support that users value; and cost-effective management of vendors, licences and technology assets.