Head, IT

COMPANY: MICROFINANCE BANK (LAGOS)

JOB VACANCY: HEAD, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 

Position: Head, Information Technology

Reports to: The Managing Director

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-Time

Application Deadline: 31 October 2026

About the Bank

This is a microfinance bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), committed to expanding access to inclusive financial services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income households. The Bank is entering a new phase of growth, with a strategy built on technology-enabled financial inclusion, disciplined credit and strong governance.

As part of this strategy, the Board seeks to appoint a seasoned and highly qualified Head, Information Technology who will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the Bank's technology infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity and digital capabilities. Role Summary

Lead the Bank's information technology function, ensuring the availability, security, resilience and effective performance of its technology infrastructure and business systems.

The role will oversee core banking technology, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, information security, systems administration, technology support, business continuity and technology-related projects. The successful candidate will work closely with Management and other business functions to ensure that technology supports efficient operations, digital financial services, customer experience and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities ·       IT strategy and Governance - Develop and implement the Bank's IT strategy in alignment with its business objectives, digital strategy, risk appetite and approved technology roadmap. Establish appropriate IT governance structures, standards and procedures. ·       Core Banking Systems - Oversee the implementation, administration, availability and performance of the Bank's core banking platform and other critical banking applications. Ensure appropriate system configuration, user access, controls, updates and vendor support. ·       IT Infrastructure - Manage the Bank's servers, networks, connectivity, workstations, communication systems, cloud services and other technology infrastructure. Ensure adequate availability, capacity, performance and resilience. ·       Cybersecurity and Information Security - Establish and maintain appropriate cybersecurity and information security controls to protect the Bank's systems, customer information and other sensitive data against unauthorised access, cyber threats, data loss and other security incidents. ·       Access Management - Ensure that system access is granted based on approved roles and responsibilities, with appropriate segregation of duties. Conduct periodic access reviews and promptly disable access for staff who leave the Bank or change roles. ·       IT Risk Management - Identify and assess technology-related risks and work with the Risk and Compliance functions to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented. Maintain appropriate technology risk registers and escalation mechanisms. ·       Data Protection and Privacy - Support the Bank's compliance with applicable data protection and privacy requirements. Ensure that customer and employee information is appropriately collected, processed, stored, transmitted and protected. ·       Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery - Develop, maintain and periodically test the Bank's IT business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements. Ensure that critical systems, data and services can be restored within approved recovery requirements following a disruption. ·       Backup and Data Recovery - Establish reliable backup procedures for critical systems and data. Regularly test backup integrity and restoration processes and ensure that backup arrangements are appropriately protected. ·       Technology projects - Lead or coordinate the implementation of technology projects, including core banking systems, digital banking channels, payment platforms, cybersecurity solutions and other technology initiatives. Ensure that projects are properly planned, tested, documented and implemented. ·       Vendor and Third-Party Management - Manage relationships with technology vendors, service providers and other third parties. Ensure appropriate due diligence, service-level agreements, performance monitoring, access controls and escalation arrangements. ·       IT Policies and Procedures - Develop, maintain and periodically review IT policies, standards and procedures covering information security, acceptable use, access management, backup, disaster recovery, incident management, change management and other relevant areas. ·       Technology Support and Staff Development - Lead the IT team, establish service standards, allocate responsibilities and ensure that staff receive appropriate training and development. Promote a responsive and service-oriented technology culture across the Bank. ·       Management Information and Reporting - Provide regular reports to Management covering system availability, incidents, cybersecurity events, IT performance, infrastructure capacity, technology projects, vendor performance and material technology risks. ·       Regulatory and Audit Readiness - Ensure that the Bank's technology environment remains adequately documented and ready for internal audit, external audit and regulatory review. Address identified technology control weaknesses within agreed timelines. Requirements

·       A recognised degree or higher diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems or a related field.

·       Minimum of six years' relevant experience in information technology, banking technology, financial services technology or a comparable environment, including at least two years in a supervisory or management capacity.

·       Demonstrable experience managing IT infrastructure, networks, systems administration and technology support functions.

·       Practical experience supporting or administering core banking systems or other transaction-intensive financial systems.

·       Strong understanding of cybersecurity, information security, access management and technology risk management.

·       Experience developing and implementing IT policies, procedures and control frameworks.

·       Demonstrable experience in business continuity, disaster recovery, backup management and technology incident response.

·       Experience managing technology vendors, service providers and third-party technology relationships.

·       Working knowledge of databases, networks, cloud services, operating systems and enterprise technology environments.

·       Ability to develop technology reports, analyse system performance and translate technical issues into clear business recommendations.

·       Strong understanding of technology controls, segregation of duties, user access management and change management.

·       Relevant professional certification such as CISA, CISM, CISSP, CCNA, COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001 or other relevant technology certification will be an advantage.

·       Demonstrated integrity, sound judgement and strong governance orientation.

Desired Attributes

•      Proven track record in information technology within microfinance banking, commercial banking, fintech or a related financial services environment.

•      Strong project management and change management capabilities.

•      Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

•      Ability to translate business requirements into practical technology solutions.

•      Strong vendor and stakeholder management skills.

•      Ability to work effectively with business, operations, risk, compliance and audit functions.

•      High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Terms of Appointment

•      The appointment is shall be subject to a probationary period of six (6) months commencing from your effective date of employment

•      Remuneration is competitive and commensurate with experience, in line with the Bank's approved remuneration policy.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents by email to the email address provided with the subject line “Application – Head, Information Technology  

A detailed curriculum vitae.

•      Copies of academic and professional credentials, including microfinance certification.

•      A cover letter stating suitability for the role.

Applications close on 31 October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

This Microfinance Bank is an equal opportunity employer.