Rima Microfinance Bank is an established Microfinance Bank currently strengthening its operations and expanding its digital banking services.
We are looking for a hands-on Head of Information Technology to take responsibility for the Bank's technology systems and support its continued transition into a modern, digitally enabled Microfinance Bank.
The successful candidate will be based primarily in Abuja, where the Bank's technology and digital activities are coordinated, with occasional travel to the Bank's operations in Sokoto when necessary.
This position is suitable for an experienced technology professional who understands software, banking systems and digital financial services and is comfortable working within a relatively small but growing institution.
We are not looking for a purely administrative IT manager or someone focused mainly on computers, printers and networks. The person should be capable of understanding and taking ownership of the Bank's digital banking systems, software integrations, infrastructure and technology vendors.
- Take day-to-day responsibility for the Bank's technology systems.
- Understand and supervise the Bank's core banking system and its integrations.
- Manage the Bank's mobile banking application, middleware, APIs and related digital services.
- Work with NIBSS and other payment-service providers on banking and payment integrations.
- Monitor electronic transfers, failed transactions, system exceptions and technology-related operational issues.
- Work closely with Operations and Finance on transaction reconciliation and system-related exceptions.
- Take custody of the Bank's source code, repositories, technical documentation and system credentials.
- Ensure that systems developed by external vendors are properly handed over to and controlled by the Bank.
- Manage technology vendors and ensure agreed services are delivered properly.
- Maintain appropriate access controls, backups, security and disaster-recovery arrangements.
- Monitor system availability and respond promptly to outages or service failures.
- Support the Bank's POS, agency banking and other digital-payment initiatives.
- Maintain proper documentation of the Bank's systems and technology processes.
- Support staff on technology-related matters where necessary.
- Build and supervise a small internal technology team as the Bank grows.
- Provide clear technology reports to Management and the Board when required.
Candidates should possess:
- A first degree or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant post-qualification technology experience.
- Practical experience in software development, systems integration or financial technology.
- Experience working with a bank, Microfinance Bank, fintech, payment company or financial-software provider will be a strong advantage.
- Good understanding of APIs, databases and system integrations.
- Experience with backend technologies such as Java, .NET/C#, Python, Node.js or similar technologies.
- Working knowledge of SQL databases such as PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL or Oracle.
- Understanding of cloud infrastructure, servers, Git/source-code management and CI/CD.
- Good understanding of information security, system access controls and backup procedures.
- Ability to troubleshoot production problems and work directly with software developers and service providers.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
For a formal departmental-head appointment in an MFB, the applicable CBN guidelines prescribe a minimum first degree or equivalent, five years post-qualification experience, including four years in financial services and two years at senior-management level, together with practical microfinance competence and MCP/CIBN certification.
- The following will be an advantage but are not required in every candidate:
- Digital banking or mobile banking applications.
- NIBSS NIP/NPS or other Nigerian payment systems.
- Core banking integrations.
- Payment switching and transaction processing.
- Settlement and reconciliation.
- POS and agency banking.
- Middleware and API development.
- Cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.
- Docker, Kubernetes or similar deployment technologies.
- Cybersecurity and information-security controls.
- Experience taking over software or systems previously managed by external vendors.
The right candidate should be:
- Technically strong but practical.
- Comfortable working in a small and growing institution.
- Hands-on and willing to solve problems personally when necessary.
- Able to work with both technical and non-technical staff.
- Able to manage vendors without becoming dependent on them.
- Interested in building systems that are reliable and appropriate for the size of the Bank.
- Careful about security, customer funds and data.
- Willing to learn areas of banking technology where necessary.
- Comfortable working primarily from Abuja with occasional travel to Sokoto.
As this is a senior departmental-head position within a Microfinance Bank, the final appointment will be subject to applicable CBN requirements, including the relevant Microfinance Certification Programme (MCP)/CIBN requirements.
- Competitive and commensurate with experience and the size of the institution.
- The final package will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.