About the Role

Vision and Strategic Direction:

Model and encourage a culture of kindness in support of the GEMS/GWA core values and uphold the mission and ethos of the Academy as a non-selective, international and academically successful school through the lens of the International Baccalaureate Organisation

Develop inquiring, reflective and caring learners who, through the rigour of the IB programmes, have the knowledge, skills and character to take action and create a better, more peaceful world

Job Purpose:

The IT Manager will provide the Academy with a comprehensive service that delivers outstanding IT provision and commercially focused IT solutions that support the Academy in the delivery of its strategic objectives.

The IT Manager will contribute significantly to the achievement of the vision, mission, ethos and business objectives of the Academy through the development and implementation of IT platforms, policies and procedures. They will be responsible for and have oversight of the strategic development of the Information systems within the Academy including:

• ICT and Wireless networks
  
• iSAMS and all other Academy platforms
  
• Library and financial systems
  
• Telecommunication systems
  
• Cashless catering
  
• CCTV and electronic security systems
  
• Identity card systems
  

• To advise the leadership team and other senior support staff on policy and strategy in these areas
  
• To define and manage the Academy's ICT support service
  
• To implement and monitor procedures and protocols to ensure stability and security of all systems
  
• To provide an efficient and effective service for students and staff
  
• To provide a friendly, dynamic and supportive atmosphere where students, staff and adult users will not be afraid to ask questions or come back to learn more.
  

With the Principals and the Assistant Principals, the post-holder will (i) share responsibility for all the policies, decision-making processes and strategic planning involved in the area of responsibility (ii) realise the ethos of an IB learning organisation with high expectations of students and staff, and a positive approach to internationalism, entrepreneurialism and innovation.

Core Responsibilities

Academy Leadership and Management

• To lead the development and growth of the IT team through effective management of resources to ensure that excellent IT services are central to the Academy's culture
  
• Work closely with the CSE to contribute to the development of the wider IT strategy particularly in relation to new platforms and user interface
  
• Provision of quality driven and efficient cohesive and co-ordinated IT service
  
• Leading and developing staff within the IT team and promoting a strong customer service ethos and high professional standards
  
• In accordance with the Academy's guidance, carry out performance management reviews of all line managed staff and report to the CSE
  
• Prioritise and ensure the completion of operational IT priorities as determined by the CSE/Principal
  

Processes and Procedures

• Design and implement infrastructures to meet the Academy's requirements. Manage the installation of additional servers and upgrade the network operating system as appropriate. Manage installation and upgrades of Academy systems
  
• Lead and manage the installation and maintenance of Academy services
  
• Monitor Academy and legal requirements for H&S. Develop relevant H&S procedures and ensure that all users follow appropriate practice including the safe use of work areas according to HSE guidance
  
• Configuration and installation design, monitor and review Academy procedures for managing and recording installations and configuration changes. Design and implement the Academy policy on asset disposal
  
• Continuity, maintenance and security of all IT in the Academy. In conjunction with the leadership team and senior support staff analyse risks to key systems and agree priorities; maintain and regularly review insurance cover and contingency plans for whole-Academy systems and for technical support. Design and implement the Academy's backup and security procedures, with reference to protecting hardware, data and confidential information
  
• Build close and effective working relationships with key internal and external partners
  
• Act as the initial point of reference for the Academy leaders in all IT matters, as well as participating in the management of major Academy projects, which may include potential growth, as required by the CEO / Principal and the CSE
  
• Produce and analyse reports on support requests for management purposes; advise the Academy's leadership team on possible training activities based on support log analysis. Provide first line support for more complex requests. Set support priorities, balancing response to support requests with need to follow planned monitoring and maintenance, in the context of staff availability and wider service demands
  
• To carry out any other duties commensurate with the post as may be reasonably required by the line manager
  

Timetable and Deliverables

• Monitor, interpret and implement all new and revised legislation assessing its impact on the Academy to the Local Advisory Board, the CEO / Principal and the Senior Leadership Team prior to implementation
  
• Utilise cloud based technology in all areas of IT activity and extend across all areas of IT operations to fully integrate technological solutions across the Academy, helping to create a paperless environment
  
• Respond accordingly to future technological innovation assessing the impact of these on future Corporate Services operations and integrating into day to day operations where appropriate
  
• To update Phoenix Classroom and provide information as necessary to all staff
  
• Assess needs, define standards of service and recommend internal and external support arrangements and contracts required to deliver effective services in the Academy. Report on and monitor progress against agreed service levels (both internal and external); review contractual arrangements and address strengths and weaknesses
  
• Plan the strategy for major system developments and project manage their implementation. Maintain an overall view of the capabilities of the Academy's systems and contribute to continuous improvement to meet future needs. Manage the development of the Academy website with external consultants
  
• In conjunction with the leadership team and senior support staff, develop financial management processes and procurement policies with reference to Academy procedures; manage tenders for systems and advise as appropriate. Manage the budgets associated with Academy systems and provide regular reports to the CEO / Principal
  
• Conduct training on appropriate use of systems; attend the Academy's leadership team meetings where the systems are discussed; advise senior staff and Governors; negotiate with suppliers and external contractors
  
• Regularly access relevant documentation to keep abreast of changes and developments
  

Development and Training

• Responsible for the day to day line management and development of the IT team providing appropriate and regular support, management, and guidance, to ensure the highest standards of service delivery
  
• Identify gaps in professional knowledge and business skills within the IT team and address this through appropriate training interventions so as to reduce reliance on contracted service providers/professional business advisors
  
• Responsible for training, briefings, workshops and 1-1s on policies and procedures to the CEO / Principal, the Senior Leadership Team and Line Managers, ensuring these align with corporate priorities, strategies and objectives
  
• Ensure managers are equipped to manage the various components of IT in a timely and effective way, and offer guidance and support as necessary
  

Other Duties

• To initiate, lead by example and actively promote the Academy's vision and values, including the development of a strong learning community whose members show high respect for others, for the diversity of the community and for the environment
  
• Undertake personal development through training and other learning activities including performance management as required
  
• Recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others
  
• To be a positive role model for students in dress and conduct within the Academy
  

Evaluation:

Written annual job performance is evaluated and provided in accordance with Academy policy timelines established by the CEO/Principal

About Your Benefits

Benefits:

Competitive remuneration package depending on experience and qualifications, house rent allowance, 52 calendar days annual leave, tuition fee and transportation concessions, travel and professional development allowance, visa, medical, end of service and other benefits in line with the UAE Labour Law.

About GEMS

Trusted for over 55 years and now a third generation education family, GEMS Education began in a single school room in Dubai. Today, we have the privilege of educating over 190,000 students from over 176 countries through GEMS owned and managed schools globally; over 270,000 students access resources through our services division; and we will impact 20 million by 2020 students through the initiatives of our Charity partner Varkey Foundation.

About the School

GEMS World Academy-Dubai (GWA) is a private, co-educational IB World school for PreK to Grade 12 students. Established in 2008 as a member of GEMS Education, the school is authorized to deliver the PYP, MYP, DP and CP programmes and is also accredited by the Council of International Schools and is being accredited by NEASC. The total student enrolment is 1600 students with faculty strength of 170 teachers, 82 teaching assistants and 40 administration and support staff.

• The internationally recognized gold standard of pre-university education is the DNA of GWA.
• GWA has the continuum of all four IB programmes. IB is considered the best performing curriculum as per PISA & TIMSS benchmarking. The IB Learner profile prepares students for a more effective transition into world-class universities.
• Strong IB World averages (and continually improving) providing access to the world's best universities.
• A school that is recognized by KHDA (Very Good) as an environment where innovation and improvement are fostered.
• With over 92 nationalities and part of the global World Academy network with Schools in Chicago, Switzerland, and Singapore, GEMS World Academy - Dubai is geared towards developing global citizens.
• Our students have the opportunity to move from the macro environment of space to the microscopic environment of cells and atoms in our Digital Planetarium and the ability to create audio and video content in the purpose-built recording studios and green-screen room.
• With over 150 After School Activities, over 45 Week Without Walls options around the world, sports opportunities for all, student leadership, individualised learning (RTI) GWA provides a truly holistic education.
• A strong 10 year legacy of a warm caring community.

About Application Process

If you meet the criteria and you are enthusiastic about the role, we would welcome your application. To complete the application you would need the following document(s):
1. Resume/CV
2. Passport-size photograph
3. CV

Important Note : GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students. Applicants will be required to submit a current police criminal clearance check or equivalent from their home country or current country of residence prior to appointment.