Head of IT

Purpose:

• To lead, shape and deliver the strategic direction of IT globally, ensuring that our systems, services, and infrastructure are robust, forward-looking, and support the operational and strategic goals of Fauna & Flora, combining strategic leadership with hands-on technical input.
• To drive digital innovation, enhance organisational systems, and lead the integration of technology across global operations.
• To play a key role in ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, including UK charity regulations and GDPR, while embedding digital transformation in support of Fauna & Flora’s vital work protecting nature around the world.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & IT Governance

• Develop and deliver a forward-looking IT strategy that aligns with Fauna & Flora's conservation and operational objectives, ensuring systems are efficient, secure, and responsive to the needs of a dynamic, global NGO.
• Act as the senior IT advisor to the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic guidance on
• digital innovation, emerging technologies, and sector-relevant trends.
• Develop and maintain IT policies and operational standards aligned with charity sector best practice, fostering accountability, sustainability, and a strong culture of cyber risk awareness.
• Ensure robust, inclusive infrastructure that enables access, capacity, and resilience across Fauna & Flora's global teams including those in remote or low-connectivity settings.
• Lead the selection and management of key external service providers, including the University of Cambridge, ensuring high-quality partnerships and service delivery.

IT Operations and Service Delivery

• Provide oversight of IT services across Fauna & Flora global locations
• Ensure staff have the IT equipment that is fit for purpose, maintained appropriately, cost- effective, and integrated in organisational systems.
• Oversee IT asset lifecycle management, ensuring procurement and disposal are undertaken ethically, sustainably, and in compliance with UK and international regulations.

External Provider Management

• Lead procurement, selection, and ongoing relationships with outsourced IT and telecommunication providers, ensuring accountability, value for money, contract compliance, and high service performance

Information Systems & Digital Development

• Oversee the development, integration and continuous improvement of internal systems to support knowledge sharing, collaboration, and efficient IT system deployment across the global organisation.
• Collaborate across departments to identify IT needs and deliver solutions that are user-
• informed and operationally aligned.
• Play a key role in shaping and executing our global AI strategy.
• Support and enable digital transformation initiatives that improve conservation impact, organisational efficiency, and staff engagement, lead on change management to support adoption, receive feedback from users and ensure continuous improvement.

Cybersecurity, Data Protection & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead on cybersecurity strategy, ensuring robust frameworks are in place to protect sensitive data and organisational assets, business continuity planning and disaster recovery, ensuring organisational resilience in the event of disruption.
• Ensure compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), charity-
• specific data requirements, and other relevant information governance standards.
• Maintain effective systems for data access control, management of cyber risks, and regular data security training across all offices.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead and support the IT team, fostering a culture of service excellence, continuous learning, and innovation.
• Provide effective line management through objective setting, continuous performance review, training provision and personal development planning
• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of the IT department, including troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues as well as contributing to the team’s project delivery.

Budgeting and Financial Stewardship

• Lead the IT budgeting and financial planning process, providing insight to support long-term IT and systems investment planning
• Monitor IT expenditure and contracts, to ensure value for money and service delivery

Digital Communications & Collaboration

• Ensure Fauna & Flora’s communication systems including voice, video, mobile, and digital collaboration platforms are secure, scalable, and fit for a globally distributed, hybrid-working organisation.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance tools to support seamless internal collaboration, external
• engagement, and agile working across time zones and geographies.

Policy implementation and Training

• Lead on the communication and implementation of IT policies, and procedures through guidance and training resources that ensure staff can confidently and safely use Fauna & Flora systems.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of the following:

• Covering letter explaining why you are applying, relating your experience and skills to the role
• Full CV
• Contact details for two referees (who will not be approached without your permission)

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