Chief Technology Officer (Technology & Digital Channels)

To provide strategic and operational leadership for the Bank's technology and digital transformation agenda, ensuring the availability, security, scalability and continuous improvement of the technology infrastructure, core banking platform and digital channels that support the Bank's business.

The role will lead the development of a secure, reliable and technology-enabled banking environment, leveraging digital channels, data and technology partnerships to improve customer experience, operational efficiency, financial inclusion and business growth while maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory and cybersecurity requirements.

1. Technology Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the Bank's technology strategy in alignment with its overall business objectives.
  
• Lead the design and implementation of a scalable technology architecture capable of supporting the Bank's growth.
  
• Advise the MD/CEO and Management on emerging technologies, digital banking trends and opportunities for innovation.
  
• Establish technology standards, policies, governance frameworks and service-level expectations across the Bank.
  
• Ensure technology investments are commercially justified and aligned with approved budgets and business priorities.
  

2. Core Banking and Digital Channels

• Own the Bank's core banking platform, including configuration, availability, performance, upgrades and integration.
  
• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of mobile, web, USSD and other digital banking channels.
  
• Drive a seamless digital customer journey covering onboarding, account opening, transactions, payments and customer engagement.
  
• Monitor platform and channel performance and ensure timely resolution of system failures, service interruptions and technical issues.
  
• Work with Business and Operations to identify technology opportunities that improve customer acquisition, service delivery and operational efficiency.
  

3. Systems Integration and Technology Partnerships

• Lead integrations with payment platforms, identity verification providers, credit bureaus, fintech partners and other approved third-party service providers.
  
• Evaluate technology vendors and recommend solutions based on functionality, security, scalability, cost and business value.
  
• Manage technology vendors, contracts, service-level agreements and performance.
  
• Ensure third-party technology arrangements are appropriately documented, monitored and governed.
  

4. Cybersecurity and Information Security

• Establish and maintain a robust information security framework for the Bank.
  
• Ensure effective access controls, user authentication, monitoring, vulnerability management and security incident response.
  
• Lead the identification, assessment and mitigation of technology and cybersecurity risks.
  
• Ensure appropriate protection of customer information, financial data and other sensitive Bank information.
  
• Maintain alignment with applicable CBN cybersecurity, information security and technology risk requirements.
  
• Coordinate periodic security assessments, penetration testing and remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
  

5. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

• Develop and maintain the Bank's technology business continuity and disaster recovery framework.
  
• Ensure critical systems are appropriately backed up, recoverable and resilient to disruption.
  
• Conduct periodic disaster recovery tests and ensure identified gaps are promptly addressed.
  
• Maintain appropriate recovery time and recovery point objectives for critical systems.
  
• Ensure technology readiness for business continuity events and regulatory inspections.
  

6. Data, Analytics and Management Information

• Build and maintain the Bank's data architecture and reporting infrastructure.
  
• Ensure reliable and timely data is available for management reporting, regulatory returns, customer analytics and business decision-making.
  
• Promote the use of data analytics to support customer acquisition, credit decisions, portfolio monitoring and operational efficiency.
  
• Establish appropriate data governance, data quality and access controls.
  
• Collaborate with Finance, Risk, Business and Operations to improve the accuracy and usefulness of management information.
  

7. Technology Operations and Support

• Ensure reliable day-to-day operation of the Bank's IT infrastructure, systems and digital channels.
  
• Establish appropriate service desk, incident management and escalation processes.
  
• Ensure competent technical support is continuously available in Port Harcourt.
  
• Monitor technology service levels, system capacity and infrastructure performance.
  
• Develop and maintain appropriate technology documentation, asset registers and operating procedures.
  

8. Team Leadership and Performance Management

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing technology, product and data team.
  
• Establish clear objectives, KPIs and performance expectations for technology personnel.
  
• Develop succession plans and technical capability within the team.
  
• Promote a culture of security, innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
  

9. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure technology operations comply with applicable CBN, NDIC and other regulatory requirements.
  
• Maintain appropriate technology documentation and records for regulatory examination and audit purposes.
  
• Coordinate responses to technology-related audit and regulatory findings and ensure timely remediation.
  
• Provide regular technology, cybersecurity, digital channel and systems performance reports to the MD/CEO and relevant Management or Board committees.
  

• BSc or BEng in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or another relevant technology-related discipline.
  
• Relevant professional certifications such as CISM, CISSP, CISA, ITIL, PMP or recognised cloud/technology certifications are desirable.
  
• An MBA, MSc or postgraduate qualification in Technology Management, Information Systems, Business Administration or a related discipline is an advantage.
  
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience in technology, with at least 4 years in banking, fintech, payments or another regulated financial services environment.
  
• At least 3 years in a senior technology leadership or management position.
  
• Demonstrable experience implementing, managing or supporting a core banking platform is strongly preferred.
  
• Experience with digital banking channels, payment integrations, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, data platforms and technology vendor management is highly desirable.
  

Core Competencies

• Technology and digital strategy
  
• Core banking and financial technology
  
• Digital banking and channel management
  
• Cybersecurity and information security
  
• Systems architecture and integration
  
• Technology risk and business continuity
  
• Data management and analytics
  
• Vendor and technology partner management
  
• Project and product delivery
  
• Regulatory technology compliance
  
• Strategic thinking and commercial awareness
  
• Team leadership and people development
  
• Problem-solving and decision-making
  

Performance Measures

• Core banking and critical technology systems availability and uptime.
  
• Reliability and performance of mobile, web, USSD and other digital channels.
  
• Achievement of approved technology and digital product roadmap.
  
• Digital onboarding conversion and customer adoption of digital channels.
  
• System incident frequency, resolution time and service-level performance.
  
• Successful implementation of technology integrations and strategic projects.
  
• Cybersecurity incidents, vulnerability remediation and closure of technology audit findings.
  
• Successful testing and effectiveness of business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements.
  
• Accuracy, availability and timeliness of management and regulatory data.
  
• Technology expenditure against approved budget.
  
• Compliance with applicable regulatory and information-security requirements.
  
• Development and retention of a capable technology team.