Senior Information Systems Specialist Full Time NEW

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The position description for the Senior Information Systems Specialist (Application Development) at the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) has been structured from the uploaded documents.

1. Position & Department Identification
* JOB TITLE: Senior Information Systems Specialist (Application Development)
* DIVISION: Head Office
* DEPARTMENT: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
* ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The Senior Information Systems Specialist will report to the Manager – Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

2. Nature & Scope
The incumbent is required to perform specialized technical design, development, testing and implementation duties for the information systems software of the Authority.

3. Specific Accountabilities
The Senior Information Systems Specialist:
* Manages projects for the development and implementation or the selection and configuration of the information systems of the Authority; also manages the identification and mitigation of project risk and takes action to ensure quality in delivery.
* Oversees the scoping, analysis and prioritisation of change initiatives and the definition of the related business requirements to enable the development or selection of the required software solutions of the Authority.
* Develops business models, plans, and requirements to meet the needs of the Authority; and specifies business processes which drive improvements in the information systems and related data management within the Region.
* Designs, develops, tests, corrects and documents information systems as part of the overall application development, configuration and maintenance process in accordance with agreed standards and specifications.
* Contributes to the design of information systems of the Authority, in accordance with defined standards and best practices, and within the constraints of cost, security and efficiency.
* Analyses business processes and identifies alternative approaches to performing business activities, such as automation; assesses feasibility of these approaches, and identifies the required changes to the business processes of the Authority.
* Assesses, analyses, develops, documents and implements changes to the information systems of the Authority based on requests for change from users and other internal or external stakeholders.
* Investigates, analyses and specifies the requirements for improving the business processes and systems of the Authority, including the preparation of feasibility studies and business cases.
* Validates and analyses data and information from internal and external sources, to meet the reporting needs of the Authority and its information users.
* Conducts security risk and vulnerability assessments for the Authority’s application software; applies the required physical, procedural and technical controls to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability; and investigates and remedies related security incidents.
* Investigates and reports on hazards and potential risk events arising from the use of the information systems of the Authority.
* Provides inputs to the service continuity planning process for the Authority’s information systems and implements the resulting plans.
* Contributes to the planning and execution of system and acceptance testing of new or modified information systems, particularly in areas of technical specialisation.
* Contributes to the planning and implementation of software, particularly in areas of technical specialisation, by undertaking activities such as risk assessment and stakeholder coordination.
* Initiates steps to enable and promote compliance with Authority’s policies and procedures, and established best practices around the use of information; and identifies the risks involved in the use of such information.
* Prepares, customises and delivers learning activities including training and sensitisation, on the information systems of the Authority to a variety of users and stakeholders.
* Keeps abreast of the opportunities provided by new information systems technology, tools and techniques and advises on their relevance, applicability and potential value to the Authority.
* Utilises agreed quality standards to review information systems development and implementation processes.
* Keeps abreast of the design, development, operations and management of information systems and products and provides advice regarding their selection and application.
* Performs any other related duties as assigned.

4. Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Considerable knowledge in the specification, selection, development, testing and commissioning of information systems.
* Knowledge of the principles, tool and techniques required for the management and control of ICT within an organisation.
* Knowledge of project management tools and techniques.
* Some knowledge of Public Service processes and procedures.
* Ability to supervise professional, technical and support staff.
* Ability to think creatively and to implement information system solutions.
* Ability to manage information systems development projects.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
* Ability to promote teamwork and manage conflict.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and internal stakeholders.
* Ability to interact positively with members of the public and external stakeholders.

5. Minimum Training and Experience
* Training as evidenced by the possession of a recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Systems Management, Computer Engineering or a related area.
* Minimum of five (5) years’ experience at a supervisory level, including at least two (2) years’ experience in the design and development of information systems.
* Any equivalent combination of qualifications, training and experience.

6. Supervisory Responsibilities
* Technical and Support Staff

7. Communication and Working Relationships

Internal
* Manager – Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
* Staff of the Information and Communications Technology Department
* All Line Managers/Supervisors
* All Heads of Department

External
* Telecommunication and Internet Service Providers
* Contractors
* Suppliers