Head of Corporate Systems

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The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral development bank with an exclusively social mandate from its 43 member countries. The CEB finances investment and provides technical assistance in social sectors such as education, health and affordable housing, while focusing on the needs of vulnerable people, as well as on the social dimensions of climate change and the environment.

If you are passionate about contributing to impactful projects that create lasting change across Europe, we welcome applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds. Join us in making a difference while advancing the principles of sustainability, equality, and social well-being.

The Corporate Services Directorate (CS) delivers client-oriented, integrated services, to optimise the work environment and enable the CEB to deliver its mandate. As a business partner, CS supports a capable workforce that is digital and connected, in an adapted and safe working environment, and with efficient travel and visa services. Within the Corporate Services Directorate, the Information Technology Division (CS-IT) provides quality IT services and innovative information technology solutions to support the Bank’s operations and to fulfil the Bank’s strategic objectives in an efficient and effective manner, continuously adapting to business needs.

The Information Technology Division is seeking a senior IT manager with strong experience in corporate applications and complex transformation projects. Reporting to the Head of Information Technology, the Head of Corporate Systems will set the direction for the Bank’s corporate systems, oversee major projects and ensure that critical applications support the Bank’s needs. The role also covers day-to-day operations, budgets, contracts, external providers and the organisation of the Corporate Systems team, while advising the Head of Information Technology on priorities, risks and future developments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, projects and business partnership

• Set the direction and priorities for the Bank’s corporate systems and maintain a clear roadmap in line with business needs and the IT strategy.
• Advise the Head of Information Technology on strategic choices, future developments, investments, resources, risks and dependencies.
• Act as a trusted partner to the Directorates by understanding and, where appropriate, challenging requirements, helping simplify business processes, assessing options and agreeing clear priorities, suitable solutions and business ownership.
• Oversee a portfolio of complex projects, including new systems, major upgrades, business process changes and the replacement of legacy tools.
• Ensure projects are properly planned and delivered, with appropriate resources, budgets, risk management, documentation, testing, user preparation and change support.
• Oversee major initiatives involving SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Concur, ServiceNow, e-signature and archiving tools, and communication platforms.
• Ensure coordination across architecture, infrastructure, security, service desk and Directorates, and keep senior stakeholders informed about progress, decisions and risks.

Management of the Unit

• Translate the IT Division’s priorities into clear objectives and work plans for the Unit and ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
• Manage the Unit’s staff and resources, including workload planning, performance management, skills needs and continuity of key activities.
• Ensure clear roles and responsibilities and effective cooperation across staff, consultants, project managers, integrators and support providers.
• Monitor progress and address issues that may affect delivery, while ensuring knowledge sharing, up-to-date documentation and appropriate back-up arrangements.

Operations, governance and resources

• Ensure that critical corporate applications are reliable, secure, well supported and properly documented, and that incidents, recurring problems and changes are addressed with minimal disruption to business activities.
• Identify practical ways to improve systems and processes and ensure compliance with CEB standards for security, data protection, governance and audits.
• Oversee calls for tender and the selection of solutions and service providers, and manage relationships with software suppliers, integrators, consultants and support providers.
• Oversee contracts, renewals, deliverables, service levels, quality and costs, and address performance or delivery issues where necessary.
• Plan and monitor the Corporate Systems multiannual budget, forecasts, commitments and expenditure, and flag budget risks early.
• Prepare clear briefings, recommendations, dashboards and documents for the Head