Position description
Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organization (INSO) is an international NGO that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts.
INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations, and training. INSO provides daily support to more than 1,500 NGOs operating in 24 of the world’s most insecure countries. INSO is registered in the Netherlands, with its headquarters located in The Hague, a city renowned for its international focus on peace and justice.
Job Summary
As Head of IT Operations, you’ll own INSO’s IT infrastructure and make sure it is secure, reliable, and efficient. You’ll report to the Director of Operations and lead the IT team, set its goals, and hold it to high standards. You’ll also lead the secure and responsible use of AI and automation across INSO’s operations. The technology you run helps keep humanitarian workers safe in some of the world’s most difficult environments.
Major Responsibilities
Strategy and policy
- Set and maintain INSO’s IT vision, strategy and roadmap, aligned with organisational goals and operational needs
- Write and maintain IT policies and standards that comply with GDPR, the EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 27001
- Advise HQ departments, projects and Country Offices on infrastructure, systems and technology, including evaluating and integrating new software
- Agree a clear IT ownership and governance model with HQ Directors. IT is accountable for identity and access management, security standards, licensing, technical integration and architecture
- Manage software licences across HQ and Country Offices for compliance, cost and fit
- Review existing systems to keep them secure, resilient and fit for purpose
- Assess emerging technologies, including AI, for their operational, security, compliance and financial impact, and recommend what to adopt
- Manage strategic relationships with global technology vendors and partners to get the best service, value and innovation
AI in IT infrastructure and support systems
- Contribute to INSO’s AI strategy and lead its implementation within IT operations
- Own the AI acceptable use and security policy (approved tools, data handling, access and compliance), developed with DTL
- Lead AI integration into infrastructure and support systems such as Microsoft 365, finance, HR and IT service management
- Advise on and review the infrastructure, security and compliance (GDPR, ISO/IEC 27001) side of AI features in INSO-developed software and programme platforms, which DTL owns and leads
- Identify and manage AI and automation projects in support processes (finance, HR, logistics and administration) across HQ and Country Offices, working with system owners and referring programme-related opportunities to DTL
- Lead staff training on the safe use of INSO-approved AI tools and the AI policy, coordinating with DTL on training for the AI solutions it builds for programmes
- Track and report on the adoption, cost and benefits of AI tools to inform reviews of the AI strategy
IT risk
- Identify, assess and reduce risks to the security, resilience and availability of INSO’s IT
- Keep the IT and information security entries in the INSO Risk Register up to date, including mitigation measures, risk owners and residual risk
- Lead IT risk management, including data classification and protection, data loss prevention, incident response, business continuity and disaster recovery, cybersecurity awareness
- Monitor new threats and regulations, and put the right controls in place
- Build and test a disaster recovery framework (policies, plans, testing and procedures) so critical systems can be restored quickly
- Report regularly on risk exposure, how well controls are working and significant security incidents
Leadership
- Lead, manage and mentor the IT team, building a culture of collaboration, accountability and growth
- Plan, prioritise and delegate work so projects and support are delivered on time
- Own the IT budget, making sure resources are used well and give value for money
- Take on other duties as needed
Qualifications
Essential
- At least 8 years of progressive IT management experience, including in humanitarian or NGO settings.
- Proven experience of managing IT, delivering projects together with service and supplier management.
- Experience administering Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, and Azure environments.
- Experience deploying, managing, and governing AI tools (e.g. Microsoft 365 Copilot) and business process automation solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse information critically, evaluate risks and opportunities, develop effective solutions, and manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
Desirable
- Solid project management skills related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional, and integrated teams with a proven history of delivering results.
- Working knowledge of information security and data protection frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR and the EU AI Act.
- Experience of working within a matrix organisation structure.
- Working knowledge of either French, Arabic, Dutch, or Spanish.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
INSO’s Safeguarding Policy
INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees and volunteers. We ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy throughout the recruitment process. INSO is a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, and the selected candidate will be required to undergo the relevant misconduct disclosure checks as part of the final hiring steps.
Application instructions
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