Software Applications Coordinator

The Real Estate Board invites applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post that is to be assigned to the upcoming Real Estate Authority of Jamaica (REAJ):

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Records and Information Management Services, the Software Applications Co-Ordinator oversees the provision of application software support to REAJ business units, to implement the business application software functionality required to support REAJ business processes. This incumbent has ultimate responsibility for the development, installation and maintenance of quality assured software applications that meet REAJ’s needs and agreed specifications.

Key Outputs:

• Identifies Automated ICT Solutions.
• Acquires and maintains Application Software.
• Enables Operation and Usage of ICT application systems.
• Manages changes to ICT application systems.
• Accredits ICT business solutions via an AQ process and changes installed.

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Defines business functional and technical requirements.
• Establishes processes for integrity/currency of requirements.
• Identifies documents and analyses business process risk.
• Conducts feasibility studies/impact assessments in respect of implementing proposed business requirements.
• Assesses IT operational and business benefits of proposed solutions.
• Develops a requirements approval process and approves and signs off on solutions proposed.
• Translates business requirements into high-level design specifications.
• Prepares detailed design and technical software application requirements.
• Customizes and implements acquired automated functionality.
• Develops formalized methodologies and processes to manage the application delivery process.
• Creates a quality assurance (QA) plan for software projects .and tracks and manages software application requirements.
• Develops a plan for the maintenance of software applications and a strategy to operationalize the solution.
• Develops a knowledge transfer methodology and end-user procedures.
• Develops technical support documentation for operations and support staff.
• Develops and delivers training; evaluates training results and enhances documentation as required.
• Develops and implements a process to consistently record, assess, and prioritize change requests.
• Assesses impact and priorities changes based on business needs. And assures that any emergency and critical change follows the approved process.
• Authorizes changes and manages and disseminates relevant information regarding changes.
• Builds and reviews implementation plans.
• Defines and reviews a test strategy (entry and exit criteria) and an operational test plan methodology.
• Builds and maintains a business and technical requirements repository and test cases for accredited systems.
• Performs system conversion and integration tests on test environment.
• Deploys a test environment and conducts final acceptance tests.
• Recommends promotion to production based on agreed-upon accreditation criteria.

Management responsibilities

• Manages the ICT Application Delivery & Support group within the Records & Information Services Department including contracted service providers.
• Provides administrative and technical leadership to ensure prompt and satisfactory project completion.
• Reviews major service requests and identifies impacts on current and planned resources.
• Establishes general schedules and priorities for system development projects and support services.
• Ensures the effective use of human and financial resources in meeting the Unit’s plans, user needs and corporate goals.
• Advises the Director, RIS in matters such as appropriate measures for avoiding potential cost overruns; divergent approaches to program design and problem resolution issues vis-à-vis user needs, ‘best practices’, and impact of additions or modification on operations and support services.
• Enforces policies and standards.
• Monitors key aspects/stages of work-in-progress and, takes action as necessary (e.g., assisting Project Managers to overcome obstacles likely to cause completion delays)
• Provides planning, consultation, and advisory services on systems development to REA departments & stakeholders.
• Facilitates the Unit’s responsiveness to client concerns and evolving needs by maintaining dialogue with user management.
• Contributes to the development of the Division’s Annual Budget and Operational Plan
• Represents the Department at various meetings and fora as required.

Human Resource Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring, and coaching.
• Monitors the performance of direct reports and facilitates the timely and accurate preparation of the staff annual performance appraisals and other periodic reviews.
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Department and recommends promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures.
• Identifies skills/competencies gaps and contributes to the development and succession planning for the branch to ensure adequate staff capacity.
• Facilitates the welfare and development of staff in the Branch.
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Department’s and the Authority’s goals.
• Prepares and conducts presentations on the role of the Section for the Orientation Programme

Other Responsibilities

• Undertakes any other duties that may be assigned by the Director Records & Information Services.

Performance Standards:

• Functional specifications and estimates developed within the agreed time-frame.
• Systems designed and implemented according to previously agreed functional and technical specifications.
• Software systems penetration tests completed within the agreed timeframe.

• Software security issues identified addressed within established guidelines

• User acceptance testing carried out as scheduled and signoff received.

• Performance of contractors monitored and evaluated.
• Reports prepared are in keeping with guidelines and the agreed upon timeframe.
• Staff performance appraisals are completed within the allotted timeframe and in accordance with performance management principles.
• Confidentiality, integrity and professionalism displayed in the delivery of duties and interaction with staff and other stakeholder.
• Reports are evidence bases and prepared in keeping with guidelines and agreed timeframe.

Authority:

• Recommends RIS policies and procedures.
• Recommends RIS technologies, systems and suppliers.

Competencies Required:

Core:

• Strong leadership and decision making skills.
• Understanding of complex information and requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop creative procedures necessary to deal with emergent situations.
• Skilled in managing external relationships/partnerships.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively express ideas and information, listen actively, receive feedback and respond in a timely and professional manner in order to effectively assist in the realization of the REAJ’s objectives.
• Teamwork and cooperation skills.
• Excellent organizing skills.
• Integrity
• Ability to work on own initiative

Technical:

• Working knowledge of UNIX/LINUX and Windows server operating environments.
• Working knowledge of database management systems , including MSSQL, MySQL, MS Access and report writing tools.
• Working knowledge of Java, HTML5 PHP, JS and other web programming technologies.
• Working knowledge of REST APIs and other communication protocols for system integrations.
• Excellent knowledge of ICT software vulnerabilities, risk issues and risk mitigation strategies.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to keep abreast of new technologies
• Ability to evaluate and assess computer systems and hardware/software proposals for technical merit, cost effectiveness and business application.
• Ability to communicate with and understand the requirements of professional staff in their area of specialization.
• Ability to direct and coordinate the development and integration of integrated computer systems involving network infrastructure and client/server business applications.
• Ability to coordinate and synergise with the work of external software systems providers and obtain optimum value for the authority.
• Knowledge of international standards and best practice in IT policy development and implementation.
• Knowledge of data security systems and disaster recovery procedures.
• Sound knowledge of networking technologies and software development principles.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (or equivalent professional qualification), and Business Management certification;
• 5 years’ work experience, in which programming, project management skills and supervisory skills were demonstrated;
• or equivalent combination of qualifications and experience

Working Conditions:

• Normal working conditions.
• May be required to work late and on weekends to meet deadlines and address emergencies.
• May be required to remotely monitor system functioning
• Required to travel.

Application and Deadline:

Applications addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, should be made online no later than Friday, October 20, 2023, via https://rebcsc.bamboohr.com/jobs

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.