IT and Digital Systems Lead

About this role

ABOUT STRONGMINDS

StrongMinds is an award-winning nonprofit delivering community-led mental health programmes to hundreds of thousands of clients across Uganda, Zambia, and beyond. We provide proven group therapy to women, adolescents, refugees, and other marginalised populations — and we're growing fast. Data and technology are central to everything we do.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The IT and Digital Systems Lead is a high-energy, mission-driven professional who champions the strategic growth of StrongMinds Zambia's (SMZ) technology landscape. S/he ensures that SMZ's IT systems and processes are not just functional and secure, but that staff and field users are well-supported and empowered to leverage technology to deliver their best work at scale. This role is responsible for adapting and implementing the global Information Technology framework to meet SMZ's unique local requirements with precision and integrity, serving as the first Zambia-based representative on a small, close-knit global IT team.

S/he works seamlessly with the global IT team and SMZ leadership across Programs, Research, Finance, HR, and M&E to foster technology use that aligns with organizational goals. S/he serves as the first line of technical support and is an independent, switched-on operator who runs SMZ's office infrastructure and field user networks with minimal hand-holding, building and improving systems where s/he sees opportunity. S/he is an exemplary user support lead for every type of user, from frontline field staff to executive leadership, ensuring that national hardware and software needs are met with urgency while representing SMZ's specific field requirements to the global stage. S/he will manage additional junior tech support resources as the team continues to grow.

Beyond day-to-day operations, this role also contributes to SMZ's broader digital transformation, supporting the development and implementation of a new global data management system, helping to test and refine field data collection tools, designing dashboards and supporting strategic data use, and experimenting with AI integrations. The Lead will also take a significant role in strategizing and executing integrations with government HMIS and eCHIS systems.

While we have defined high technical standards, we recognize that exceptional talent often follows non-traditional paths. We strongly encourage applications from high-potential candidates who may not meet every formal qualification but possess a proven track record of self-directed upskilling and a relentless passion for learning. If you are a rapid learner with a 'can-do' attitude toward solving complex problems, we want to hear from you.

This role reports to the Digital Transformation Director.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

1. Independent Office Infrastructure & Asset Management:

- Activities: Own the full IT asset lifecycle end-to-end, from procurement to disposal, with minimal hand-holding. Ensure licensing compliance; manage G Suite/user permissions; enforce security protocols and audit logs.

- Expected Outputs: Comprehensive IT Asset Register; 100% licensing compliance; Secure user access management and standardized hardware provisioning process.

2. Network Infrastructure & Maintenance:

- Activities: Lead maintenance and upgrades of firewalls, network infrastructure, and connectivity strategy spanning main office and field sites; monitor performance for high availability; manage provisioning for laptops/tablets.

- Expected Outputs: 99.9% uptime; Stable and secure network; efficient access for field workers.

3. Data Security, Business Continuity, and Compliance:

- Activities: Implement and rigorously test automated backup/recovery procedures for program data and SaaS stack; maintain incident logs; develop disaster recovery protocols for SMZ systems. Will act as chief ODPC data protection officer.

- Expected Outputs: Data integrity and zero-loss recovery; Up-to-date Backup Log; Adherence to global policies; Incident Response Registry. Continuous certification and compliance with ODPC regulations.

4. Phenomenal User Support & IT Operations:

- Activities: Serve as the first line of technical support for every kind of user, from frontline field staff to executive leadership. Lead high-level troubleshooting; oversee the SMZ incident log; provide monthly reporting on system health and support trends.

- Expected Outputs: Rapid ticket resolution; Monthly IT Performance Reports; Optimized system reliability, stellar feedback from team.

5. Digital Transformation & Systems:

- Activities: Map local workflows to inform global system overhaul; lead local implementation of data management migrations; ensure Zambian field realities are integrated into design.

- Expected Outputs: Seamless migration to new data systems; Documented local requirements; Zero data loss during transitions; high user adoption and success rates.

6. Field User Networks & Data Innovation:

- Activities: Oversee maintenance and update cycles for field tools (Kobo, CommCare); support testing of AI prototypes and digital data capture innovations; strengthen field user networks nationwide.

- Expected Outputs: High-functioning field tools; viable prototypes; documented QA evaluations; scalable digital innovations.

7. Data Analytics & Reporting:

- Activities: Support advanced data extraction and analytics for M&E and Programs; automate dashboards to facilitate data-driven leadership decisions.

- Expected Outputs: Accurate data exports; Real-time automated dashboards for SMZ leadership.

WHAT YOU HAVE

Must Have (Required)

- 5+ years of progressive experience in the IT sector, with a proven track record in software engineering, network infrastructure, or the strategic oversight of complex data systems.

- Infrastructure, security, and digital asset management: Comprehensive…