Chief Information Officer

Chief information officers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate information and communication technology strategies. They evaluate and manage an organisation’s use and needs for information and the technology to support collecting, processing, organising and making information available to varied users. They also oversee issues of security related to these systems, formulating strategies, policies and plans for best operational use.

Chief information officers predominately work in an office environment within a fast-changing technology landscape. They often manage a team of system analysts, programmers and other computer-related professionals as well as consult with vendors around technology and information requirements.

Skills

Chief information officers require excellent knowledge of information systems and infrastructure and related technology and innovation, along with:

• Creative problem-solving ability 
• Excellent communication and information presentation skills
• Strong understanding of business processes
• Extensive team management experience
  

Tasks

Evaluate and make recommendations for the organisations information technology use and needs

Direct and prepare information management policy, strategies and standards

Manage and control budgets for information technology needs

Supervise the security of all information technology systems

Studies

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Information Technology at NWU, UFS, UJ and UNISA

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Computer Science at NMU, NWU, RU, SPU, SU, UCT, UFH, UKZN, Unizulu, UP, UWC and Wits

Diploma, Advanced Diploma, M.Tech in Information Technology at CPUT, NMU, MUT, TUT, UJ, UNISA and VUT

Employers

National, provincial and local government.

NGOs, community-based and development organisations.

Information technology companies.

Various organisations requiring information technology services.