Manager, Database Administration at SBM Bank

SBM Bank Kenya is a leading and trusted financial institution with an international footprint, headquartered in Mauritius and positioned to offer an unprecedented banking experience in Kenya to niche Retail, SME and corporate clients.
JOB SUMMARY
To plan, organize, manage staff and overall operations to ensure stable operations of the bank’s Database Systems through best practices and the appropriate collaboration with technical, business and third party organizations. Resourcefulness is a necessary skill in this role. Your goal will be to ensure appropriate database management and coordination of changes to computer databases, testing and implementing databases using database management systems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

To ensure high availability (24/7) of the entire Database Infrastructure of the Bank through best practices and the appropriate collaboration with technical, business and third party organizations.
Install and configure Banks databases.
Responsible for managing, troubleshooting and proactively updating database software assets to prevent downtime or zero-day exploits from occurring. ● Design, organize, modify, and support an organization’s database systems.
Quickly resolve any database system failures and troubleshoots issues and outages.
Upgrade database systems with new releases and models.
Manage user accounts, credentials, permissions, access rights and storage allocations
Secure databases system integrity from any breaches or viruses and play an essential role in riskmitigation planning, including creating backup plans, safeguards for data, user security policies, and identity management.
Develop and execute a backup and recovery plan.
Maintaining the asset inventory for the database systems.
Responsible for the compliance of all the database related licenses. Ensure timely renewal of the same.
To liaise with external suppliers and support agencies for the ongoing support and maintenance of relevant database hardware and software. Ensure timely processing of the invoices.
Review vendor contracts and assist in negotiating with vendors for the purpose of providing the bank cost effective and reliable services.
Monitor the system daily and respond immediately to security or usability concerns.
Confirm success of DB Backup every day and note exceptions if any.
Check on space availability in the database, if none free up some space for day to day activities.
Ensure database availability and optimal performance. Perform tuning whenever required.
Establish and calculate optimum values for database parameters, using manuals and calculators.
Specify users and user access levels for each segment of the database.
Review workflow charts developed by system architects/analysts to understand DB tasks the system will perform, such as DML procedures.
Work as part of a project team to coordinate database development and determine project scope and limitations.
Develop reports as required by the business that includes CBK reports and ad hoc reports as required by the business.
Continuously Review procedures for database management.
Monitor database performance throughout the day, in case of any abnormality attend to it as soon as possible.
Test scripts/programs on databases in collaboration with system analysts before deployment, recommend and/or correct errors and make necessary modifications.
Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new databases.
Train users and answer questions in relation to DB technologies, operations and administration.
Develop internal standards, procedures, manuals to guide the use and acquisition of DB software/Hardware and to protect vulnerable information.
Put in place security measures to protect Bank’s Data by applying approved DB security standards.
Report Database risk events and service exceptions.
Research on emerging Database technologies and innovations to improve the Bank’s DB offerings in line with the change management process.
Participate in BCP strategies formulations and continuous reviews.
Follow-up audit findings, propose remediation and ensure rectification or mitigation be carried out successfully.
Ensure that all policies and guidelines are implemented according to audit recommendations/requirements.
Prepares written materials (e.g. procedures, system level documentation, SOPs, reports, memos, letters, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
Provide leadership to other unit staff in ensuring services are delivered accurately and timely while adhering to laid out procedures and policies.
Ensure compliance with bank and regulatory requirements during implementation of various related services for the bank.
Be a core member for all IT project implementation groups, coordinating execution of BANK related activities.
Perform change management risk reviews and post implementation reviews for all change requests.
Proactively monitoring all the database servers and services to ensure compliance of all users and services, and in case of any discrepancy report immediately to the Head of IT Applications.
Prepare and ensure that Risk Control Self-Assessment is conducted periodically for unit.
Conduct accurate and timely performance management for his/her team.
Any Other duties assigned from time to time by the line Managers, Head IT Applications or Director-IT

Key Relationships

Direct Reports to this Position

N/A

Customers of this Position

All Departments in the Bank

Requirements
Education, Knowledge, skills and Experience required for this Role

University degree in Computer Science / IT related field, however, a Master’s degree in IT would be an added advantage
Expert DBA skills including extensive experience in implementing DB architecture using Oracle RAC, SQL. Oracle database Certifications
Certifications required for this role:

Oracle Database management Certifications.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Engineer (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and/or AIX Administrator
Oracle Linux System Administrator (Oracle)
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
VMware Certified Professional 6 & above - Data Center Virtualization


A minimum of 6 years of proven experience as a System Administrator or similar role
Experience with databases (MSSQL and Oracle), networks (LAN, WAN) and patch management
Knowledge of system security and data backup/recovery
Experience with various operating systems and platforms
Experience with various storage (SAN) platforms
Resourcefulness and problem-solving aptitude
Excellent communication skills
Professional certification (e.g.) is an added advantage
Knowledge of CIS standard is must.
Fluency in spoken and written English
Good integrity, positive attitude, helpful, high commitment, competence and motivation
Proven experience as a System Administrator or similar role
Knowledge of system security (e.g. intrusion detection systems) and data backup/recovery
Familiarity with various operating systems and platforms
VMWare / Kubernetes / Dockers administration – Should be aware of implementation, management as well as monitoring the data growth rate and utilization.
Writing skills: Ability to efficiently produce concise, organized reports.
Knowledge, insight, and understanding of business concepts, tools, and processes that are needed for making sound decisions in the context of the company's business; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.
Communication and interpersonal skills
Strong troubleshooting skills and change management skills.
Issue management and problem resolution skills

Competencies required for this Role

 In-depth knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Windows Server, Unix/Linux and AIX Operating Systems
Awareness and understanding of business requirements of IT.
Willingness to keep up to date with developments in new technology.
Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).

Interpersonal:

Goal focused and able to spot business opportunities
Builds networks and maintains strong relationships
Able to manage and influence others to achieve results
Has passion and drive to achieve results under difficult circumstances
Pleasant and able to relate well in diverse social set ups and teams
Upholds high standard of Professionalism, integrity and respect for others

Management and leadership ability:

Able to identify, motivate and develop talent within the Bank.
Capacity to influence decisions at various levels
Communicates effectively
Drives high performance in teams.