IT & AI Officer

Oman Investment Authority

Key Principal Responsibilities:

IT Infrastructure Management:

1. Oversee the maintenance, configuration, and optimization of IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, and on-premise/cloud systems.

2. Ensure infrastructure availability, performance, and scalability to meet business needs.

3. Plan and execute upgrades, migrations, and infrastructure improvements as required.

4. Monitor system capacity and proactively address potential performance issues.

Network Management:

1. Design, implement, and maintain the organization s LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless network infrastructure.

2. Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure network security and stability.

3. Configure and maintain firewalls, routers, switches, and related network devices in coordination with outsourced IT providers and internal Admin teams.

4. Implement network security controls and ensure compliance with approved policies.

Applications Management:

1. Oversee the deployment, maintenance, and support of business applications.

2. Collaborate with software vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure applications meet business requirements.

3. Manage application updates, patches, and upgrades to ensure optimal performance and security.

AI Strategy & Implementation:

1. Continuously scans the evolving AI landscape, tracking emerging trends, technologies, and competitors. This specialist provides actionable market intelligence that supports leadership in strategic planning and future-proofing the organization s AI initiatives.

2. Ensure all AI systems and processes adhere to regulatory standards and ethical guidelines. This role monitors privacy, fairness, and transparency in AI deployments, helping the organization maintain public trust and avoid legal pitfalls.

3. Oversee end-to-end deployment of AI solutions, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, and ensuring deliverables are met. The project manager bridges technical and business needs for successful, on-time implementation.

4. Develops and delivers training programs to onboard staff with new AI tools and foster a culture of digital literacy. This role champions user adoption and addresses change management challenges as AI solutions are rolled out.

5. Maintains and improves the integrity of datasets used for AI systems. This specialist ensures the data feeding models are accurate, well-documented, and fit for purpose, supporting reliable results and continuous improvement in AI outcomes.

Information Security:

1. Develop and implement information security policies, procedures, and controls to protect the company s data and IT assets.

2. Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests.

3. Monitor and respond to security incidents, ensuring timely resolution and reporting.

Supplier and Vendor Management:

1. Manage relationships with IT suppliers and vendors, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.

2. Evaluate and select IT products and services, negotiate contracts and pricing.

3. Coordinate with vendors for the procurement, installation, and maintenance of IT equipment and software.

Regulatory Compliance:

1. Ensure compliance with IT-related regulations and standards (e.g., data protection regulations, ISO 27001 for information security management, PCI-DSS for payment gateway).

2. Liaise with IT regulators and auditors, providing necessary documentation and reports.

3. Stay updated on regulatory changes and implement necessary adjustments to IT policies and practices.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

1. Implement and maintain the company s disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity (BC) plans.

2. Conduct annual disaster recovery tests to ensure the effectiveness of DR plans and identify areas for improvement.

3. Coordinate with other departments to ensure business continuity plans are aligned with IT recovery strategies.

4. Document and report test results, and implement corrective actions as needed.

5. Ensure that critical IT systems and data can be restored within defined recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs).

User Support and Training:

1. Provide technical support to end-users, resolving hardware, software, and network issues.

2. Develop and deliver training programs to enhance employees IT skills and awareness of security best practices.

Strategic Planning and Innovation:

1. Collaborate with GM Insurance to develop and implement IT strategies aligned with business goals.

2. Identify and evaluate emerging technologies that can enhance the company s IT capabilities.

3. Lead IT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.