Independent Director, Digital and Operational Resilience

About Our Client 

Our client is a sizeable publicly listed enterprise in Kenya’s broader energy, resources and industrials sector. It is seeking an Independent Non-Executive Director who can ask searching questions, bring an independent perspective and help the Board make sound long-term decisions.

The Independent Director Role 

This is a full Board appointment, rather than a purely technical role. Alongside strong technology or resilience credentials, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to wider Board discussions on strategy, performance, risk and governance. Selection will take account of the approved role requirements, the Board’s committee needs and the relevant independence criteria. 

Key Board Responsibilities 

• Take an active part in the Board’s oversight of strategy, performance, risk and governance. 

• Exercise independent judgement and avoid relationships or interests that could compromise, or appear to compromise, objectivity. 

• Contribute across the Board agenda, not only on technology and resilience matters. 

• Question and challenge management constructively, while respecting the distinction between oversight and executive responsibility. 

• Support high standards of governance, accountability, disclosure and confidentiality in line with applicable legal and listing requirements. 

• Disclose directorships, interests, shareholdings, related-party relationships and any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest. 

• Have enough time to prepare properly, attend Board and committee meetings, complete induction and keep up with relevant developments. 

Role Purpose 

The Board is looking for a senior technology, cybersecurity, engineering or resilience leader who can explain complex issues clearly and keep the discussion focused on business impact. The Director will help the Board understand the choices, risks and investment priorities connected with technology, cyber security, digital change and operational resilience. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Review the organisation’s technology direction, digital transformation plans and governance arrangements. 

• Test whether management is genuinely prepared to prevent, manage and recover from a serious cyber incident. 

• Help the Board judge whether key systems and digital infrastructure are secure, reliable and resilient. 

• Examine business-continuity and resilience plans for critical operations, including reliance on key third parties. 

• Scrutinise major technology investments, delivery risks and expected benefits, and help the Board consider relevant emerging technologies.