Information Officer Project Manager

Raad A. Faraj

Amman, Jordan *********@*******.*** +962*********

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raadfaraj

Chief Information Officer / Digital Transformation Consultant

Tech-savvy leader with hands-on experience in directing complex IT groups, systems integration, network architecture, software development, and digital banking with global consulting entities. Accomplished professional offering experience in developing overall IT and digital transformation strategy, delivery, and capacity planning to meet the business requirement and expectation, proven track record of accomplishment in introducing innovative digital bank solutions, which enables banks to offer a full spectrum of banking services, online, better, and cheaper. Participated and consulted on multiple forums and discussions related to Central Banks Digital Currency (CBDC) implementations, legal and technical framework. Proven experience & knowledge in implementing instant payment systems, heavily participated, and consulted on Jordan central bank JOMOPAY & CLIQ applications.

Proven expertise in:

●Program/Project Management

●Team Leadership & Development

●IT Service Management

●Business Intelligence

●Digital Transformation

●Instant Payment Systems

●Technology Evaluation

●Disaster Recovery Planning

●Digital Banking

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Al Rajhi Bank (ARB), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

New Core Banking (T24) Project Manager, June 2019 to July 2020.

Al Rajhi bank was founded in 1957, it is one of the largest Islamic banks in the world with total assets of around USD 90 billion and employee base of over 9600 associates.

Key Contributions

Worked as a consultant/project manager for Al Rajhi Bank new core banking implementation project, T24, Agile project management methodology was followed on this project.

Setting and supervising the Bank’s Digital Transformation strategy

Perform quality assurance tasks on all services delivered by the IT to the new core banking system project.

A member on the program architectural committee.

Manage, follow up and oversee all modifications and changes on Al Rajhi Bank legacy systems to integrate with the new T24.

Coordinate & participate in the new core banking system testing committee.

Reporting to program steering committee on weekly basis, stating the progress of the program, highlighting major and key achievements, issues and risks.

LAZYWORM Applications Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

Business Development Manager, 2016 to 2018

Lazyworm was established in 2010 as a private entity specialized in offering design and development consultancy services catering for companies looking to deliver world-class mobile solutions that delight and engage customers, empower a mobile workforce or streamline existing business processes.

Key Contributions

Develop a growth strategy focused both on financial gain and customer satisfaction.

Deliver executive-level services in creating impeccable strategic goals to enhance existing services for clients across the Middle East and New Zealand. Assess and secure potential business deals. Develop proposals, negotiate terms and conditions, and implement contractual agreements with accountability for delivering strong financial results.

Recognised for improving a company's market position and maximising financial growth.

Secured new business and created negotiating strategies by co-ordinating prospects goals and requirements with company objectives and procedures.

Housing Bank for Trade & Finance (HBTF) – Jordan

Chief Information Officer (CIO), 2007 to 2016

The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF) was established in 1973 as a public shareholding limited company with a capital amounting to half a million JD.

Key Contributions

Worked as a program manager for the implementation of the new core banking system (Finacle-Infosys) within the period of 17 months, awarded as the best regional core banking implementation project in the Middle East for 2015.

Employed suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and support optimise strategic benefits.

Spearheaded all activities of computing and information technology department, ensuring all services delivered in accordance with required standards.

Designed and customised technological systems and platforms to improve customer experience.

Generated operating policies and approaches for computing and information technology.

Planned the implementation of new systems and provided guidance to IT professionals and other staff within the organisation.

Ensured high-level security measures information systems, communication lines, and equipment in line with corporate information security policy.

Prepared budgets to support the orderly and efficient capture, storage, processing, and dissemination of information.

Developed, reviewed and implemented all back-up and disaster recovery procedures and plans.

Led on the development and implementation of high availability and disaster recovery sites for the housing bank as per international and industry standards.

Export and Finance Bank – Jordan

Operations Support Group Manager, 1999 to 2006

Since its inception in 1995, Capital Bank has grown to become one of the top financial institutions in Jordan, offering the Jordanian market a comprehensive set of commercial and investment banking services tailored to the needs of individuals and corporate clients alike.

As Operations Support Manager, I was responsible for the setup of the Bank’s core banking system in terms of parameters, process, functions and quality assurance, as well my responsibilities were extended to monitor and evaluate the banking operations to make sure it’s compliance with Export & Finance Bank approved procedures and policies.

led on the initiative of implementing a total quality management to ensure that the banking services offered are up to the standard required, the initiative covered the re-engineering of the Bank’s main processes including back-office processes such as transfers, trade finance, loans, bills and post-dated cheques.

Additional Experience:

Applications Group Manager • Saraya Development Group – Jordan

Head of Technology Group, EDP Manager • Deloitte & Touche Tomhatsu Int., Qatar – Doha

Senior System Analyst • Industrial Development Bank (I.D.B), Amman, Jordan

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

Master of Business Administration and Management

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), New York - USA,

Bachelor Degree in Computer Science

Jordan University, Amman, Jordan

Professional Certificates

project management professional (pmp)

References

available upon request

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