Strategic Business Analyst

SUMMARY:
Job Description
The Business Analyst serves as a vital link between stakeholders, project teams, and technology vendors, ensuring the successful drafting, preparation, and execution of but not limited to Business Requirements Documents (BRS) and Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to Network Infrastructure, Security, Applications, and other technology domains. This role requires strong analytical, coordination, and documentation skills to facilitate effective procurement and strategic decision-making.
 
Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Requirements Analysis
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define project objectives and procurement requirements.
• Identify and document technical and functional requirements for Network Infrastructure, Security, Applications, and other technology domains.
• Facilitate requirement-gathering sessions using techniques such as workshops, interviews, and surveys.
• Develop business cases, feasibility studies, and impact assessments for technology-related procurements.
• Establish project scope, priorities, and success metrics based on stakeholder input.
• RFP Preparation & Procurement Coordination
• Lead the end-to-end drafting and preparation of BRS, RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs for technology procurements.
• Work closely with technical teams, legal, finance, and procurement departments to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Define evaluation criteria, scoring methodologies, and vendor selection processes.
• Ensure alignment of RFPs with industry standards, regulatory compliance, and university policies.
• Engage with potential vendors for pre-bid meetings, clarifications, and proposal reviews.
• Acquisition & Vendor Management
• Analyze vendor proposals and conduct comparative assessments based on functional, technical, and cost criteria.
• Participate in vendor negotiations and contract finalisation processes.
• Support the onboarding and performance evaluation of selected vendors.
• Maintain a centralised repository of RFP documents, vendor responses, and contract agreements.
• Operational Support & Governance
• Develop standardized templates and documentation processes for technology procurement.
• Ensure thoroughness, consistency, and clarity in all procurement-related documents.
• Provide process models, requirements documentation, and decision-support diagrams.
• Monitor RFP progress, enforce compliance, and manage modifications where required.
• Assess risks related to procurement, technology adoption, and vendor performance.
• Work with cybersecurity and IT governance teams to align technology acquisitions with security best practices.

• Bachelors degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field (NQF level 7).
• Diploma in Business Analysis (advantageous).

• 10 years of experience as a Business Analyst, preferably in technology procurement and RFP management.
• Strong understanding of Network Infrastructure, Security, Applications, and related technology domains.
• Experience in drafting RFPs, managing procurement processes, and vendor evaluations.
• Proficiency in requirement analysis, business process documentation, and stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of governance, compliance, and risk management related to IT procurement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.

POSITION INFO:
Job Description
The Business Analyst serves as a vital link between stakeholders, project teams, and technology vendors, ensuring the successful drafting, preparation, and execution of but not limited to Business Requirements Documents (BRS) and Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to Network Infrastructure, Security, Applications, and other technology domains. This role requires strong analytical, coordination, and documentation skills to facilitate effective procurement and strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Requirements Analysis
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define project objectives and procurement requirements.
• Identify and document technical and functional requirements for Network Infrastructure, Security, Applications, and other technology domains.
• Facilitate requirement-gathering sessions using techniques such as workshops, interviews, and surveys.
• Develop business cases, feasibility studies, and impact assessments for technology-related procurements.
• Establish project scope, priorities, and success metrics based on stakeholder input.
• RFP Preparation & Procurement Coordination
• Lead the end-to-end drafting and preparation of BRS, RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs for technology procurements.
• Work closely with technical teams, legal, finance, and procurement departments to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Define evaluation criteria, scoring methodologies, and vendor selection processes.
• Ensure alignment of RFPs with industry standards, regulatory compliance, and university policies.
• Engage with potential vendors for pre-bid meetings, clarifications, and proposal reviews.
• Acquisition & Vendor Management
• Analyze vendor proposals and conduct comparative assessments based on functional, technical, and cost criteria.
• Participate in vendor negotiations and contract finalisation processes.
• Support the onboarding and performance evaluation of selected vendors.
• Maintain a centralised repository of RFP documents, vendor responses, and contract agreements.
• Operational Support & Governance
• Develop standardized templates and documentation processes for technology procurement.
• Ensure thoroughness, consistency, and clarity in all procurement-related documents.
• Provide process models, requirements documentation, and decision-support diagrams.
• Monitor RFP progress, enforce compliance, and manage modifications where required.
• Assess risks related to procurement, technology adoption, and vendor performance.
• Work with cybersecurity and IT governance teams to align technology acquisitions with security best practices.

• Bachelors degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field (NQF level 7).
• Diploma in Business Analysis (advantageous).

• 10 years of experience as a Business Analyst, preferably in technology procurement and RFP management.
• Strong understanding of Network Infrastructure, Security, Applications, and related technology domains.
• Experience in drafting RFPs, managing procurement processes, and vendor evaluations.
• Proficiency in requirement analysis, business process documentation, and stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of governance, compliance, and risk management related to IT procurement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.