Solutions Architect

Job Purpose Statement

To develop technical solutions to problems and opportunities presented by the Business. Functional and non-functional aspects of the technical solutions should be considered utilizing the available technology assets.

The role will act as the technical lead for major system projects and will provide technical direction and proposals to meet the new business requirements or cover an existing functionality gap.

Key Accountabilities (Duties and Responsibilities)

• Translate documented business requirements into functional and non-functional technical requirements for development/implementation.
• Work with business and all technical teams with an interest in the design of the solutions to ensure they are easy to operate and maintain while keeping in line to NCBA’s security standards.
• Support project management- Provide technical oversight on projects and ensure that requirements are in alignment with business strategies and business architecture roadmap/framework
• Translate strategic initiatives into delivery-focused change initiatives, while translating business processes and issues into effective conceptual and logical models.
• Independently manage conflict among diverse cross portfolio stakeholders related to competing interests and requirements. Able to help stakeholders objectively examine real needs versus wants and ways to collaborate to achieve win/win resolutions.
• Reviewing development to ensure what is delivered is as per the agreed architecture, technical requirements and is also in line with the Business intent. The review should be done with every iteration or change from Business requirements.
• Set baseline through introduction of standards and working practices such as coding standards, design principles and tools.
• Experimenting by building prototypes, frameworks and foundations to be consumed by the technical team.
• Propose architectural improvements
• Participating in technology selection-Participate in identifying fit for purpose technologies solutions for Digital Business

Stakeholder Management: key stakeholders that the position holder will need to liaise/work with to be successful in this role.

Internal

• Business leaders
• Product managers
• Delivery managers
• IT software developers

External

• Vendors / Partners

Decision Making Authority /Mandates/Constraints: the decisions the position holder is empowered to make (Indicate if it is Operational, Managerial or Strategic). Please also highlight any budgetary control responsibility if applicable for the role.

Operational – Generates technical designs in collaboration with business leaders and Technology

Work cycle and impact: time horizon and nature of impact (Planning)

(e.g. Less than 1 week, 2 weeks, 2 weeks – 1 month, 1month – 3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, above 1 year)

Short-Term Planning – 3 - 6 months

Long-Term Planning – 6 months – 5 years

Job Specification:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related field of study from a recognized university.
• At least one certification from the following CBAP, TOGAF, ITIL Foundation or Design Thinking and Innovation.
• At least 3 years background in software development inclusive of databases, applications, infrastructure, cloud technologies.
• Experience in software development lifecycle management using waterfall, agile & hybrid methodologies.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing mass market complex projects within the financial services industry.
• Ability to communicate and influence even in ambiguous environments with no formal authority.
• Familiarity with DevOps, Agile working and CICD
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with ability to breakdown complex items to actionable elements.

NCBA Values

• Driven - We are passionate, make bold decisions and learn from our failures. We seek new challenges and appreciate different views constantly raising the bar. We explore our full potential.
• Open - Our interactions are candid, honest and transparent. We listen to each other and our clients. We are inclusive and always respect each other.
• Responsive – We put our customer’s interests at the heart of all that we do. We are proactive, act quickly and resolutely to deliver results. We keep it simple and seek new ways to improve.
• Trusted - As a trusted partner we do what is morally right always. We keep our word. We are accountable and believe in each other.