Database Administrator at Old Mutual Kenya

• The role will be responsible for managing, maintaining, and securing the bank’s database systems to ensure high availability, performance, and data integrity. This role requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to support critical banking operations through reliable and efficient database management. The DBA will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver secure and scalable database solutions.

KEY MEASURABLE GOALS

• Database Uptime: Achieve 99.9% database uptime.
• Backup Success Rate: Ensure 100% successful backups of critical databases.
• Query Performance: Reduce average query execution time by 10% year-over-year.
• Security Compliance: Ensure 100% compliance with security policies and standards.
• Incident Resolution: Resolve 90% of database incidents within 2 hours.
• Data Integrity: Maintain 100% data integrity with no corruption or loss.
• User Satisfaction: Achieve a user satisfaction score of 90% or higher.
• Patch Management: Apply 100% of critical database patches within 7 days of release

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Database Management & Maintenance:

• Install, configure, and maintain database management systems (DBMS) such as Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.
• Monitor database performance, optimize queries, and ensure high availability.
• Perform regular backups, restores, and disaster recovery drills.

Database Security:

• Implement and enforce database security policies to protect sensitive financial data.
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
• Ensure compliance with banking regulations and standards (e.g., PCI DSS, GDPR).

Database Design & Optimization:

• Design and implement database schemas, tables, indexes, and stored procedures.
• Optimize database performance through indexing, partitioning, and query tuning.
• Manage database replication, clustering, and high-availability configurations.

Data Integrity & Quality:

• Ensure data integrity through validation, constraints, and regular data cleansing.
• Monitor and resolve data inconsistencies or corruption issues.
• Implement data archiving and purging strategies.

User Support & Training:

• Provide technical support to developers and end-users for database-related issues.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on database best practices and security.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of database configurations, processes, and policies.
• Generate regular reports on database performance, usage, and security.

Collaboration & Innovation:

• Work closely with application developers, system administrators, and business analysts to support database needs.
• Stay updated with emerging database technologies and propose innovative solutions.

Anti-money Laundering (AML) expectation

• The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring adherence to, implementation of, and adoption of Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Sanctions-related policies, procedures, and process requirements within Old Mutual and its subsidiaries. This includes execution of customer due diligence processes, ensuring compliance with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards, conducting ongoing and enhanced due diligence, and maintaining data quality. Additionally, the role involves identifying and monitoring potential AML, Sanctions, or Compliance breaches and unusual activities, and escalating these concerns to the Risk and Compliance Office for further action.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology or Equivalent qualification.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency in database management systems (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL).
• Strong knowledge of database design, optimization, and security.
• Experience with backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Familiarity with cloud databases and automation tools.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in database administration, preferably in the banking or financial services industry.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale, high-availability database systems.
• Database Systems: Proficiency in Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar DBMS.
• Database Design: Strong knowledge of database design, normalization, and optimization.
• Performance Tuning: Experience with query optimization, indexing, and partitioning.
• Backup & Recovery: Expertise in database backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Security Tools: Familiarity with database encryption, access controls, and auditing tools.
• Cloud Databases: Experience with cloud-based databases (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database).
• Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL, Python, or PowerShell for automation