IT Solutions Architect P3 at World Food Programme (WFP)

THE ROLE

The incumbent will manage a small team of employees to deliver IT solutions. They work independently, using technical knowledge and expertise to provide recommendations on development or procurement of IT solutions. They conduct complex analysis, develop, and propose creative solutions to business requirements or problems, and identify opportunities for improvements.  They may be involved in strategic planning and policy development.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Conduct the analysis and manage the design, procurement, development, implementation, installation, configuration, maintenance, and evolution of healthy, secure, and robust IT solutions performant in high latency and low bandwidth environments. 
• Design the software architecture and the data model of IT solutions.
•  Maintain the high technical quality of IT solutions, covering all aspects such as: functionality, user experience, and compliance with applicable guidelines (architecture, security, technology stack, user interface, etc.).
• Actively sustain IT solutions’ compliance with all relevant technological and organisational regulatory requirements and procedures, as outlined in the Directives on IT Solutions Management (TEC2020/001) and Field Software Development Network (TEC2020/002).
• Provide pro-active support for IT solutions’ coherent integration with other corporate technology platforms.
• Undertake continuous quality assurance of IT solutions and their environment, considering  security, testing and back-ups within the required requirements.
• Contribute to the development of IT solutions delivery plans, resourcing plans, and budgets to ensure an effective and efficient outcome.
• Contribute to technical specifications and tender evaluations supporting the procurement of IT solutions and services following WFP rules and regulations.
• Develop and continuously update relevant documentation (both technical and non-technical) that is adequate to ensure continued operations, maintenance and hand-over.
• Define the procedures to decommission and archive IT solutions and all the associated data.
• Manage the preparation of test plans and writing of unit and integrated tests of new, enhanced, or fixed code to ensure sufficient coverage of code and adherence to technical specifications.
• Coordinate and provide direction, instructions, and guidance to junior IT Solution Developers.
• Manage the provision of technical support and training to facilitate proper use of the IT solution, troubleshooting, fixing problems, and making recommendations for improvements as necessary.
• Interact with WFP’s global software development community to stay up to date with best practices and contribute to strengthening WFP’s shared software development knowledge.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IT Policies and Standards at WFP.
• Cooperate on all relevant audits, reviews, and implementation of extraordinary measures, promptly addressing any concerns raised.
• Maintain effective partnerships within WFP and with partner organisations to exchange technical information. 
• Ensure effective coordination with other UN agencies to align activities and maximize possibilities of inter-agency collaboration in the field of technology.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 
Education:    

• Advanced University Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience or trainings/course.

Experience:    

• Typically five years or more of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in IT.
• Experience of managing small teams of staff with related areas of expertise.
• Has contributed to the review and communication of IT governance and architecture principles.
• Has provided recommendations and planned the analysis, design, development, implementation, installation, configuration, maintenance, and/or evolution of healthy, secure and robust IT solutions.
• Has documented complex business requirements and user needs, and applied techniques to trace them throughout the solution development.
• Has proven experience in software development and DevOps activities in complex and challenging integration environments (knowledge of Django/Python and CD/CI tool such as Jenkins, Gitlab, Azure DevOps is an asset)
• Has some experience in data analysis and data transformation (knowledge of PySpark, Python Spark, Apache AirFlow is an asset).

Knowledge & Skills:    

• Experience in working with teams and team processes. 
• Ability to work in multi-cultural and multi-ethic environments. 
• Ability to think strategically and create points-of-view, propositions, and solutions to help clients gain value and solve complex.
• Conceptualizing of technology-based solutions.
• Ability to operate in distributed / decentralized teams, engage with and support partners
• Ability to perform under pressure, to multi-task, to navigate through multiple priorities and conflicting requests
• Ability to work independently through appropriate personal initiative and regular follow-ups
• Proficient in written and oral communications with the ability to influence and adapt communication styles to different situations and individuals
• Collaborative hands-on team member and relationship-builder with a facilitative nature and strong business partnering skills towards colleagues and stakeholders
• Positive and resilient, passionate about change and driven to exceeding client’s expectations through exceptional delivery

Closing date: 12 May 2022