Solution Architect/Developer at Old Mutual Kenya

Job Description

This role is within the application development and support section of the ICT organization but specifically focusing on solution architecture and development with some support role.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ICT Architecture

• Design end-to-end technical solutions that align with business goals and technology standards
• Provide technical leadership on the best technical practices, methodologies, and frameworks ensuring that solutions adhere to architectural standards, security requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Design and lead the Integration Strategy between various systems, ensuring seamless data flow and compatibility

Provision of Technical support

• Provide expert-level technical support to development and operations teams during and after the deployment of solutions
• Train technical teams on solution architecture and provide knowledge transfer to ensure smooth handover and ongoing support
• Oversee the maintenance and updates of solutions to ensure they continue to meet business needs and performance expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with business stakeholders to understand their requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Collaborate with business analysts, developers, Infrastructure, security and other architects to ensure a shared understanding of the solution.
• Articulate technical designs and concepts in a way that is understandable to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Execution of defined ICT service support programs

• Execution of ICT programs/ issues delegated or escalated to him/her from time to time.
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving technical issues that arise during implementation.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for architecture, design, and deployment processes.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in designing complex, scalable, and reliable systems using various architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, serverless).
• Expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, including cloud architecture, deployment, and management.
• Strong knowledge of programming languages (especially., Java, Python, C#) and software development methodologies (especially, Agile, DevOps).
• Understanding of APIs, web services (REST, SOAP), and integration patterns for connecting disparate systems.
• Knowledge of relational (SQL Server, MySQL and Postgres) and non-relational databases (Cassandra), and data modeling
• Awareness of networking principles and security best practices, including identity management, encryption, and data protection
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, including continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), automation tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, azure DevOps), and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in evaluating the financial impact of technical decisions, optimizing for cost-effectiveness.
• Awareness of industry-specific challenges and regulations that impact solution design, particularly in highly regulated sectors like finance or healthcare
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in working effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, business analysts, and project managers
• Ability to develop a long-term vision for technology solutions that align with business strategy and goals.
• Willingness to adapt to changing business needs and evolving technologies
• Ability to manage multiple projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within scope.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• 4+ years of strong and demonstrated experience in software development
• Experience in web service/API development.
• 2+ years of strong and demonstrated experience in solution architecture design
• Certification with Togaf and/or any software modelling tool such as archimate will be an added advantage

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science or equivalent.