Senior Specialist: Solution Architect Full-Time

Role Purpose

The key responsibility of a Solutions Architect within Fintech Tribe domain is to create technical solution designs and guide the project implementation during the development, technical setup, and deployment phases. Working as a Solutions Architect, you will be supporting the delivery of technical solutions that meet the M-Pesa business requirements, whilst ensuring compliance with the Global reference architecture and Vodafone Group’s architectural principles.

You will be expected to engage with a wider range of stakeholders (including Project Managers, Business Analysts, Software Developers, Configuration Engineers, Technical writers, CoEs, technology partners and members of the Agile squads) and determine the technology solution required to provide market-leading service to our customers.

Key Accountabilities and Decision Ownership

• Analyse intricate business challenges and technical issues, articulating how proposed solutions align with strategic objectives and stakeholder requirements.
• Partner closely with Business Analysts, Software Developers, and other stakeholders to drive the continuous evolution and enhancement of market and group-led initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Lead the creation and management of the Solution Integration Statement of Work, translating high-level designs and requirements into comprehensive technical deliverables. Identify and document risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies for inclusion in the Program risk register.
• Provide expert guidance to Software Developers in converting high-level architectural designs into detailed low-level designs, ensuring technical feasibility and alignment with overall solution architecture.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize Service Packages, ensuring they meet evolving business needs and technical standards.
• Take ownership of technical risks and issues, managing and resolving them throughout the solution delivery lifecycle to ensure project success.
• Lead the technology selection process, making informed decisions on whether to build or buy solutions. Evaluate emerging technologies and their potential impact on the organization.
• Work collaboratively with SCRUM Masters, Project Managers, and Agile squad members to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of requirements, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agile best practices.

Core Competencies, Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in the financial services sector, with a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and regulatory requirements.
• A proactive approach to professional development, with a proven track record of embracing new learning opportunities and driving innovation.
• Exceptional ability to craft compelling narratives that effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, influencing decision-making processes.
• In-depth understanding of the commercial implications of technology solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives and maximizing return on investment.
• A strategic problem-solving mindset, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address complex business challenges.
• Proven expertise in engaging and managing stakeholders at all levels, building strong relationships and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Comprehensive experience with DevOps practices, both technical and cultural, driving continuous integration, delivery, and improvement.
• Advanced technical knowledge in Unix-based operating systems, database operations and administration, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, JSON and SOAP APIs, cryptographic algorithms, and IP networks.
• Skilled in negotiating and collaborating with vendors and partners, ensuring favorable terms and successful project outcomes.

Must Have Technical/ Professional Qualifications

• Relevant diploma or degree in Information Systems Technology.
• Strong evidence of understanding of Financial Services Technologies, Mobile Telecomm, Programming, Product Technical Design, CI/CD pipelines or other.
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies and experience with agile frameworks such as SAFe Scrum or Kanban.
• An AWS certification: Cloud Practitioner, Architect, Operations (desirable).
• TOGAF Certified (desirable).

Key Performance Indicators

• On time delivery of roadmap.
• Solution Design Quality.
• Architecture Technical Debts.
• Error free delivery of roadmap.