Solution Architect Global Grade 13

Core purpose of the role The Solutions Architect is responsible for designing and leading the implementation of a solutions and capability architecture for a particular business capability/user journey, according to the overall digital vision and target architecture. In addition to guiding business service teams, he/she is responsible for conducting research on existing systems and devising solutions that work within those systems. This role may meet directly with clients to demonstrate solutions, answer questions about business software capabilities and requirements, and work to resolve issues that arise during the business development cycle. Key deliverables and outputs

1. Translate the overall digital vision and target architecture into corresponding solution designs and change requirements.
2. Design end-to-end solutions and cross-domain integration and APIs.
3. Define non-functional, operational, and quality requirements for solutions.
4. Define technical stories to enable business capabilities, fostering re-use of existing components, and accept technical features following demos.
5. Collaborate to plan the release of technical stories.
6. Formulate RFI/RFP/RFQ/Engagement solution proposals and design documents.
7. Provide guidance to delivery teams to ensure alignment.
8. Facilitate solution compliance to security, privacy, and regulatory needs.
9. Manage technical debt and technology obsolescence at the solution level.
10. Advocate adoption of new technologies into solutions.
11. Define application and technical architecture structure, ensuring that it meets the business requirements and performance goals, and that the technical direction is consistent with the client's long-term direction.
12. Lead application and technical architecture analysis, design, and implementation, ensuring that the solution fulfills the requirements.
13. Transform functional requirements into technical specifications considering security, performance, maintainability, extensibility, scalability, and availability.
14. Collaborate with other architects to ensure compliant component integration architecture delivers optimal performance.
15. Review application and technical architecture deliverables throughout the SDLC process to ensure quality and requirement traceability.
16. Responsible for the roadmap for future changes.
17. Deliver documentation, architectural diagrams, and deliverables to Business and other architects.
18. Assist production support with deployment, backup, disaster recovery, and system performance.

• IT Management and executives
• Business management/executives

• External customers

• Degree in Computer Science or Information Systems
• Relevant Post Graduate Degree
• TOGAF Certification or equivalent EA frameworks

• 5 – 10 years of IT experience
• A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated competency in an IT Architecture role involving the execution of multiple complex architecture initiatives.
• Proven track record of development of technical and application architecture

• Sound knowledge of other Architecture frameworks (Zachman or SAFE, etc.)
• Knowledge of business ecosystems, IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, SOA, and APIs
• Strong knowledge and understanding of information management practices, IT Service management, and practices
• Good understanding of current and emerging technologies and how other enterprises are employing them to drive digital business
• Good knowledge of ITIL

• Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a political environment and to interacting with senior leadership
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Expertise in setting and managing customer expectations
• Distinctive blend of business, IT, financial, and communication skills, because this is a highly visible position with substantial impact

• Focus on getting things done
• Strong inclination for change agility
• A preference for translating strategy into action
• Concern for communicating clearly
• Readiness to make and own decisions
• Focus on initiating action
• Customer centricity and focus
• Remaining resilient under stress and pressure

• Orientation towards growing and nurturing relationships
• Passion for optimizing business performance
• Focus on analyzing and solving problems
• Concern about aligning with best practices
• Preference for thinking practically
• Focus on convincing and persuading
• Preference for teamwork