Senior Architect, Data Platform

Organizational Context

Job Purpose

The Data Platform Architect is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the data platform infrastructure and architecture within the global organization. This role involves understanding the strategic requirements, selecting appropriate technologies, and developing scalable and reliable data platform solutions to enable data ingestion, storage, processing, and advanced analytics including AI. The Data Platform Architect collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure the availability, performance, and security of the data platform adhering to best practices and industry standards. This role ultimately defines the global platform architecture strategy and its common principles and elements, to be implemented across the entire IFRC network.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Duties applicable to all staff:

• Work actively towards the achievement of the IFRC Secretariat’s goals.

• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.

• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by

the line manager

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field

Experience

Mandatorily Required :

A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible postgraduate experience in data platforms management and architecture.

Proven experience as a Data Platform Architect

Strong knowledge of data platform technologies, including data ingestion, storage, processing, and analytics

Proficiency in database design, data warehousing, and data integration concepts

Proficiency in cloud platforms and technologies, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Azure and Microsoft system highly preferred.

Experience with big data technologies, such as Hadoop, Spark, and distributed storage systems.

Familiarity with data governance, data security, and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

Preferred Experience :

Experience within the RC/RC Movement and/ or international humanitarian or development organisations.

Experience in designing complex data AI workflows

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Languages:

Fluent spoken and written English is mandatorily

Preferably Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Knowledge:

Strong leadership skills to lead data professionals in data platform architecture and engineering work.

Strong strategic and conceptual thinking; setting meaningful, long-term vision and strategy, consider long-term potential, propose challenging strategic goals.

Propensity for embracing change and ambiguity: anticipate emerging conditions and demands, embrace widespread organisational change, navigate complex dynamics, view uncertainty and disruption as an opportunity.

Ability to drive results, and create culture that fosters proactive action, actively prioritize, set high standards.

Developing others: Push autonomy and empowerment, view people development as imperative, create culture of accountability.

Data products development, business value development, data product deployment, and resource mobilization.

Strong presentation, written and oral communication skills.

Able to network effectively and influence and inspire others including peers, the membership and other stakeholders

Focused on quality and standards, results, and accountability

Excellent interpersonal skills; proven people’s management skills (staff and consultants), including conflict resolution.

Proven training, knowledge transfer and supervisory skills as part of the people’s management.

Proven teamwork and trust-building skills, including development of effective and efficient networks and partnerships within and outside of the organization.

Proactive approach to finding creative and constructive solutions to difficult issues.

Knowledge of Data modelling, statistics is preferred

Knowledge on applying artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning would be preferred

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust

Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others