Project Analyst (Solution Architect)- Short -term NPSA (8)

Background

The Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme builds on the Government of Bangladesh’s efforts to introduce a citizen-centric culture of innovation in civil service to improve service delivery and make services more inclusive, affordable, reliable, and easier to access. This project will provide support to establish institutional mechanisms and improve accountability to accelerate SDG achievements in Bangladesh.

This project will have three components:

1. Institutionalizing Public Service Innovation and Improving Accountability

2. Catalyzing Digital Financial Services and Fintech Innovations

3. Incubating Private Sector-enabled Public Service Innovation

The project is funded by the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP, and other development partners, and is implemented by the ICT Division and Cabinet Division. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, a2i and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the incumbent will perform the following responsibilities:

1. Design a scalable and secure architecture for a new application. 
2. Define the integration strategy for disparate systems. 
3. Modernize the existing IT infrastructure. 
4. Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams.

S/he will have the following, but not limited to the following specific duties and responsibilities

Design a scalable and secure architecture for a new application. 

• Lead efforts to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Oversee the design of high-level and low-level architectural diagrams and specifications.
• Guide the selection of appropriate technologies, frameworks, and platforms.
• Direct the creation and maintenance of architectural documentation (e.g., solution architecture documents, design specifications, interface definitions).
• Contribute strategically to the development and enforcement of architectural standards and best practices.

Define the integration strategy for disparate systems. 

• Define and ensure alignment of non-functional requirements (e.g., performance, scalability, security, availability).
• Ensure and govern adherence to architectural principles and standards.
• Facilitate and lead workshops and discussions to gather requirements and align on solutions.
• Evaluate and provide guidance on the potential impact of new technologies on the organization's architecture

Modernize the existing IT infrastructure.

• Participate in and influence architecture review boards.
• Identify, lead resolution of, and mitigate complex technical issues.
• Guide and supervise troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Stay informed and advise on emerging technologies and industry trends.

Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams.

• Provide high-level architectural guidance and support to development teams.
• Participate in and oversee code reviews and ensure code quality.
• Mentor and coach technical team members to build architectural capability.
• Collaborate strategically with business stakeholders, project managers, and other technical teams.
• Communicate and justify architectural decisions and trade-offs effectively.

4.      Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will report directly to the Project Manager, a2i and will work closely with relevant government bodies, development partners, NGOs, and private sector entities. The incumbent will be a part of the Data team and support its efforts to foster the culture of Data-Driven decision making across the government of Bangladesh.

Competencies

chieve Results:    LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:    LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously:    LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:    LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:     LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:    LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:    LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 
 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies   
Thematic Area    Name    Definition

Cross-Functional competencies     Risk Management    Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.

Cross-Functional competencies    Working with Evidence and Data    Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Cross-Functional competencies    Collective Intelligence Design    Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information, ideas, and technology to solve problems and design solutions or services. Knowledge and understanding of Collective Intelligence Design principles, methodology andpractices.

Cross-Functional competencies    Effective Decision Making     Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Technical competencies    Solutions Architecture    Ability to design and manage the Information system architecture supporting corporate business processes. Design integration strategies and approaches to integrate of one or more applications or services to maintain a coherent and effective IT architecture. Knowledge of ISO 20000 and IT operations. The Open Group TOGAF9 or Open CA, ITIL Master certification, or DevOps or similar certifications desirable.

Technical competencies    Machine Learning    Skilled in computer algorithms that improve automatically through experience and by the use of data.
Technical competencies    Digital Ecosystems    Knowledge of how they work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Education requirements :

•    Master’s degree 
•    Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
 

Min. years of relevant work experience 

•    No prior work experience is required for candidates with a Master’s degree.

•    At least 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
 

Required skills:

•    Experience in software/solution design. 
 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section    

•    Experience working with cloud-based or mixed IT infrastructure.
•    Experience with multiple programming languages (Java, Python, C, JavaScript, etc.).
•    Experience in application security.
•    Exposure to application or system security practices.
•    Experience collaborating with cross-functional technical teams.
•    Familiarity with software development life cycle (SDLC) methodologies.
Required Language(s)     Fluent in English and Bangla is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

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