IT Solutions Architect

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Safaricom, Ltd is a leading mobile network operator in Kenya. It was formed in 1997 as a fully owned subsidiary of Telkom Kenya. In May 2000, Vodafone Group Plc of the United Kingdom acquired a 40% stake and management responsibility for the company. Safaricom employs over 1,500 people mainly stationed in Nairobi and other big cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret in which it manages retail outlets. Currently, it has nationwide dealerships to ensure customers across the country have access to its products and services.

JOB SUMMARY

RequirementsBachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or related fields. Desirable: at least 4 years’ professional experience, in fields such as software development, solution architecture, cloud architecture or related fields.A “hands-on software architect” capable of sharing software development experience with the rest of the team, which in turn helps them better understand how the architecture is viewed from a development perspective.Expert-level development in at least 1 language such as Java, Python, NodeJs, GO or .NET.Mastery of at least one Web Framework and for their language of choiceDeep knowledge and use of fundamental database conceptsAbility to run user requirement workshops and capture complex business requirements across multiple domains.Strong business acumen and leadership mindset with ability to communicate and influence others.Has analytical skills to picture an end-to-end solution derived from a design documentAbility to drive initiatives without any formal authority in an ambiguous environmentExposure to multiple, diverse technologies and processing environmentCertification in TOGAF and/or Public Clouds will be an added advantage.Prior experience in Agile ways of working will be an added advantage

RESPONSIBILITIES

Carry out full business requirements discovery that includes interviewing relevant stakeholders and end users i.e., requirements elicitation.Collect, classify, analyze, and document business requirements as per set standards.Ensure sensible consensus is reached for all requirements/specifications and help business, IT, and test leads to have the same mutual understanding thereof.Create detailed solution designs to meet business requirements by exploiting the functionality available in IT systems already in Safaricom, or by filling missing gaps with appropriate new systems, in accordance with enterprise architecture.Lead a project team composed of designers and developers to drive the business needs and expectations by ensuring business intent is understood and delivered by IT.Ensure best practices are adhered to such as reusability, monitoring, performance, security etc.Collaboratively oversee the development of solutions as per agreed architecture, evolving them throughout the delivery in the face of changing requirements and feedback from the team.Collaboratively develop test-driven business requirements and functional specifications with business, technical, and testing team members.Participate in technical/functional evaluation of bids for new systems.Liaise with other sections/departments in the delivery of services and projects as well as maintain good working relations between the Squad & Tribe team and all stakeholders.Provide support to the Business Unit by assisting in the development/reviewing/translating of User Requirement Specifications into a baseline BRD (Business Requirements Document) and building design documents.Promote proper release planning, guaranteeing adherence to business needs, change management governance and priorities.Follow a prioritization process that is transparent and understandable for all parties involved.Participate in innovation to improve delivered products and services and to explore new technologies and their applications to the enterprise space.   

REQUIRED SKILLS

IT support, System architecture, Software architecture, System integration, Agile and Lean methodologies

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree