Solution Architect (re-advertised)

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST UNRWA

UNRWA is the United Nations agency responsible for the protection, care and human development of a population of some 5 million Palestine refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic. UNRWA is committed to assisting Palestine refugees in maintaining a decent standard of living, acquiring appropriate knowledge and skills, enjoying the fullest possible extent of human rights, and leading a long and healthy life. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 29,000 staff. Most of these staff are refugees themselves, working directly to benefit their communities - as teachers, doctors, nurses or social workers. For its international team, UNRWA is seeking to employ a qualified:

Solution Architect (re-advertised) Candidates having previously applied need not re-apply

Vacancy Announcement Number 12-HQ-AM-27 Grade P-3 Deadline for Applications 28 May 2012 Duty Station HQ Amman

Under the supervision of Head, Applications Section, the incumbent of this post is responsible for defining, documenting and enforcing architectural standards, data models, frameworks, policies and best practices. In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent will:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities • Lead and manage the process of defining and documenting UNRWA’s software architectural standards, data models, frameworks, policies and best practices including platforms, tools, structures and coding standards; • Analyze UNRWA’s current IT/IS landscape to identify weaknesses and non-conformance with approved architectural standards, frameworks and best practices, and develop the necessary transition plans to overcome weaknesses, introduce improvements and eliminate non-conformance; create solution roadmaps and system retirement plans to minimize the number of operational systems and reduce licensing costs; • Perform analysis, define technical requirements and create detailed designs for highly-complex solutions that lead to the development and implementation of operationally-sound software applications in terms of functionality, performance, availability, scalability, maintainability and operability; • Architect UNRWA’s data warehouse and business intelligence solution based on thorough analysis of the reporting and analytical needs of the different stakeholders and existing data sources and lead the process of its creation, maintenance and enhancement; • Enforce consistency of technology usage across applications by continuously reviewing existing toolsets and code, suggesting re use of components and ensuring that design of new components allows for potential reuse; • Review software designs and other software components proposed by Applications staff, ensuring conformance of proposals to technical architectures, standards and sound operational principles, and advise project teams during development to assure compliance with standards and guidelines; • Conduct research to identify new technologies, assess the potential impact of these technologies on UNRWA’s operations, initiate/execute proofs of concept and build prototypes to validate their impact, and drive the process of their adoption; • Assist Head, Applications Section in the formulation of medium-term and long-term strategies, plans and policies and act on his/her behalf during his/her absence.

Professional Knowledge and Experience • A university degree in computer science or a related field; • Formal training in systems architecture; • At least six years’ experience in the development and implementation of large scale software applications, four years of which must have been as a Lead Architect or in a leading position relating to the development of architectural standards and frameworks, and in designing and building complex, customer-facing systems that conforms to the principles of service-oriented architecture. This includes using a structured architectural approach, in addition to supervising IT staff and employing modern techniques and tools as described below; a) Strong experience in structured business analysis and design including the use of automated tools such as UML in the modeling and design of complex enterprise applications that involves enterprise workflow and business process integration; b) Hands on experience in web projects involving multi-tier application development, object-oriented design and programming and utilizing .Net tools over major RDBMS, preferably MS SQL; c) Experience with projects that involve creating and maintaining organizational data warehouse and associated business intelligence platform, as well as experience in the use of middleware/integration technologies; d) Experience in the use of a standard SDLC methodology, project management tools and techniques in addition to using standard productivity tools such as MS Office and MS Project;
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Competencies • Positive attitude and strong analytical, interpersonal and problem solving skills; • Ability to independently plan and prioritize own work and work well under pressure; • Commitment to continuous learning, willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field of information technology; • Capacity to work well under tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Ability to convey complex technical concepts and recommendations to non-technical staff at senior levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style; • Ability to synthesize facts, trends, inferences and key issues/themes in complex situations.

Desirable Qualifications • Knowledge of the mandate and mission of UNRWA as well as the cultural, political and social environment in which it operates; • Experience in content management and ERP software is a strong advantage; • Any of the following: (1) Business Analysis Certification, (2) PRINCE2 or PMI certification in Project Management, (3) Experience in writing and negotiating contract terms and conditions (4) Working knowledge in developing quality assurance plans and in performing QA functions.

Equivalency When the minimum requirements are not fully met, the Human Resources Department may substitute part of the unmet requirements under UNRWA’s equivalency determination guidelines with a combination of relevant academic qualification, additional professional training and/or progressive relevant work experience. Note: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered sufficient for an equivalency determination.

Additional Information The incumbent will be required to travel in the Agency's area of operations in the Middle East.

Conditions of Service
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $60,091 net tax free with dependants or $56,091 single, plus post adjustment of 43%. Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks annual leave. All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza) are family duty stations. Initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post.

How to Apply To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. Initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post.

UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage in the recruitment process.

General Information UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced women.

UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights, for diversity, and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.
How to apply:

How to Apply To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. Initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post.

UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage in the recruitment process.