Senior Architect

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international organization established to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Founded in 1991, the EBRD has grown to employ thousands of professionals and operates in over 30 countries. The bank's mission is to foster the transition to open and democratic market economies, and it is committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. The EBRD values diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring that its workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, which enhances its ability to serve clients effectively.

Job Overview:
The Senior Architect position is a critical role within the EBRD's AI Centre of Excellence, where the selected candidate will lead the enterprise AI strategy as part of the IT Architecture team. This role involves translating high-level ambitions from C-suite executives into actionable and defensible technical architecture. The Senior Architect will be responsible for making key technology decisions, including whether to buy or build solutions, selecting appropriate platforms, and managing cloud infrastructure. The position requires a strong focus on governance and compliance throughout the delivery process, ensuring that AI solutions are not only effective but also responsible and ethical. The Senior Architect will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, overseeing the quality of delivery from design to production, and mentoring teams to promote engineering excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Architect include defining and driving the enterprise AI architecture and strategy, turning business needs into scalable AI solutions such as Generative AI, Reinforcement Learning, and Machine Learning. The architect will oversee the end-to-end delivery quality, ensuring that all solutions meet the required standards from design through to production. Additionally, the role involves leading technology decisions regarding whether to buy or build solutions, selecting platforms and models, and embedding Responsible AI principles, including governance, explainability, and compliance, into all projects. The Senior Architect will also mentor teams, fostering a culture of engineering excellence and innovation within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive architecture experience in AI projects, with a proven track record of leading application architecture or development through all lifecycle phases on several enterprise-scale projects. They should have demonstrated experience in architecture or technical leadership of AI and ML systems, with a strong background in delivering AI/ML solutions in production environments. Expertise in Agentic AI, Generative AI, and LLMOps is essential, along with familiarity with the Azure AI ecosystem and modern cloud architectures. Strong communication skills are necessary to influence senior stakeholders effectively, and a background in financial services or regulated environments is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a relevant degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees such as a Master's or PhD in a relevant discipline are highly desirable, as they demonstrate a deeper understanding of AI technologies and their applications in enterprise settings.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in architecture roles, particularly within AI-focused projects. Candidates should have a history of leading complex projects and initiatives, showcasing their ability to navigate the challenges associated with AI and ML systems. Experience in a senior technical leadership role is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to deliver solutions that meet business needs while adhering to governance and compliance standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additional languages are considered a plus, particularly those relevant to the regions in which the EBRD operates, as they can enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a fixed-term contract lasting three years. The role is based in Sofia, Bulgaria, and offers a hybrid working environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. The EBRD is committed to employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits, including opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization. The bank encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those who are nationals of EBRD member countries, and values diversity in its workforce.