IT Solution Architect - Identity Management (P3)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, employing thousands of individuals dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. The organization emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, aligning with its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP invests in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Job Overview:
The IT Solution Architect for Identity Management will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading the beneficiary services agenda within the Technology Division of WFP. This position is crucial for the development of digital capabilities that enhance the organization's ability to deliver effective humanitarian assistance. The incumbent will manage a small team and will be responsible for delivering IT solutions that meet the complex needs of WFP's operations. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking, as the incumbent will conduct analyses, propose creative solutions to business challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including enterprise architecture teams, IT solution architects, developers, and product managers, is essential to ensure the successful design and implementation of the SCOPE platform. The role also involves strategic planning and policy development, making it integral to WFP's mission of serving vulnerable populations worldwide.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for this position include conducting thorough analyses and managing the design, procurement, development, implementation, installation, configuration, maintenance, and evolution of robust IT solutions that perform well in high-latency and low-bandwidth environments. The incumbent will design the software architecture and data model of IT solutions, supporting the Product Manager in presenting proposals to the relevant Architectural Boards. Maintaining high technical quality across all aspects of IT solutions, including functionality, user experience, performance, and compliance with WFP guidelines, is critical. The role also involves providing proactive support for the integration of IT solutions with other corporate technology platforms, ensuring continuous quality assurance, and establishing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security controls. The incumbent will set up and maintain development, testing, and production environments, ensuring that appropriate IT security monitoring tools are in place. Additionally, the role includes contributing to IT solution delivery plans, managing technical backlog items, and developing comprehensive documentation to support operations and maintenance. The incumbent will also coordinate and provide technical direction to junior developers and off-site teams, manage technical support and training for end-users, and maintain effective partnerships within WFP and with external organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Computer Science or a related field, or a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience or training. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in IT is required, or eight years in the absence of an advanced degree. The role demands in-depth knowledge and proven experience in managing large teams using agile software development methodologies, as well as extensive knowledge of the technology stack, particularly Django Python. Familiarity with ReactJS, React Native, and/or Kotlin is advantageous, along with experience in AWS cloud architectures and large PostgreSQL databases. Knowledge of smartcard technology, NFC, and security mechanisms such as PKI and SAMs is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Computer Science or a related field. Alternatively, candidates with a first university degree and additional relevant work experience or training may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of IT solutions and their implementation within a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in IT. In cases where candidates do not hold an advanced degree, eight years of progressively responsible experience in IT is necessary. This experience should include managing teams and projects, as well as a strong understanding of software development and IT solution delivery.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Proficiency in these languages is important for effective communication within the diverse and multicultural environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional role and is open to candidates of all nationalities. The selected candidate will be employed on a limited fixed-term contract for one year, which is renewable. The position is based in Rome, Italy, and the selected candidate will be expected to relocate. The contract is a non-mobile staff appointment in the international professional category, with a maximum duration of four years. WFP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, including a basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.