Database Specialist

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Position Title: Database Specialist
Location: Texcoco de Mora
Country: Mexico
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established as a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, fostering partnerships that enhance the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to creating a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while working within planetary boundaries. The organization is involved in global research partnerships aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Database Specialist position at CIMMYT is designed for a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional who will work within the Knowledge Management and Information Technology Department. The primary responsibility of the Database Specialist is to design, implement, and manage advanced database architectures that support efficient data processing, storage, and retrieval across the organization. This role is crucial for ensuring that CIMMYT's database solutions are robust, scalable, and tailored to meet the organization's diverse data storage, processing, and analytical needs. The Database Specialist will play a key role in optimizing SQL Server databases, managing the full Data Warehouse lifecycle, and integrating systems with analytics tools and cloud platforms. The position is based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City, and involves collaboration with various departments to enhance data access and usability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Database Specialist will oversee and optimize SQL Server databases, implementing indexing, performance tuning, and monitoring for efficiency and availability. Responsibilities include continuously improving database infrastructure by recommending tools, technologies, and best practices for scalability, high availability, and data quality. The specialist will manage the full Data Warehouse (DWH) lifecycle, including ETL processes, and develop automated data integration workflows using tools like SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). Additionally, the role involves designing and maintaining ETL processes to ensure fast, consistent, and high-quality data integration from various sources, employing data cleansing practices for accuracy. The Database Specialist will integrate and optimize systems with SQL Server, analytics tools, and cloud platforms, developing data pipelines for efficient processing and transformation. Implementing data security policies and governance measures for compliance, data quality, accessibility, and continuous security monitoring is also a key responsibility. The specialist will act as an internal consultant, providing technical solutions for data access and usability, defining data domains, and creating access solutions for efficient interaction across departments. Training and guidance on data governance and access practices will be provided to enhance team efficiency. Deliverables include documentation on data models, ETL pipelines, regular performance reports, compliance records, and support for data teams with troubleshooting and performance tuning. The Database Specialist may also perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in database management is required, along with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive. The selected candidate must have advanced expertise in SQL Server and T-SQL, including the ability to develop and optimize stored procedures, views, indexes, and complex queries for high performance. A strong knowledge of data warehousing concepts, data modeling, and schema design (e.g., star and snowflake schemas) is essential, along with hands-on experience in developing and optimizing robust data architectures. Proven skills in ETL processes and data integration, with experience using tools such as SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) or similar platforms to automate and streamline data workflows, are also required. Candidates should have a solid understanding of data governance practices and security protocols, including data protection, encryption, and compliance with relevant regulations. Familiarity with data analytics and visualization tools, including Power BI, Azure Machine Learning, R, or Python, for developing analytical models and visualizing complex data is preferred. Experience with cloud-based data management and processing on platforms such as Azure or AWS, with the ability to integrate cloud services into existing data infrastructure, is also necessary. Strong analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills to address complex database and data pipeline challenges effectively are essential. Certifications in database management, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, or other relevant data certifications, are highly preferred. Candidates must be able to work effectively within cross-functional teams, providing technical support and collaborating on data-driven projects, and should exhibit a collaborative mindset, comfortable working effectively with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, data engineers, and business analysts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, or a related field. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of database management and data architecture, as well as for developing the necessary technical skills to perform the job effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in database management. This level of experience is essential for the candidate to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the complexities of database architectures and data integration processes effectively. The candidate should have a proven track record of collaborating with business intelligence and IT teams to support data integration, processing, and analytics initiatives, which is critical for the success of the role.

Languages:
Upper-intermediate proficiency in English, both written and conversational, is mandatory, with an expected minimum CEFR level of B2 (evaluation required). This proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. While English is the primary language required, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in a diverse international organization like CIMMYT.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits in accordance with Mexican regulations (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is full-time and based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.