Application Systems Architect

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established to enhance the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, CIMMYT focuses particularly on the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership aimed at achieving a food-secure future, dedicated to 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:
CIMMYT is seeking a professional with critical and creative thinking, effective communication, teamwork and collaboration, client orientation, problem solving, decision-making, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills for the position of Application Systems Architect. This role will be situated within the Operations Chapter/Knowledge Management and Information Technology department of CIMMYT. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, documenting, and maintaining the enterprise application architecture to align with organizational goals. They will design scalable, secure, and high-performance systems tailored to business requirements, define architectural blueprints, frameworks, and roadmaps, and assess the proper integration of new applications into the legacy environment. The architect will also define the path to be followed between the current state of the architecture and the desired end-state while ensuring business continuity. Additionally, they will evaluate emerging technologies, conduct feasibility studies, and establish best practices for software development and system integration, all while collaborating with stakeholders to gather requirements and define technical solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Application Systems Architect include: developing, documenting, and maintaining the enterprise application architecture; designing scalable, secure, and high-performance systems tailored to business requirements; defining architectural blueprints, frameworks, and roadmaps; assessing the integration of new applications into the legacy environment; defining interfaces and securing data integrity; evaluating emerging technologies and recommending solutions to drive innovation; conducting feasibility studies and proof of concepts for new systems or upgrades; establishing and enforcing best practices for software development and system integration; collaborating with stakeholders to gather requirements and define technical solutions; leading technical discussions and workshops with development and infrastructure teams; participating in the liaison between business areas and IT to ensure successful project delivery; ensuring systems comply with industry standards, security protocols, and regulatory requirements; monitoring application performance and addressing potential risks or vulnerabilities; guiding and mentoring development teams on architectural principles and technical skills; and promoting a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Application Systems Architect position include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in application architecture and software development. Proficiency in cloud technologies and enterprise architecture frameworks is essential, along with advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Ecosystem (M365, D365, Power Platform). Experience in implementing or working with ERP systems, preferably Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management (Fin & SCM), is also required. Hands-on experience with middleware technologies such as Azure Logic Apps, Power Automate, or MuleSoft is necessary. Additionally, it is highly desirable for candidates to hold one or more of the following certifications: TOGAF, Microsoft AZ-305, SC-100, AZ-204, and DP-20

• Candidates should also possess expertise in Microsoft Business applications and a strong understanding of IT governance principles.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of application architecture and software development, as well as the principles of enterprise architecture and cloud technologies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in application architecture and software development. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in designing and implementing scalable and secure systems, as well as the ability to lead technical discussions and mentor development teams effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is advanced proficiency in English, both written and conversational. Candidates will be evaluated on their English language skills and should score a minimum of C1 on the CEFR scale. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

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 Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City, which is approximately 45 minutes from Mexico City.