Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
The Solution Architect is responsible for designing and modifying system architectures to meet specific business requirements.
The role involves gathering requirements and functional specifications, assessing existing products and systems, identifying gaps, and redesigning or reworking product- and solution-specific architecture to address identified gaps.
The position works closely with Group Architects to ensure that MTN Group mandates are appropriately cascaded to OpCo systems and platforms. The role also maintains liaison with the Group Fintech Technology team, MTN Group Technology teams, and GSM OpCo Technology teams whenever required.
The Solution Architect is an individual contributor and performs other duties assigned by the Manager IT Architecture and Data Management.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy Implementation
Implement and comply with the functional strategy cascaded by the functional lead.
Support the review of the functional strategy and roadmap in collaboration with the functional lead to ensure alignment with changing internal and external business dynamics.
2. Governance
Strategic Meetings
Participate in strategic meetings as required.
Execute OpCo-wide transformation initiatives when required by the functional lead.
Implement appropriate risk mitigation measures and controls under the direction of the functional lead.
Support the evaluation of baseline Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Assist in preparing proposals for change initiatives, SLAs, policies, and procedures when required.
Escalations
Escalate issues that may have significant impacts on timelines, scope, productivity, costs, or resources to the functional lead.
Functional and Tactical Delivery
Execute projects initiated within the relevant sub-function.
Work within established objectives, targets, and budgets for the sub-function.
Document identified risks, issues, and dependencies and establish appropriate mitigation actions under the guidance of the functional lead.
Prepare documentation required for approval and sign-off of tactical changes.
Performance
Ensure that execution is aligned with the divisional strategy.
3. Reporting
Provide daily reports to the functional lead on progress within the assigned work area, in line with the organisation's performance metrics.
Provide ad hoc reports on specific projects as required.
4. Budget Management
Operate within the function's approved budgets in line with business objectives.
Ensure project initiatives are implemented within approved budgets and business objectives.
Operational Delivery
The role is accountable for delivering outcomes across strategy and analytics, budgeting, data, reporting, and solution architecture operations.
Strategy, Analytics, Budgeting, Data and Reporting
Execute policies, procedures, and guidelines provided by the functional lead and ensure compliance.
Comply with established governance mechanisms under the supervision of the functional lead.
Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Solution Architecture strategies and recommend improvements.
Solution Architecture Operations
Architect, design, and develop application software solutions that align the OpCo's data and technology components with MTN Group mandates.
Ensure implementation and compliance with MTN Group Technology and Group Digifin Technology standards, guidelines, and architecture.
Ensure compliance with MTN Group Information Security and Group Digifin Information Security standards, guidelines, and architecture.
Apply Group-mandated Enterprise Architecture principles when architecting, designing, developing, and maintaining application software solutions.
Apply application development architecture strategies that align with the target architecture.
Provide technology solutions to business problems that meet business requirements, including fit-gap analysis, prototyping, and estimation.
Create visual representations of application software solutions showing the architecture and relationships between solution components.
Participate in selecting appropriate technology stacks, frameworks, platforms, and related technologies for solutions.
Communicate complex technical requirements, issues, and challenges effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Support teams in developing and localising technology solutions while ensuring compliance with architectural standards.
Provide input into planning, budgeting, and governance processes relating to enterprise architecture when required.
Escalate unresolved issues to the Manager IT Architecture and Data Management in a timely manner.
Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education
A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a related field.
A relevant postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
Professional Experience
Applicants should have:
A minimum of 2–3 years' experience in Solution Architecture or a related field.
Experience in Fintech, banking, or Mobile Money is preferred.
Experience in solution and platform architecture and delivery within the Fintech, financial services, or banking sector.
Knowledge and understanding of cloud technologies, architecture disciplines, processes, concepts, and best practices.
Experience working within a global or multinational enterprise, with an understanding of emerging markets, is preferred.
Functional Knowledge
The successful candidate should have knowledge of:
Solution Architecture
Enterprise Architecture
Data Architecture
Security Architecture
Database structures and data warehousing principles
Agile methodologies and frameworks
Building and using predictive and propensity models
Key Skills and Competencies
Analytical thinking
Continuous improvement
Data interpretation
Delivery-focused approach
Presentation skills
Relationship building
How to apply