Data Architect

Organizational Setting

The Division of Information Technology provides support to the IAEA in the field of information and communication technology (ICT), including information systems for technical programmes and management. It is responsible for planning, developing and implementing an ICT strategy, for setting and enforcing common ICT standards throughout the Secretariat and for managing central ICT services. The IAEA's ICT infrastructure comprises hardware and software platforms, and cloud and externally-hosted services. The Division has implemented an IT service management model based on ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) and Prince2 (Projects in a Controlled Environment) best practices.The Business Technology Coordination Section (BTCS) manages the implementation of the IAEA Business Technology Strategic Plan, coordinates the development of Agency ICT policies, standards and guidelines, and facilitates ICT governance across the Secretariat. BTCS also provides project and product management and information architecture services to the Division of Information Technology.

 

Main Purpose

The Data Architect, reporting to the head of the Business Technology Coordination Section as well as to the Chief Data Officer (CDO), leads the design and implementation of the Agency’s data and integration architecture, strategy, and governance.

 

Role

The Data Architect plays several roles:
*Data architect, designing, creating, and managing an organization’s data architecture.
*Solution architect, liaising with internal clients to understand their needs, define challenges, and devise appropriate solutions.
*Data engineer, building and managing the data pipelines that enable efficient and reliable data integration, transformation, and delivery.
*Project manager, initiating, planning, executing, and controlling agreed work.
*Technical specialist, taking part in other activities as required.

 

 

Functions / Key Results Expected

Design, implement, and maintain a robust and resilient data architecture and infrastructure tailored for the unique challenges of the Agency dealing with vast amounts of technical and unstructured data. Strategically align data initiatives with the organization's global goals and drive impactful business outcomes.
Optimize and customize data pipelines, extending beyond traditional ETL/ELT tools, to efficiently handle the complexities of technical and unstructured data. Work in tandem with data scientists/analysts to deeply understand their varied data requirements and ensure the seamless provisioning of relevant and valuable data.
Translate the high-level data architecture framework crafted by the data architect into actionable and culturally sensitive plans, overseeing their effective implementation on a global scale. Design and implement innovative custom transformations and data gathering routines, enhancing data quality, consistency, and reliability in a diverse and dynamic environment.
Advocate for the strategic utilization of information assets, specifically tailoring approaches to leverage technical and unstructured data for meaningful insights. Champion efficient and effective data utilization and exchange within the organization and externally, considering the unique challenges posed by international collaborations.
Lead a global community of practice for data and integration, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cultural awareness.
Serve as a visionary business owner for visualization tools, data models, APIs, and supporting platforms, ensuring they align with international standards and facilitate seamless data and information exchange on a global scale.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

NameDefinition  Achieving ResultsTakes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.  TeamworkActively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.  Planning and OrganizingPlans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.  CommunicationCommunicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition  Client orientationHelps clients to analyse their needs. Seeks to understand service needs from the client’s perspective and ensure that the client’s standards are met.  Commitment to continuous process improvementPlans and executes activities in the context of quality and risk management and identifies opportunities for process, system and structural improvement, as well as improving current practices. Analyses processes and procedures, and proposes improvements.  Technical/scientific credibilityEnsures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Required Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description   Information TechnologyInformation Security and Risk ManagementStrong knowledge of secure coding techniques, information security and risk management   Information TechnologyProject ManagementExtensive experience in managing moderate to complex IT projects using Project Management methodology such as PMP or Prince2.   Information TechnologySoftware DevelopmentStrong knowledge of Software Engineering processes and the Software Engineering life cycle;   Information TechnologySoftware EngineeringStrong knowledge of IT Solution Architecture.

 

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Advanced University Degree in Computer Sc., IT/Data Management or S/W Engineering; (University Degree in the same fields in combination with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of the Advanced University degree).
• Internationally recognized or Accredited Open Group Architecture Framework
• Internationally recognized or Accredited Project management certification in PMP or PRINCE2 is preferred.
• Internationally recognized or Accredited Integration Certifications, such as Oracle Cloud Application Integration Specialist
• Internationally recognized or Accredited Data Engineering Certifications
• A minimum of seven years' relevant experience in Information Technology (software and/or hardware development), of which at least three years should have been in managing the development or deployment of data analysis, management, and integration solutions.
• Experience designing, architecting, and leading the implementation of data analytics, data management, and integration architectures using commercial products, such as Microsoft or Oracle.
• Experience using and/or establishing governance models over data and integration architectures
• Experience working cross-departmentally.
• Experience leading the data and/or integration architecture for an organization
• Experience using various technologies, including at least some of the following:
  • Data Visualization, such as PowerBI, Tableau, or others
  • Data Analysis, such as SQL Reporting Services, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition, SPSS, Python, or others
  • Data Governance Tools, such as Collibra, Informatica, Alation, or others
  • Data Platform, such as SQL Server, Oracle, Databricks, Snowflakes, Teradata, or others
  • DataOps, MLOps, or other data science workflow environment
• Good understanding of software and data engineering processes and life cycle.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

 

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 44076*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks' annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions

 

General Information

 

• The IAEA's paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person's race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
• The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
• Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
• The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

 

Evaluation process

 

• The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

 

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
• Staff members may be assigned to any location.
• Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
• The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.