Result of Service

• Deliver and develop a detailed solution architecture of the current system and the next version of the future system that aligns with the project goals, considering factors such as scalability, security, performance, and integration requirements. These designs serve as a blueprint for the project implementation.
• Deliver detailed solution architecture integrating different systems, applications, and technologies to create a cohesive solution.

Work Location

Vienna, Austria

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is located within the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Special Projects and Innovation Branch, Countering Terrorist Travel Section, Vienna API/PNR Team, in Vienna, Austria. The incumbent reports to a Senior Information Systems Officer.

This position will support the API/PNR project led by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The project aims at building capacity of Member States to Prevent, Detect and Investigate Terrorist Offences and Related Travel by Using Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Data. The API/PNR project has four implementing partners: Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT), Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Solutions Architect Consultant will provide expert consultation and guidance in the field of solution architecture for the goTravel software solution, which aims to support the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel Programme. The Solutions Architect Consultant will leverage his/her deep technical knowledge and experience to analyze requirements, assess existing systems, propose architectural designs, and provide recommendations for optimal solutions. They will work closely with stakeholders and project teams to ensure the successful implementation and delivery of a goTravel solution architecture design.

Solution Design and Architecture:
• Provide expertise in development of high-level and detailed solution architecture designs for goTravel, ensuring alignment with project objectives and compliance with relevant standards.
• Propose optimal architectural approaches, frameworks, and technologies to meet the project’s scalability, performance, security, and integration requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and development teams to validate and refine architectural designs.

System Integration:
• Identify integration requirements and design appropriate interfaces.
• Ensure seamless integration of different systems, applications, and technologies.
• Define data exchange mechanisms and protocols.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address interoperability and compatibility issues.

Scalability and Performance:
• Design solutions expertise that can handle current demands and scale for future growth.
• Analyze system capacity requirements and recommend scaling strategies.
• Optimize performance through load balancing, caching mechanisms, and data storage techniques.
• Conduct performance testing and optimization to ensure optimal system response times.

Security and Compliance:
• Identify security risks and vulnerabilities within the existing solution and develop a system architecture for the next version of goTravel that will structurally remedy such shortfalls.
• Implement appropriate security measures, such as authentication, authorization, and encryption.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and data protection laws.
• Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Technical Guidance:
• Provide expert advice and guidance to stakeholders, project team members, and developers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify technical requirements and constraints.
• Resolve technical challenges and make informed decisions on system design and implementation.
• Ensure adherence to coding standards, software quality, and performance optimization.

Collaboration and Communication:
• Facilitate effective communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Translate complex technical concepts into understandable terms.
• Align the solution with business objectives and ensure stakeholder buy-in.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the project team.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information technology, mathematics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum 10 years of proven work experience as a Solution Architect with an In-depth knowledge of system architecture, design principles, and software development methodologies.
• Relevant certifications in solution architecture, such as TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) or Zachman Framework.
• Proven experience as a Solutions Architect or Consultant, preferably in complex software solutions.
• Strong expertise in solution design, system architecture, and integration.
• In-depth knowledge of various architectural patterns, frameworks, and technologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex requirements and propose optimal solutions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.