Solution Architect / Lead (1 Year Contract)

Key Responsibilities

Program & Delivery Leadership

• Lead complex enterprise transformation programs from initiation through implementation and post-production support.
• Manage cross-functional teams comprising solution architects, developers, business analysts, integration specialists, infrastructure teams, and external vendors.
• Establish delivery governance frameworks, program reporting, risk management, and escalation processes.
• Oversee project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and financial management.
• Drive executive steering committee reviews and provide regular updates to senior stakeholders.

Banking Transformation

• Lead core banking modernization, payment transformation, and enterprise integration initiatives.
• Support implementation of payment modernization programs involving SWIFT, ISO 20022, host-to-host banking platforms, and digital payment ecosystems.
• Collaborate with business and technology stakeholders to define strategic roadmaps and transformation objectives.
• Manage integration between core banking platforms, ERP systems, middleware solutions, and third-party applications.

Enterprise Architecture & Integration

• Provide guidance on enterprise integration architecture and platform modernization strategies.
• Oversee API-led connectivity and middleware implementations.
• Lead cloud-native transformation initiatives leveraging AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms.
• Ensure architectural governance, technology standards, and best practices are adhered to throughout delivery lifecycles.

AI & Digital Innovation

• Drive the implementation of AI-powered solutions including Generative AI and knowledge management platforms.
• Partner with business stakeholders to identify automation and AI adoption opportunities.
• Support implementation of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), LLM-powered solutions, and AI governance frameworks.
• Evaluate emerging technologies that contribute to operational efficiency and business transformation.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Build trusted relationships with senior business and technology leaders.
• Manage strategic vendors, technology partners, and system integrators.
• Facilitate effective communication between regional and local project teams.
• Ensure alignment between business objectives and technology delivery outcomes.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in IT delivery, program management, or technology transformation.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale enterprise transformation programs.
• Experience within banking, financial services, payments, fintech, or regulated industries.
• Hands-on experience managing regional or multi-country technology programs.
• Experience leading teams across multiple geographies and functions.

Technical & Domain Expertise

Candidates should demonstrate experience in several of the following areas:

• Core Banking Modernization
• Payment Systems
• ISO 20022
• SWIFT Integration
• Enterprise Integration Platforms
• API Management
• Middleware Technologies
• Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Enterprise Architecture
• Digital Transformation Programs
• Generative AI and AI-enabled Business Solutions

Leadership Capabilities

• Strong program and portfolio management experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Demonstrated capability managing project financials, risks, and governance.
• Experience presenting to executive leadership and steering committees.
• Strong vendor and partner management capabilities.

Preferred Certifications

One or more of the following certifications is highly desirable:

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Certification
• Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Other relevant cloud or enterprise architecture certifications