Platform Architect (Infrastructure)

Organizational Context

In virtually all countries, people increasingly rely on and expect a diverse range of digital services (e.g., through their mobile devices) to interact with local governments, companies, and community organizations and services. This disruption is already happening to humanitarian assistance. Yet, the Digital Divide remains a persistent and significant challenge at both national and local levels. The need for a successful and large-scale digital transformation is urgent. Furthermore, digitally Transforming the IFRC and its 191 members is a complex process which requires collaborative action and support across the membership. Therefore, IFRC recently developed a Digital Transformation Strategy which was approved by the IFRC Governing Board in May 2021.

The Digital Transformation Department (DTD) has full leadership responsibility for the implementation of the digital transformation strategy and the positive impact it will have on the 191 National Society members of the IFRC. The DTD provides strategic leadership and guides the IFRC Secretariat as well as the members network to adapt and innovate humanitarian services, drawing on digital services, data-enabled decision-making, and other opportunities for digital transformation in support of the IFRC’s Strategy 2030. In addition, the DTD is responsible for the development and implementation of business transformation, information technology and digitalization services throughout the IFRC Secretariat, thereby supporting the same transformation in 191 NSs, setting the vision, and drawing stakeholders together on this digital journey.

An organization-wide ERP is currently being implemented which provides IFRC with a core platform that serves as the foundation for agile management, identification and implementation of opportunities to increase efficiency and effectiveness in alignment with the Agenda for Renewal. Additionally, the ERP development and deployment in the organization has adapted the way we work, made our work more united, automated processes, and provides a platform to deliver more value from our data. It creates a stable platform for transparency, trust, accountability to donors and communities we serve alike.

The ERP runs on Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365). The newly founded ERP Product Line has the main role of providing second and third-level support to the IFRC Dynamics 365 (D365) users around the world. It will be using the same ticketing system the ITD support team is using and will have as a purpose to enable the geographically distributed D365 users of the secretariat to function effectively and efficiently. The Team provides D365 support services for the Secretariat with staff based in Geneva, Budapest and at important locations worldwide. Increasingly the ERP Product Line facilitates the development and sharing of best practices in the D365 environment and contributes to the development, strengthening and capacity building. The Officer, ERP Platform Architect is based in Budapest and reports to the Infrastructure & Security Team Lead, Budapest, Hungary and is member of the Product line for the ERP. The incumbent is responsible for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform(s).

Job Purpose

The Platform Architect (Infrastructure), is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform(s) to meet the business needs of the organization. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including business analysts, developers and system administrators, to ensure a successful and integrated ERP solution.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

D365 Platform Architecture:

• Design the architecture for integrating Dynamics 365 modules with Azure services.
• Create architectural diagrams, technical specifications, and guidelines for the integration.
• Ensure that the architecture aligns with scalability, performance, and security requirements.

Azure Services Utilization:

• ERP D365 lifecycle services and Azure Cloud Environment Management: Oversee the operation and maintenance of Azure cloud environments, ensuring optimal performance, security, and availability.

Environment Setup and Updates:

• Lead the setup and configuration of environments for testing, production, and user acceptance, ensuring proper deployment and functionality.
• Manage and apply updates to these environments, keeping them up to date with the latest software versions and patches.

Release Management:

• Coordinate and manage release updates for the ERP system, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions to ongoing operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, schedule, and execute release activities.

Technical Refresh:

• Identify the need for environment refreshes based on system requirements and best practices. Plan and execute technical refresh activities, ensuring data integrity and minimizing downtime.
• Select and configure Azure services such as Azure Logic Apps, Azure Functions, Azure Data Factory, Azure DevOps, and more.
• Customize the Dynamics 365 platform by extending its capabilities using tools like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI.
• Utilize Azure PaaS (Platform as a Service) offerings to extend ERP functionality and enhance user experience.

Security and Compliance:

• Ensure the security and compliance of the Dynamics 365 platform by implementing appropriate access controls.
• Implement security measures that ensure data privacy, compliance, and access control across the integrated ecosystem.
• Integrate Azure Active Directory for identity and access management.

Performance and Scalability:

• System Performance: Monitor and analyse the performance of the ERP system, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary optimizations to enhance system efficiency.
• Generate reports on system performance, environment status, and release activities as required.
• Optimize the performance of the integrated system, ensuring responsiveness and minimal latency.
• Scale the solution to accommodate growing business needs.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay up to date with the latest Dynamics 365 updates and Azure services to leverage new features and enhancements.
• Identify opportunities for system enhancements and propose solutions for continuous improvement.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide guidance and leadership to development teams, ensuring adherence to architectural standards.
• Collaborate with developers to address technical challenges and provide solutions.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to ERP systems and Azure cloud.

Education

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Proven experience as an ERP D365 platform technical architecture or a similar role, with a strong focus on Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Deep understanding of Azure cloud services, particularly related to ERP systems.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience of acting as D365 system architect.
• Minimum 5 year of professional experience in D365 service operation.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Affinity for teamwork, collaborative attitude, open-minded and adaptable.
• Well organized, able to work under pressure and manage emergencies.
• Good analytical skills to interpret problems, identify solutions and possible side effects.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of D365 F&O module.
• Experience of Microsoft Common Data Service and the Microsoft Power Platform.
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
• Knowledge of Hungarian language is an asset.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability  
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust  
Functional competencies: Strategic orientation, Building alliances, Leadership, Empowering others

Comments: This is a national staff position open to Hungarian nationals and others who are legally eligible to work in Hungary. Candidates must be able to provide proof of their eligibility to work in Hungary.