Solution Architect (Mobile Application, Farm Improvement Platform and Portal)

Position summary:The Technology department is responsible for the Development, Realization and Implementation of the strategic Digital Product Roadmap for Rainforest Alliance (including all supporting Technology processes), for all Global Business Initiatives and Assurance programs. “Information Office’ ‘is one of the four teams under Technology Department.

It’s responsible for planning and leading implementation of leading technology ecosystem that will enable achievement of the 2030 strategy. Ensure alignment of technology investment and initiatives with the business goals, requirements and expectations and ensure optimal utilization of investments in technology and delivery of services by the technology vendors across the organization.

Situated within the Information Office is the 'Digital Strategy & Technology Architecture' team. This team is tasked with ensuring that digital strategy and technology architecture harmonize with organizational objectives, fostering innovation, and optimizing the efficiency of digital solutions. As a vital member of this team, the Solution Architect assumes a central role in crafting seamless solution strategies, leveraging advanced technologies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align solutions with the broader digital and technological vision. The Solution Architect significantly contributes to the overall success of the team by providing expertise in upgrading technologies, managing solution landscapes, and ensuring the integrity and efficiency of information flows across various systems."

The Solution Architect is a professional with extensive expertise in cutting-edge technologies and a mastery of various programming languages. This role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, requiring a deep understanding of software solutions, system strategies, and the overall technological landscape. As a Solution Architect, you will play a crucial role in shaping comprehensive solutions that align with organizational objectives and leverage emerging technologies. This dynamic career provides continuous learning opportunities, making it one of the most demanding and intellectually stimulating roles in the industry.

To excel in this position, you must have a profound understanding of diverse computer applications and stay updated with the constant changes and advancements in technology. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including database and system administration, you will be instrumental in developing and implementing system plans. Your responsibilities will span solution development, problem resolution, and ensuring the efficiency of deliverables.

Key skills for success in this role include exceptional analytical and research abilities, keeping abreast of current technologies, and possessing a robust knowledge base. As a Solution Architect, you will drive innovation, ensuring that solutions not only meet current needs but also have the flexibility to adapt to evolving technological landscapes.

Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of a Solution Strategy aligned with our overall IT strategy and business objectives, specifically concentrating on Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities.

• Participate in the design, development, and implementation of solution architectures for Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards, security protocols, and regulatory requirements.

• Contribute to the management of the solution lifecycle for Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities, including requirements analysis, design, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.

• Assist in developing and maintaining the Rainforest Alliance Enterprise Solution Architecture, emphasising Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities, based on organisational strategies, priorities, and value propositions.

• Apply a structured architecture approach and methodology to align, design, and develop Farmer-focused digital solutions within the Rainforest Alliance.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business process, solution, Product Owner, Business Analyst, and DevOps teams, to ensure the effective adoption and use of Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities based on the defined solution model.

• Contribute to defining and maintaining the Solution Domains specific to Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities within the Rainforest Alliance Enterprise Solution Architecture.

• Assist in defining and governing the vertical and horizontal inter-Domain interfaces (APIs/microservices) for Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities to ensure ongoing modularity and flexibility.

• Contribute to defining and governing the Information Domain Logical Data Models and related information flows specific to Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities, in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance Data Analytics, Data Warehousing, and Data Management teams.

• Assist in scoping, specifying, and validating solution migration strategies for enhancements related to Farmer Applications and Portal Capabilities.

• Support business where necessary to document and clarify requirements.

• Identify and ensure non-functional requirements for the solutions/applications are adequately covered.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or related field (Master’s degree preferred);

• 3+ years' work experience, including 1-2 years in a similar role;

• Strong information modelling experience, conceptual, logical as well as physical;

• In-depth and proven knowledge of architectural principles, frameworks, and patterns.

• Understanding and qualification of Lean/Agile development frameworks (SAFe Agelist, PMI-ACP, CSM, CAP)

• Expertise in translating complex business requirements into technical specifications.

• Eexceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and vice versa.

• Detail oriented, with the ability to also grasp high level concept. 

• Ability to adapt to evolving business needs and technological advancements.

• Proficiency in the following technologies: .NET, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices architecture, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), databases (SQL, NoSQL), API design and integration.

• Relevant certifications in solution architecture or related areas would be a strong advantage such as: “Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, CISSP, MCSE, MCSA.

Job level: 4A

Deadline: 24 March 2024

Notes: Only candidates authorized to work in Kenya, the Netherlands or the UK will be considered.

If you have any questions about the job vacancy, please contact the HR department: recruitment@ra.org


WHO WE ARE:The Rainforest Alliance is creating a more sustainable world by using social and market forces to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities. To achieve our mission, we partner with diverse allies around the world to drive positive change across global supply chains and in many of our most critically important natural landscapes.

Our alliance spans 70 countries and includes farmers and forest communities, companies, governments, civil society, and millions of individuals. Together we work to protect forests and biodiversity, take action on climate, and promote the rights and improve the livelihoods of rural people.

As an international nonprofit organization with more than 30 years of experience in sustainability transformation, we understand that the social and economic well-being of rural communities is tightly connected to ecosystem health. This knowledge has shaped our rigorous programs to advance sustainable land-use and commodity production.

At the Rainforest Alliance we combat climate change, protect forests and biodiversity, promote human rights, and improve livelihoods. The enormity of the social and environmental challenges we are facing requires working together in a broad alliance. This is why we bring farmers, forest communities, companies, and consumers together to change the way the world produces, sources, and consumes.

WhyTo protect nature and improve lives it’s becoming increasingly urgent that we approach the way we use our land and produce food and other products in more sustainable ways. For this to succeed we need to fundamentally change the way that businesses operate and source, and the choices we all make as consumers.

HowOur growing global alliance aims to transform our relationship with our natural resources and each other, to create a better future for people and nature together.

The Rainforest Alliance encourages diversity and inclusion across the global organization. With this commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, disability, and any other protected group.