Cloud Architect

Brief description

The main purpose of this position is to research, plan, architect, design and deploy infrastructure cloud solutions within the South African Reserve Bank Group (SARB Group).

Detailed description

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Research and recommend emerging and fit-for-purpose infrastructure (servers, mainframe, storage, etc.) solutions and participate in the procurement of such solutions aligned to the business strategy.
• Define and evolve the SARB Group's cloud architecture in alignment with the to-be architecture.
• Plan and develop cloud architecture blueprints and roadmaps for cloud solutions in alignment with industry best practices and standards.
• Oversee the implementation of cloud infrastructure designs and ensure alignment with industry best practices and standards.
• Provide expert guidance on cloud adoption and cloud cost management strategies.
• Oversee the management of the cloud technology life cycle.
• Lead the design of cloud native solutions.
• Implement and maintain the governance and security model for the cloud as developed by the Cyber and Information Security Unit.
• Develop, maintain and document technical standards, procedures, user guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), instructional documents and so forth relating to the cloud infrastructure solutions.
• Collaborate and engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the functionality of the deployed cloud infrastructure solutions and technologies.
• Identify, address and remediate risks in the cloud environment as identified by auditors and governance-related assessments.
• Stay abreast of new developments in cloud architectures and technologies.
• Provide cloud architectural expertise as part of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure projects and participate in other SARB Group projects to contribute towards business objectives.
• Take responsibility for infrastructure capacity planning, disaster recovery and resource allocation to ensure optimal performance, continuity and scalability.

Job requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must be in possession of:

• a minimum of a Honours degree (NQF 8) in IT, computer science or an equivalent qualification;
• TOGAF certification;
• ITIL v3/4 and COBIT 2019 will be an added advantage;
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect;
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect;
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP) will be an added advantage;
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) will be an added advantage; and 
• a minimum of 8–10 years' experience in cloud infrastructure architecture with a strong track record of designing and implementing cloud infrastructure solutions in enterprise organisations.

Additional requirements include:

• knowledge and skill in:
• industry, organisational and business awareness;
• quality assurance; and
• continued learning and/or professional development;
• excellent technical knowledge of cloud services;
• continuous improvement of cloud services;
• comprehensive hands-on cloud services troubleshooting experience;
• ability to read and understand technical manuals, procedural documentation and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) guides;
• liaising with external services providers for purposes of product and technology review and coordinating vendor presentations where relevant; and
• understanding of critical IT processes (incident, configuration and change management) and other technical procedures.

In line with the SARB's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups. People with disabilities are welcome to apply.

The SARB offers remuneration and benefits commensurate with the level of the position and in line with the market. The level at which the successful applicant will be appointed will depend on his/her competence and experience.