Functional area: Information Systems

Reference: 2014-304-EXT

The European Central Bank (ECB) is seeking candidates for the position of Enterprise Information and Data Architect in the Security and Architecture Division of its Directorate General Information Systems (DG/IS).
DG/IS provides the information and communication systems of the ECB, and develops and supports IT systems necessary for carrying out the tasks of the Eurosystem and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB).
The Security and Architecture Division develops, implements and maintains IS security and architecture policies, frameworks, blueprints and methodologies, and provides IS security and architecture services for ECB/ESCB projects and operations.
The successful applicant will be assigned to the Enterprise Architecture unit; one of three units in the Division (the other two being the Operational Security and IS Security Governance units).
The Enterprise Architecture unit develops and supports IT architecture standards, frameworks and strategies underpinning the IT systems and related services of the ECB and the ESCB. The unit’s experts define requirements, principles, target state models and roadmaps, and thereby facilitate decision-making on all types of change, be it of a strategic, tactical or operational nature. In addition, they support project teams in the development of specific solutions aligned to the frameworks implemented.
Enterprise architecture:

• as a member of the Enterprise Architecture team, he/she will be charged with participating in the development and maintenance of the enterprise architecture framework and other key models and documents;

• proactively contributing to the establishment and consolidation of the enterprise architecture function, discipline and the methods used in various organisational processes;

Information and data architecture:

• developing and maintaining an integrated and coherent strategy for the information and data architecture that is aligned with the overall business direction and embedded in the enterprise architecture framework;
• developing and maintaining information and data-related requirements, principles, governance arrangements, the target state business architecture and roadmaps in the context of strategic architecture development assignments;
• establishing close cooperation with key stakeholders on information and data management across the whole organisation to ensure that the information and data architecture strategy complies with the overall information management policy and business strategy; providing an input to information and data governance activities;
• identifying, driving and influencing the implementation and evolution over time of technical solutions predominantly used for information and data processing purposes;
• proposing, elaborating and developing advanced, innovative concepts and solutions for complex information and data management needs, e.g. as related to the information model, data dictionary, master data management, data integration, data quality, federated and virtual data warehouses, Business Intelligence, information-centric collaboration, data masking, data analytics and Big data;
• supporting the Architecture Steering Board by representing the needs of the information and data architecture;

Project support:

• identifying and prioritising projects and investments related to information and data management capabilities, including via the organisation’s project portfolio management process;
• supporting the design of the information and data-related aspects of projects offering concrete solutions, including information flows, interfaces with other systems, data access and data modelling;
• reviewing and endorsing project documentation;
• acting as a solution architect, drawing on the expertise of the entire Enterprise Architecture team and going beyond information and data aspects if necessary;
• providing specific requirements and guidance for procurement procedures and technology selection activities.

Applicants must have the following knowledge and competencies:

• a master’s degree, preferably in information technology or a related discipline;
• twelve or more years of professional experience in information technology, information management or other relevant field, acquired after completing the above-mentioned degree;
• at least four years of experience as an enterprise information and data architect, working within an enterprise or IT architecture team, or as a consultant;
• knowledge of, and experience with, enterprise architecture methodologies, frameworks and industry best practices;
• a mastery of generally accepted information architecture principles, methods, modelling techniques, reference frameworks and patterns;
• knowledge of (and, preferably, experience with) all relevant aspects of the following areas:
• database technologies;
• master data management;
• enterprise information management;
• data integration;
• data quality;
• information and data governance;
• logical and physical data modelling;
• Business Intelligence;
• data warehousing;
• metadata management and data dictionaries;
• document and information-centric collaboration.

The following would be considered an asset:

• knowledge of, and experience in, the following areas:
• statistical data processing;

• data analytics;
• data masking;
• Big data;
• virtual data warehouses;
• a working knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (such as TOGAF 9) and modelling methodology (e.g. ArchiMate);
• a valid industry certification in a relevant professional discipline;
• experience with one or more enterprise architecture tools;
• work experience in the public and private sectors ‒ the latter involving the area of financial services.
• an advanced command of English with proven experience in quality drafting of documents for both decision-makers and technical audiences;
• an advanced command of at least one other official language of the EU;
• proficiency in the use of MS Office, in particular Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.

The successful candidate will have the following behavioural competencies:

• thinks strategically; assesses all relevant aspects of a problem (both of a technical and non-technical nature), while not losing sight of the “bigger picture”;
• possesses strong analytical skills and is able to conceptualise complex, multidimensional problems in ways that facilitate the identification of possible solutions;
• produces compelling high-quality deliverables tailored to the needs of the target audience which are effective from the point of view of communication;
• communicates effectively at all levels – with management staff and all relevant stakeholders (technical and non-technical) ‒ both within and outside the organisation;
• exerts influence both directly and indirectly in order to communicate ideas and implement the most suitable approach;
• can negotiate skilfully in difficult situations involving both internal and external parties and establish mutually agreeable solutions;
• operates with a large degree of autonomy; manages his/her own workload independently, providing status updates, liaising with others and escalating issues as appropriate;
• takes initiative; can gather necessary information and knowledge independently and is able to remain motivated, even during challenging assignments.

Three-year fixed-term contract, with possible conversion to a contract of indefinite duration subject to individual performance and organisational needs.
To further enhance the diversity of its workforce, the ECB particularly encourages applications from female candidates.

Applications are to be made in English and submitted using our online application form. An "Applicants' Guide" can be downloaded from our recruitment pages.

The recruitment process may include a pre-screening exercise, a written exercise, a presentation and interviews.

Applications are accepted from nationals of Member States of the European Union.

The requirements laid down in the vacancy notice must be met by the closing date for applications.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill the same position again, or similar positions, within 12 months of the selection decision.

The selection committee may place suitable candidates on a reserve list, from which candidates may be appointed to similar positions in the same or another business area. It may also be decided to fill the position advertised in this vacancy notice with a suitable candidate from the reserve list resulting from a recruitment procedure for a similar position. Candidates will be informed accordingly if this happens.

Closing Date for Applications: Thu, 27 Nov 2014

This position has been allocated to salary band: F/G