Application Architect at Wema Bank Plc

Job Summary

• The Data Architect within the Enterprise Architecture department of the bank has responsibilities of designing the Bank’s data infrastructure and implementing technology data management controls across diverse software applications and platforms in the bank.
• The role is critical in shaping the bank's data landscape, translating business requirement into technology requirements, and defining data standards and principles.

Job Details

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, enterprise architect, Data & Analytics Unit and other members of the EA team to develop a comprehensive data architecture design aligned with the Bank’s strategy and related business goals. 
• Collaborate with the Data & Analytics unit to Understand the Bank’s data strategy and align the architecture design in implementing the strategy.
• Define the procedures, models, and technologies to be used in collecting, organizing, storing, and accessing the bank’s data (data lifecycle).
• Collaborate with the Data & Analytics Unit to design and develop conceptual, logical, and physical data models that represent the bank's information assets, ensuring consistency, integrity, and scalability. 
• Collaborate with the Data Analytics Unit to determine the strategic data requirements and Outline high-level integrated designs to meet the data requirements.
• Collaborate with the Data Governance Team to contribute to the Body of knowledge and technical scope of the Enterprise Data Management Policy.
• Coordinate and develop systems integration designs for data project, including high-level and detailed system, application, and technology diagrams.
• Define and align technology solutions with the technical architecture, operational processes, and lifecycle processes in the bank.
• Designs the high-level structure and layout of data systems, including databases, warehouses, and lakes.
• Facilitate creation of the long-term technology strategy and innovation roadmaps across all data platforms.
• Establish data-related enterprise-wide guardrails, guidelines, and standards to be leveraged by engineering teams (Application Development, Data Analytics, Infrastructure, etc.).
• Define data standards, naming conventions, data security protocols and data dictionaries to facilitate effective data governance and metadata management. 
• Design and implement data integration architectures and solutions to enable seamless data flow and interoperability across heterogeneous systems and platforms. 
• Lead the technical design that will support the development, execution, and operations of data related projects.
• Implement metadata management tools and repositories to capture, store, and maintain metadata information, including data lineage, data glossary, data relationships, and usage patterns. 
• Participate in enterprise architecture governance processes to review and approve data-related initiatives, projects, and investments. 
• Collaborate with the Data & Analytics unit to Understand the Bank’s data strategy and align the architecture design in implementing the strategy.
• Define the procedures, models, and technologies to be used in collecting, organizing, storing, and accessing the bank’s data (data lifecycle).
• Collaborate with the Data & Analytics Unit to design and develop conceptual, logical, and physical data models that represent the bank's information assets, ensuring consistency, integrity, and scalability. 
• Collaborate with the Data Analytics Unit to determine the strategic data requirements and outline high-level integrated designs to meet the data requirements.
• Collaborate with the Data Governance Team to contribute to the Body of knowledge and technical scope of the Enterprise Data Management Policy.
• Coordinate and develop systems integration designs for data project, including high-level and detailed system, application, and technology diagrams.
• Define and align technology solutions with the technical architecture, operational processes, and lifecycle processes in the bank.
• Designs the high-level structure and layout of data systems, including databases, warehouses, and lakes.
• Facilitate creation of the long-term technology strategy and innovation roadmaps across all data platforms.
• Establish data-related enterprise-wide guardrails, guidelines, and standards to be leveraged by engineering teams (Application Development, Data Analytics, Infrastructure, etc.).
• Define data standards, naming conventions, data security protocols and data dictionaries to facilitate effective data governance and metadata management. 
• Design and implement data integration architectures and solutions to enable seamless data flow and interoperability across heterogeneous systems and platforms. 
• Lead the technical design that will support the development, execution, and operations of data related projects.
• Implement metadata management tools and repositories to capture, store, and maintain metadata information, including data lineage, data glossary, data relationships, and usage patterns. 
• Participate in enterprise architecture governance processes to review and approve data-related initiatives, projects, and investments. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATION

Education    

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree or certifications in data management or enterprise architecture preferred.

Specialized knowledge    

• Deep expertise in data architecture, modelling, governance, integration, and analytics, including proficiency in data management tools and technologies.
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks, methodologies, and best practices (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).

Skills    

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into data solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience leading cross-functional teams and driving data initiatives in complex environments.

Professional Certification    

• A relevant certification in any information systems, audit, legal or compliance related certification.

Experience    

• 5 - 8 years of experience in application architecture roles within the banking or financial services industry.