Solutions / Software Architect at Afripoint Group Limited

Job Overview

• We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Solutions/Software Architect to join our dynamic team. The Solutions/Software Architect will play a critical role in designing and implementing high-performance, scalable, and secure software solutions that meet business needs and align with Afripoint Group’s strategic goals. 
• This role requires deep expertise in software architecture, cloud technologies, enterprise-level application development, and system integration, along with strong leadership and communication skills. 
• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering complex software solutions, working closely with cross-functional teams, and mentoring development teams.

Key Responsibilities
Solution Design & Architecture:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of scalable and maintainable software solutions based on client and business requirements.
• Develop architecture roadmaps and high-level design documents for software solutions, ensuring they align with Afripoint Group’s strategic goals.
• Analyze business requirements, conduct feasibility studies, and propose the most suitable technology stack to address business challenges.
• Translate business and technical requirements into detailed architectural designs, prototypes, and proof-of-concept solutions.

System Integration & Optimization:

• Design and implement effective system integration strategies for internal and external systems (e.g., databases, third-party services, APIs, legacy systems).
• Optimize system performance by reviewing and fine-tuning design decisions, ensuring high performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure proper integration of various system components, ensuring smooth interoperability.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:

• Provide technical leadership to development teams, ensuring that architecture and design principles are adhered to throughout the development lifecycle.
• Mentor junior architects and software developers, offering guidance on best practices, coding standards, and design patterns.
• Conduct design and code reviews to ensure quality, maintainability, and performance of the software solutions.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating new technologies, tools, and development methodologies.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication:

• Engage with stakeholders, including business analysts, project managers, and other technical leaders, to gather requirements and ensure alignment with the business objectives.
• Present and explain technical architectures and solutions to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and design decisions to various audiences, including management, clients, and internal teams.
• Work closely with the product management team to ensure that technical architecture aligns with business goals and product requirements.

Technology Evaluation & Strategy:

• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and platforms for new and existing solutions, ensuring they meet current and future business needs.
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure Afripoint Group remains competitive in the market.
• Recommend and implement best practices for software architecture, design patterns, and development processes.

Security & Compliance:

• Ensure that all software solutions adhere to security standards, data protection regulations, and industry best practices for secure software development.
• Implement security protocols in the design and architecture of applications to protect sensitive business and customer data.
• Collaborate with security teams to perform risk assessments and audits, ensuring the architecture aligns with compliance standards.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Develop comprehensive architecture documentation, including design specifications, system flow diagrams, and operational guidelines.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of system architecture to aid in maintenance and future enhancements.
• Provide periodic status updates and reports to the CTO and other senior leadership regarding architectural progress, challenges, and solutions.
• Quality Assurance & Best Practices:
• Ensure that software designs and solutions are of the highest quality, meeting business requirements and user needs.
• Champion the adoption of best practices in software development, testing, and deployment processes within the development teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in development processes and quality standards.

Qualifications & Skills
Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in software development and architecture, with a minimum of 3 years in a Solutions Architect or Software Architect role.
• Proven experience in designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-level software solutions and architectures.
• Strong hands-on experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), and microservices architecture.
• Proficiency in modern programming languages and frameworks (e.g., Java, Python, .NET, Node.js, React, Angular).
• Experience with API design and integration (RESTful, SOAP, GraphQL).
• Deep understanding of database design (SQL, NoSQL, and distributed databases).
• Strong understanding of security principles and practices in software development.

Preferred:
Certifications:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Architect, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert is a plus.
• TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) certification.
• Scrum Master or other Agile-related certifications.

Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present technical ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring and coaching development teams.

Key Competencies:

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of system architecture, software development, and modern technologies.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex problems and design practical, scalable solutions.
• Communication Skills: Strong ability to explain complex technical concepts to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Innovation: A passion for exploring new technologies and implementing creative solutions to business challenges.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and external vendors.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, drive best practices, and influence technical decisions.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position.
• Flexible working hours with occasional requirements for overtime based on project needs.
• Opportunity for remote work or hybrid work arrangement, depending on organizational policies.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.