Technical Solution Architect
OVERVIEW
Post Number : DBS/TA 008
Grade : P-2
Parent Sector : Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Computer Sciences / Information Technologies
Type of contract : Temporary Appointment
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 14-MAY-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Initial duration of contract is 6 months with possibility of renewal subject to funding and satisfactory performance.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The position is located in the Bureau of Digital Business Solutions (DBS) in UNESCO’s Administration and Management Sector.
Digital technologies play a key role in the fulfilment of UNESCO’s mandate and the delivery of its programme. The Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS) is at the core of this implementation, serving as the Secretariat for the Organization’s digital transformation governance, and thus facilitating the development and evolution of the One-UNESCO Digital Strategy. As a key partner in the implementation of this strategy, the Bureau’s work includes the design and deployment of coherent and integrated corporate solutions to support the delivery of UNESCO’s programmatic outputs, while ensuring that all digital/IT services remain functional and operational at all times, and information management, digital/IT risk mitigation and cybersecurity measures are in place. The objectives and outputs of the Bureau are highly service-oriented, requiring business engagement, customer focus and innovative digital solutions. New ways of working are needed that provide both effectiveness and efficiency in solution delivery, built on best-in-class principles of user experience design and digital/IT architectures.
Located in the Workplan, Programme Management (WPM) Unit and under the direct supervision of the Head of Solution Design and Implementation Section (SDI), the Technical Solution Architect will autonomously drive the configuration, customization and development of detailed solution designs with the Salesforce platform and products, ensuring integration with or replacement of other systems, in a modern technical environment in line with, and substantively contributing to, the delivery of the Bureau’s digital transformation initiatives, particularly in relation to the transition to the Salesforce platform. Acting as the go-to Salesforce expert, she/he is a subject matter expert, with excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of the Salesforce platform and custom code creation, configuration and customization skills with Salesforce products. The Technical Solution Architect knows, and capitalizes on, how impactful significant engagement and interaction with internal and external technical and functional teams, as well as with client and business stakeholders, can deliver outcomes and business objectives. The Technical Solution Architect acts also as the Salesforce system administrator and will manage the build phase and well as the maintenance and run phases of the project to support continuous evolution. The Technical Solution Architect is capable of evaluating various Salesforce product suites including 3rd party applications to propose solutions as the needs arise on the functional requirements.
Long Description
The main responsibilities are the following:
- Design and Configure Salesforce Business Solutions: design, configure, and customize Salesforce solutions to meet the specific business needs and project goals, to ensure that the Salesforce platform is optimized for the Organization's requirements, improving business processes and achieving desired outcomes; Collaborate closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, creates detailed designs, customizes Salesforce features (like objects, workflows, and reports), and tests the solutions.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: collaborate with key business stakeholders, internal teams, and external partners to assess ensure that business objectives are met, and the Salesforce platform is integrated properly within the organization's ecosystem; lead discussions, organizes meetings, and coordinates with internal and external teams to gather input, align on solution designs, and ensure smooth project execution.
- Data Migration and Integration with External Systems: support the migration of data from legacy systems to Salesforce ( extract, transform and load data) and ensure proper integration between Salesforce and other business systems using integration tools and maitaining data integrity. This is necessary to ensure seamless data flow and interoperability between different systems, preventing data silos and improving overall operational efficiency.
- Platform Governance and Administration: act as the Salesforce system Administrator to ensure proper governance and ongoing maintenance of the platform, to ensure it remains secure, efficient, and compliant with best practices; perform regular system checks, applies updates and patches, monitors user activity, manages security settings, and ensures compliance with governance and regulatory standards.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) Computer Science, Information/Digital Technology or a related field.
Work Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience in leading digital solutions design, configuration, customization and platform architecture in Salesforce and/or a related role, of which preferably 1 year acquired at international level.
- Extensive experience and profound understanding of the Salesforce platform, including: solution technology stack and associated tools; Salesforce solution architecture and functionality; systems configuration and custom code creation with Salesforce products.
- Experience operating with minimal supervision and exercising independent judgement to complete tasks and achieve objectives.
- Experience in Agile methodologies and delivery techniques
- Technical experience across digital corporate platform support.
- Extensive experience managing, interacting and collaborating with key internal and external business stakeholders with the ability to explain technical concepts, specifications and solutions by translating them into relevant customer contexts.
- Extensive experience working in a client facing role.
Skills and Competencies
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Ability to act as the Salesforce system administrator.
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Working knowledge of Agile methodologies and delivery techniques, both internally and with implementing partners, and ability to work in Agile method.
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Good understanding of IT context and tools and their linkage to business processes that enable day to day operations.
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Strong problem-solving and analytical skills – ability to assess complex technical challenges and develop effective solutions.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – capable of explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
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Collaborative mindset – ability to engage with cross-functional teams, business users, and external partners to drive successful project outcomes.
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Independent decision-making and self-motivation – ability to operate with minimal supervision while taking ownership of responsibilities.
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Client-oriented approach – strong focus on delivering user-centric solutions and ensuring business needs are met effectively.
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Project management and organizational skills – ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Adaptability and continuous learning – openness to new technologies, trends, and methodologies to enhance Salesforce platform capabilities.
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Attention to detail and quality assurance – ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in system configurations and implementations.
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Leadership and stakeholder engagement – ability to lead discussions, coordinate technical solutions, and drive consensus among diverse teams.
Languages
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and Competencies
- Experience supporting digitally enabled initiatives and transformation.
- Experience managing or mentoring a team.
Languages
- Working knowledge of French.
- Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is $ 81 459.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.