Functional area: Information Systems

Reference: 2015-017-EXT

The European Central Bank (ECB) is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Enterprise 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 Division is organised into three units: IS Security Governance, Operational Security and Enterprise Architecture.
The successful applicant will be the team leader of the Enterprise Architecture unit, which includes the Chief Technology Architect and five further architects.
The Enterprise Architecture unit develops and supports the 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 in line with the reference frameworks.
The successful applicant will be entrusted with the following main tasks:

• actively contributing to driving a strategic change and improvement programme aimed at reinforcing architecture maturity and at expanding the reach and influence of the enterprise architecture discipline within the organisation by establishing its role in key governance processes;

• promoting the role of enterprise architecture within the organisation, focusing on strong relationship building with key stakeholders on the basis of tailored value propositions, with special attention to business area managers and key influencers;
• under the direction of the Head of Division, leading and guiding the architecture team, as well as coordinating, facilitating and supervising the work of the team;
• actively promoting a constructive team spirit, a service-oriented attitude, and routine cooperation and information-sharing within the team;

• promoting and leading the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the working methods of the team, in terms of the reference framework, methodology, tools and templates, in line with organisational methods and standards;
• on the basis of a sound understanding of business and IT strategies, providing strategic direction and input to foundational enterprise architecture artefacts, and ensuring the overall coherence and strategy alignment of architecture deliverables;
• organising and steering the effective contribution of the enterprise architecture function to governance bodies and processes, both internally at the ECB and at the Eurosystem level;

• identifying, selecting, elaborating on, and effectively communicating key themes, trends and emerging concepts about how information technology can enable innovative business models or otherwise improve business and staff performance;
• defining and implementing a focused communication programme for the enterprise architecture function, and ensuring that all architecture products are communicated effectively and stakeholders are adequately engaged;
• promoting the participation of the ECB enterprise architecture function to industry-specific or cross-industry fora, associations and networks in the field of enterprise architecture, for the exchange of knowledge, good practice and the promotion of common actions or developments;
• supporting the professional development and skills building of the IT architecture team;
• managing all enterprise architecture activities and ensuring effective and timely reporting in line with ECB corporate standards.

Applicants must have the following knowledge and competencies:

• a master’s degree, preferably in information technology or a related discipline;
• at least three years of experience in a role comparable to that of Chief Enterprise Architect, with management responsibility for other enterprise architects and broad responsibility for the development and progress of the enterprise architecture discipline and function;

• fifteen years or more of professional experience in information technology or other relevant professional discipline;
• knowledge of, and experience with, mainstream enterprise architecture methodologies, frameworks and best practice in conducting enterprise architecture activities;
• mastery of generally accepted enterprise architecture principles, methods, modelling techniques, reference frameworks, patterns and supporting tools;
• proven expertise and work experience in the business, information, and application architecture domains, corroborated by a track record of tangible achievements;
• broad overall knowledge and proficiency in technology architecture, spanning from software to network and infrastructure;
• experience with the development of enterprise-wide strategies and roadmaps supporting core business objectives;
• experience of working in a central bank, an international organisation, and/or in the financial services sector would be considered an asset;
• specific experience and a track record of successfully promoting and extending the influence of enterprise architecture to business stakeholders of an organisation would be considered a particular asset.
• an advanced command of English with proven experience in drafting documents for both business 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 and assesses all relevant aspects of problems (of both a technical and a non-technical nature), while not losing sight of the “bigger picture”;
• possesses strong analytical skills and is able to conceptualise and visualise 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 and decision-making facilitation;
• communicates effectively at all levels and builds and maintains a strong network of relationships – with management, staff and all relevant stakeholders (technical and non-technical) ‒ both within and outside the organisation;
• has strong coordination skills, including the ability to guide newer and more junior staff, and manages multiple assignments;
• can convey enthusiasm and confidence, build strong relationships based on trust and inspire and motivate others to continue on their chosen path in the face of difficulties and in situations of objective uncertainty;
• exerts influence both directly and indirectly in order to communicate ideas and ensure that strategic directions, once approved, are followed and implemented consistently;
• can negotiate skilfully in difficult situations involving both internal and external parties and establish mutually acceptable solutions without losing track of the ultimate goals;
• operates with a large degree of autonomy and manages his/her own workload independently, providing status updates, liaising with others and escalating issues as appropriate;
• promotes, facilitates and maintains an effective team spirit within the architecture team, fostering value- and service-orientation, systematic information sharing and effective and smooth collaboration.

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(s) advertised in this vacancy notice with a suitable candidate or candidates 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, 26 Feb 2015

This position has been allocated to salary band: H

 Apply on the ECB e-recruitment portal