Solution Architect (IT08) (IT.08.4) at University of the Witwatersrand

Main Purpose:

• The Solution Architect is responsible for designing endtoend technology solutions that meet business needs while aligning with the University's Enterprise Architecture principles, technology standards, security requirements, and strategic objectives.
• The successful candidate will work closely with business stakeholders, project teams, solution providers and technical specialists to ensure that solutions are scalable, secure, integrated, and fit for purpose throughout their lifecycle. This aligns with the original role objective of designing solution architectures and governing implementation across business and technology domains.

Brief Description        
Key Responsibilities:

Solution Architecture:

• Design endtoend solution architectures for ICT projects.
• Produce highquality architecture deliverables including:
• Solution Architecture Documents
• Integration Architecture
• Infrastructure Architecture
• Security Architecture
• Application Landscape Models
• Data Flow Diagrams
• Ensure solutions align with Enterprise Architecture standards and principles.

Architecture Governance:

• Present solution designs to the Enterprise Architecture Review Group (EARG).
• Ensure projects comply with ICT governance processes.
• Review technical designs and recommend improvements.
• Identify architecture risks and mitigation strategies.
• Support technology standards and reference architectures.

Business Engagement:

• Work with business stakeholders to understand business capabilities and requirements.
• Translate business requirements into technology solutions.
• Facilitate architecture workshops.
• Provide architecture guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

Integration & Data Architecture:

• Design secure system integrations. 
• Promote APIfirst integration patterns. 
• Ensure data governance principles are followed. 
• Support identity management, SSO and API security.

Technology Leadership:

• Evaluate emerging technologies. 
• Provide recommendations on cloud adoption, AI, integration platforms and enterprise applications. 
• Promote reuse of enterprise capabilities and shared services. 
• Reduce technology duplication.

Security & Risk:

• Ensure solutions comply with:
• Cybersecurity standards
• Privacy legislation (POPIA)
• ICT Security Policies
• Disaster Recovery requirements
• Identify architecture risks before implementation.

Project Support:

• Participate throughout project delivery.
• Support procurement evaluations.
• Review vendor proposals.
• Assist project teams during implementation.
• Verify solution implementation against approved architecture.

Requirements: 

• Relevant degree (e.g. BCOM IT or BSc Comp Science) 
• Minimum 3 yrs’ experience in Solution Architecture, 5 yrs or more preferred
• Knowledge of Architecture Methodologies, Standards, Practices, Governance, Reference PatternsStrong Business/Industry knowledge and familiar with Industry IT Solutions

One or more of the following is desirable:

• TOGAF Certified
• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect
• AWS Solutions Architect
• Google Cloud Professional Architect
• ITIL
• COBIT
• ArchiMate
• Security certifications

Closing Date: 25 August 2026