Solutions Architect - IT

Job Title: Solutions Architect

Reports To: Senior Solutions Architect
Job Type: Contractual
Location: Bangladesh / Nepal / Tanzania / Kenya
Start Date: July 2025 (Tentative)
Duration: 1 year (with a strong possibility of extension)

About BBC Media Action:

BBC Media Action is the international charity of the BBC. We use media and communication to strengthen democracies, support safer and more habitable environments, and promote inclusive societies. Our work blends journalism, creativity, research, and development expertise with strong local knowledge, trusted partner networks, and the BBC’s global values.

We support people most vulnerable to misinformation, disinformation, and lack of reliable information—especially those underserved by public-interest media and affected by crises or global challenges. We have a strong record of engaging young people as agents of change and will continue to prioritize their participation.

Job Purpose:

The Solutions Architect will work closely with the Senior Solutions Architect and IT Projects Team to implement BBC Media Action's strategic technology initiatives. This role involves overseeing the technical aspects of project delivery from start to finish, ensuring that practical and sustainable solutions are developed and executed effectively.

The successful candidate will advise on appropriate technologies, manage budgeting and procurement processes, and ensure technical standards and best practices are followed across UK and international offices.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with teams to define and communicate IT architecture and technical strategies for projects.

Ensure seamless integration with existing BBC Media Action systems including finance and media archiving tools.

Contribute to the department’s overall technology strategy.

Enhance the technical skills and depth of both UK and international IT teams by serving as a technical advisor.

Foster knowledge-sharing and innovation across the IT function.

Develop, update, and execute project implementation plans, ensuring timely delivery.

Provide guidance on procurement of equipment and software in line with BBC Media Action and donor policies.

Act as technical lead during system integration and installation activities.

Serve as the escalation point for complex (3rd line) IT support issues.

Travel to international offices to support hardware/software builds and on-site implementation when needed.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

Strong communication and presentation skills in English, both verbal and written.

Deep understanding of virtualization technologies (e.g., Hyper-V), cloud computing, IP networking, and storage systems.

Experience with Microsoft products, including Office 365, Azure, Intune, and Microsoft Configuration Manager.

Solid knowledge of Windows Server environments (Active Directory, user account management, NAS/SAN, troubleshooting, antivirus, and encryption).

Proven experience managing software migration or deployment projects of medium scale.

Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet tight deadlines.

Strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with colleagues and external partners across different levels.

Desirable:

Experience with requirements analysis and understanding business processes.

Awareness of emerging IT trends and technologies and their relevance to BBC Media Action’s mission.

Genuine interest and enthusiasm for the aims and values of BBC Media Action.