Principal, Solution Architect - Systems - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (London)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Requisition ID 36973 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Information Technology Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 18/08/2026

**Purpose of Job**

The Principal, Solution Architect is responsible for designing end to end solutions that solve the business's problem and supports the Technical Architect with its implementation. The Principal plays a critical role in proactively leading activities that guide the development of a portfolio of solutions – including projects, products, systems (applications, technologies, processes and information), shared infrastructure and application services.

The Principal ensures technology solutions align with business objectives, value streams, architectural standards and help to shape future-state architectures that drive strategic business outcomes. Guided by the Bank’s core values - putting users first, delivering elegant and reliable technology, being innovative, inquisitive and business-aware – the Principal plays a key role in ensuring that architecture is not only technically robust, but integral to the Bank’s long-term success.

**Accountabilities & Responsibilities**

Interpret and…

Excerpt shown; read the full notice on the official page. The structured breakdown below covers the key facts.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

  • Design end-to-end solutions that solve business problems and support Technical Architect with implementation
  • Interpret and translate complex business and technical requirements into coherent architectural blueprints
  • Document solution architecture design and analysis work
  • Work closely with product owners and product managers to maintain architectural runway
  • Collaborate with Technical Architects to transform high-level solutions into actionable designs
  • Lead evaluation and ongoing development of future-state technology architecture
  • Monitor current solution portfolio and identify technical debt and legacy risks
  • Analyse global and enterprise-wide trends and apply strategic insight to guide innovation

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

  • Experience: Demonstrable experience working within TOGAF; experience working within Agile, DevOps, and product-aligned teams; demonstrable experience supporting enterprise change initiatives; proven capability in designing solutions across multiple technology domains in complex organisations; demonstrated track record of delivering architecture in at least one of the relevant business areas: Legal, Complianc…
  • Key skills: Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly in written and verbal formats, Capturing technical requirements and documenting them in written and pictorial formats (PowerPoint, Visio), Engaging with business and IT stakeholders to gather requirements, Expert knowledge in knowledge management solutions, Practical expertise in Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI) and governance models, Deep understanding of SaaS platforms, identity and access management (e.g. Microsoft Entra) and integration approaches, Strong grasp of enterprise integration patterns, APIs, middleware and event-driven architectures, Leading solution architecture using Azure services, Deep understanding of Java application design and development practices, Strong knowledge of data, security, compliance and risk

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 2 years.

Working arrangements: Hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals.

Hiring unit: Information Technology.

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Principal, Solution Architect - Systems at EBRD based in London.

Requisition ID 36973 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Information Technology Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 18/08/2026

Purpose of Job

The Principal, Solution Architect is responsible for designing end to end solutions that solve the business's problem and supports the Technical Architect with its implementation. The Principal plays a critical role in proactively leading activities that guide the development of a portfolio of solutions – including projects, products, systems (applications, technologies, processes and information), shared infrastructure and application services.

The Principal ensures technology solutions align with business objectives, value streams, architectural standards and help to shape future-state architectures that drive strategic business outcomes. Guided by the Bank’s core values - putting users first, delivering elegant and reliable technology, being innovative, inquisitive and business-aware – the Principal plays a key role in ensuring that architecture is not only technically robust, but integral to the Bank’s long-term success.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Interpret and translate complex business and technical requirements into coherent architectural blueprints that achieve strategic business outcomes. Document solution architecture design and analysis work, ensuring alignment with both current needs and long-term objectives. Work closely with product owners and product managers to maintain a robust architectural runway that supports future product evolution. Collaborate with Technical Architects to transform high-level solutions into actionable, implementable designs and support delivery teams in understanding architectural intent throughout the product lifecycle.

Lead the evaluation and ongoing development of future-state technology architecture by monitoring the current solution portfolio, identifying technical debt, legacy risks, and misalignment with business requirements. Analyse global and enterprise-wide trends—technological, economic, social, environmental, regulatory—and apply strategic insight to guide innovation, drive technology refreshes, and support the sustainable evolution of services and systems. Evaluate solution options, vendors, and platforms using tools such as cost/benefit analysis, proof of concepts, and RFP support, ensuring total cost of ownership (TCO) and fit-for-purpose design.

Define, lead, and govern the implementation of solution architectures across business applications and technology domains. Develop long-term roadmaps and provide architecture guidance at both the enterprise and delivery levels to ensure solutions align with business capabilities, value streams, and strategic direction. Deliver enterprise-level designs and architectural artefacts (e.g. solution documents, reference models, scorecards), and provide expert consulting to teams throughout the development lifecycle. Partner with the PMO and project leads to track architectural alignment, facilitate architectural governance, and support a community of practice that promotes consistency, innovation, and adherence to architectural standards.

As the Solution Architect responsible for Systems, you will lead designing and implementing application architectures and integration solutions that ensure seamless communication and data flow between systems. You will be responsible for architecting application landscapes that are scalable, resilient and aligned with business objectives, ensuring that integrated systems work efficiently across the enterprise. Day-to-day responsibilities will include:

* Acts as the trusted advisor, defining, governing, and evolving architectures across Information Management, Knowledge Management, OGC, OCCO, Risk, Communications, and Editorial and Creative functions. * Develops and maintains end-to-end solution designs spanning SaaS, Low/No Code, CMS, Information and Knowledge management, and custom development platforms using Azure services, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture standards, and security and regulatory requirements. * Translates complex business needs into technology solutions that balance cost, risk, scalability and usability, while building strong partnerships with product owners, delivery teams, and business sponsors. * Provides expert guidance on Adobe Experience Manager for digital experience and CMS platforms. Defines and governs Low/No Code solutions on Microsoft Power Platform, ensuring best practice adoption and data governance. * Leads the evaluation of SaaS products and integrations for suitability, security and alignment with architectural principles.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

* Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly, both in written and verbal formats, particularly when engaging with stakeholders * Experience in capturing technical requirements and documenting them in written and pictorial (PowerPoint, Visio etc) * Experience in engaging with business and IT stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure alignment between architecture and business goals. * Experience working within Agile, DevOps, and product-aligned teams, contributing to sprint-based and continuous delivery * Demonstrable experience working within TOGAF with deep understanding of its application * Expertise in solution integration, process orchestration, and data flow design across enterprise systems. * Demonstrable experience supporting enterprise change initiatives. * Expert knowledge in knowledge management solutions. * Practical expertise in Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI) and governance models. * Deep understanding of SaaS platforms, identity and access management (e.g. Microsoft Entra) and integration approaches. * Strong grasp of enterprise integration patterns, APIs, middleware and event-driven architectures. * Experience in leading solution architecture using Azure services * Deep understanding of Java application design and development practices, enabling effective collaboration with engineering teams. * Strong knowledge of data, security, compliance and risk with shared service functions. * Proven capability in designing solutions across multiple technology domains in complex organisations. * Demonstrated track record of delivering architecture in at least one of the relevant business areas: Legal, Compliance, Risk, or Communications/Marketing. * Experienced in leading architecture on cross-functional projects, managing diverse stakeholders and influencing senior decision-makers. * Extensive background in working with SaaS, Low/No Code and custom development solutions within enterprise environments. * Ability to create and maintain architectural artefacts consumable by technical and non-technical audiences. * Professional certifications desirable: TOGAF, Microsoft Certified (Power Platform, Azure Solutions Architect), Adobe AEM certifications. * Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development in solution architecture and technology innovation, as reflected in certifications and training.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

* Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in. * A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively. * A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. * An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. * A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).

Job Segment:Solution Architect, Compliance, Sustainability, Developer, Architecture, Technology, Legal, Energy, Engineering

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 4 August 2026, 2 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 August 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at EBRD see the EBRD institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in London see our London location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.

Career trajectory

Career progression for this grade staff is governed by Articles 44 to 46 of the Staff Regulations (consolidated text on EUR-Lex) and Annex IB on the promotion procedure. Step increases are automatic every two years (Art. 44); grade promotion is competitive, based on the appraisal exercise (Art. 45) and the Career Development Review. For roles at EBRD, progression to the next grade typically takes three to five years on merit, with two-yearly step increases in between. Article 46 governs the classification at recruitment, which sets the starting step within the grade (usually step 1 for external recruits without prior EU service, step 2 or 3 where relevant professional experience is recognised).
Mobility within the institutions is encouraged via the inter-institutional and intra-institutional vacancy publication system: temporary agents who pass the probation period and reservists from EPSO laureate lists can typically apply to internal vacancies after one year of service. Lateral moves between Directorates-General reset the seniority clock for promotion only if the new post carries a different grade.

Language profile

Beyond the formal language requirements stated in the vacancy notice, the day-to-day working languages at this employer are English and French in roughly equal measure, with German appearing in some technical files. Internal meetings and most policy drafting in Brussels run in English; French remains the preferred internal language in Luxembourg-based services and parts of DG TRADE.

Application cadence

EBRD has not advertised another comparable role with the same grade and subject signature in the past twenty-four months. This opening has rarely been seen on the EU Careers feed and may be the first such posting in our two-year window. Applicants who pass the eligibility checks should not assume the same profile will reopen on a predictable cadence.

Source: This job listing was sourced from the officialEU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .

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