For one our clients based in Eastern Europe, we are currently looking for a Senior Infrastructure & Cloud Architecture Consultant. We are seeking an experienced external consultant to lead and execute a comprehensive review and assessment of IT infrastructure and cloud architecture for a digital banking environment. The consultant will be responsible for requirements gathering, design review, gap analysis, remediation validation, and operational effectiveness assessments, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory guidelines (e.g., SAMA, ITIL, Cobit).

Details:

• Location: Combined: remote/onsite in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)
• Working overlap needed: 50% Monday - Friday, 50% Sunday- Thursday
• Start: asap
• Duration: 6 months+ extension

Scope:

1. Technology Design Review

• Prepare and distribute data collection templates to technology stakeholders.
• Gather and review documentation (e.g., HLD/LLD, architecture diagrams, capacity sizing, inventory).
• Conduct up to 5 sessions with key technical stakeholders for data collection and validation.
• Analyze submitted documents, identify missing information, and provide feedback (up to 2 iterations).

2. Architecture & Operating Model Assessment

• Review IT infrastructure and cloud architecture for design, dependencies, integrations, flexibility, and scalability.
• Assess the current cloud service provider’s operating model and service efficiency.
• Evaluate IT disaster recovery setup and readiness.
• Analyze the IT infrastructure and cloud software stack for scalability, efficiency, and interoperability.
• Review IT processes and operating structure in line with ITIL and Cobit standards.
• Assess governance structure and identify operational gaps.
• Evaluate IT service management effectiveness and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure design and architecture documentation meets SAMA and industry best practices.

3. Design Gap Analysis & Recommendations

• Conduct gap analysis of ICT/cloud architecture and IT processes.
• Align findings with SAMA guidelines and map gaps by risk level (high, medium, low).
• Provide recommendations and risk mitigation plans.
• Prepare and submit assessment reports to stakeholders and facilitate sign-off.

4. Validation of Design Gap Closure

• Evaluate closure of gaps identified in the design review phase across Cyber Security, Technology Governance, BCM, Data Privacy, Third Party, and IT Architecture.
• Collect and review evidence of remediation actions.
• Update gap and recommendation reports, including maturity levels.
• Identify and highlight any residual or showstopper gaps, updating remediation plans as needed.

5. Pre-Go Live Review

• Review and validate closure of design phase gaps, focusing on technology, people, and processes.
• Assess system readiness for go-live, including technology, personnel, and process preparedness.
• Perform sample checks on implemented recommendations.
• Provide further recommendations to enhance the control environment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to review and agree on the gap mitigation plan.
• Conduct up to two validation iterations and finalize reports.

6. Post Go-Live Review

• Evaluate closure of operational effectiveness gaps for IT infrastructure and cloud architecture.
• Collect and review evidence of remediation actions.
• Update reports based on operating effectiveness.
• Identify and address any residual operational effectiveness gaps.

Deliverables:

• IT Infrastructure and Cloud Architecture Design Assessment Reports (Excel)
• Updated SAMA CSF, ITGF, BCM, and KSA PDPL framework design assessment reports
• Updated Critical Technology Third Party Design Assessment Report
• Architecture and Configuration Operating Effectiveness Reports

Requirements:

• Proven experience in IT infrastructure and cloud architecture assessment within banking or regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of SAMA, ITIL, Cobit, and other relevant frameworks.
• Experience with gap analysis, risk assessment, and remediation planning.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to prepare clear, actionable reports and recommendations.