Recruitment of Senior Database Solutions Architect for NIDP

Source: World Bank — Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project

Request for Expression of Interest

(Consulting Services – Individual Selection)

Senior Database Solution Architect for National ID Program

Country: Ethiopia

Project: Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project

Project ID: P179040

Assignment Title:  Senior Database Solution Architect for National ID Program

Reference No.: ET-NIDP-487707-CS-INDV

Duty Station: NIDP Head Office, Addis Ababa

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance (MoF), has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project.  National ID Program, the ultimate project implementer intends to apply part of the proceeds for selecting of individual consultants.

National ID Program as part of the project implementation program is looking for an Individual Consultant that supports the NIDP.  Experienced individual consultants who have experience, passionate and innovative ideas for the position of Senior Database Solution Architect are invited to express their interest for the assignment.

The Senior Database Architect expected to play a crucial role in implementing the high availability architecture (HAA), backup, restore and recovery procedures, ensuring performance and security of the overall database micro-services of the National ID Program in Ethiopia to support high-performance applications and data-driven decision-making. He/ She will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including program officers, software engineers, network engineers, security team, designers, data analysts, and program stakeholders to deliver the required efficiency as well as accountability.

The Senior Database Solutions Architect is responsible for leading the design and development of high-performance, highly available database systems tailored to meet both current and anticipated business needs, taking and validating backups, monitoring the backups, and performing restore and recovery when needed.

Specific responsibilities for the Senior Database Solutions Architect will include, but are not limited to, the following core activities: 

• Installation, creation and configuration of the databases (PostgreSQL Clusters, Oracle, MySQL, SQL servers, etc..) for testing, staging and production.
• Implement and monitor database access management for NIDP platform users and services, Manage access control and security for micro-services.
• Generating pg-Badger reports and identifying the most time-consuming queries, frequent errors, and potential performance issues.
• Configuring logical & physical backups using pg-dump and BARMAN utilities respectively.
• Design and implement high availability (HA) and replication strategies using PostgreSQL tools (e.g., streaming replication, Patroni, pgpool-II) to ensure data continuity, failover support, and minimal downtime.
• Develop and test robust disaster recovery and backup plans, ensuring rapid data restoration and minimal downtime in the event of data loss.
• Implement advanced tuning strategies, including indexing, partitioning, and query optimization, to improve responsiveness and maximize throughput across database systems.
• Assess and recommend emerging database technologies, considering cost-benefit analyses to inform decisions that align with organizational objectives.
•  Analyze database usage and performance trends to guide capacity planning, ensuring resources are allocated to meet growth and operational needs.
• Drive continuous improvement within database management through automation and best practices, aiming to enhance operational efficiency.
• Establish and enforce database security policies to ensure compliance with organizational IS policy and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, implementing proactive remediation strategies to mitigate potential risks.
• Collaborate with development and application teams to integrate database systems effectively, supporting seamless data flow within the broader architecture.
• Lead the response to complex database incidents, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Mentor junior database administrators and engineers, providing expertise in database design, optimization, and troubleshooting practices.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of installations, configurations, incident resolutions, contributing to a knowledge base that aids in skill development and knowledge transfer.
• Work with the company’s management to understand the company’s data needs and to plan the goals of the database.
• Working closely with stakeholders in the company to make sure that the databases meet

the company's expectations and provide full support when required.

• Stay informed of industry trends and advancements in database technology, conducting research to guide future database strategies and introducing innovative solutions as appropriate.

National ID Program, Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest to provide the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services for a period of one year with possibility of extension for additional period subject to outstanding performance of the consultant and availability of budget. The shortlisting criteria include the following;

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4+ years (for PHD), 6+years (for Masters) and 8+ years (for Bachelors) of experience in database administration and management of data infrastructure with expertise in large-scale, high-availability systems, backup and restore, database security, and advanced performance tuning.
• Proficiency in database platforms (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server) and performance optimization techniques (e.g., indexing, partitioning, query optimization).
• Strong knowledge of relational databases, concepts, and technologies. 
• Strong Experience in Data Profiling, enrichment and synchronization using Data Management tools. 
• Strong understanding of database structures, theories, principles, practices, data security, compliance requirements and frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCIDSS, SOC2 Type 2 and ISO 27001), and disaster recovery planning.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve complex database incidents, a collaborative mindset, and a strong commitment to mentoring and supporting team development.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders. 
• Relevant certifications such as Oracle Certifications (OCA, OCP), PostgreSQL Certification, SQL Server Certifications, or MySQL Certifications are a plus

The selection method is based on para 7.36 and 7.37 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulation.

The attention of interested individual is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”) revised November 2017, August 2018, September 2023, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

An individual will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant (Section V) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Expressions of interest (CV, cover letter and documentary evidence for fulfilling the qualifications) must be delivered in a written form to the address below by E-mail on or before April 28th, 2025. Further information can be obtained, by email at the below address during office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time: 

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,

National ID Program (NIDP)

Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project

Attn: Project Management Unit (PMU),

Address: Welosefer Bole, Ethio-China St, INSA Building, 15th Floor, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tele- +251-911-446582 or +251-912-200295

E-mail: zelalem@id.gov.et or nejmedin@id.et

Website: https://id.gov.et/

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia