Database Administration Lead

The Executive Directorate (EXD) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General.  Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid.  As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide compliance and risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all of our functions. 

Main Responsibilities:  

Database Administration Management: 

• Provide database administration and management expertise for the Organisation, exercising an advice and control function to ensure that database infrastructure and services comply with corporate policies and requirements.
• Be the technical lead of the team; oversee and participate in the design, installation, management, evolution and decommissioning in the areas of a hybrid database infrastructure and services, including database servers, storage and backup/restore, to respond to business needs. This includes managing and maintaining infrastructure security. 
• Administer Microsoft SQL Server infrastructure and SQL in Azure to ensure its proper implementation, configuration, maintenance, and performance, as well as manage SQL databases through multiple product lifecycle environments.
• Ensure that optimal software, tools and monitoring systems are in place for database management. Troubleshoot unexpected issues and propose action to mitigate the risk of repeat occurrence. 
• Establish, promote and ensure compliance with secure infrastructure standards and procedures.
• Coordinate with the IT Service Desk, security, development, enterprise architects and product managers to deliver robust database services to the Organisation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with service providers. Apply new techniques and trends, in-line with the overall objectives and risk tolerance of the OECD, to ensure a smooth evolution of services provided.
• Contribute to establishing budgets and associated requirements for database infrastructure and services, including relevant licensing and the Cloud evolutions.

Management:  

• Work closely with other teams to ensure an integrated cross-practice vision of EXD/DKI products and services; ensure that solutions/services proposed meet client requirements; establish, apply and ensure compliance to security standards and adopted methodologies; support definition and provide inputs for a sourcing strategy to meet the Organisation’s requirements. Participate in post-deployment reviews.
• Lead and manage the SQL team (2 people), staff and contractors to deliver the Programme of Work and ensure service continuity and staff development. Be a mentor, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth. Ensure delivery of high-quality outputs on time and on budget.
• Facilitate effective communication within the team and with other departments, promoting a collaborative work environment.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Identify training needs and opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Manage relations with third-party suppliers to ensure the required level of service is provided and value for money is maximised for the Organisation. 
• Provide relevant inputs to the Head of Unit and the Head of Division including for budget planning and, reporting on budget, portfolio and service status; define and provide related Key Performance Indicators.
• Stay up-to-date with current and emerging industry trends, related technologies, methodologies and best practices; support an environment that enables continuous learning, innovation and knowledge-sharing across teams.

Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in information technology or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Relevant industry certifications e.g. on SQL Server, SQL in Azure or Azure in general.

Professional Background:  

• Five years of experience in managing large, complex database infrastructures, services and projects, their implementation, maintenance and support, and associated budgets.
• Professional experience implementing and managing a secure hybrid database infrastructure and associated services in the Cloud.
• Broad knowledge of current and emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices together with demonstrated experience evaluating their strategic value.
• Knowledge of IT project management methodologies and industry frameworks.
• Experience in guiding and managing staff and contractors in a matrix organisational structure. 
• Experience in an international and cross-cultural setting would be preferable.

Tools: 

• Microsoft SQL Server, PowerShell Scripting, Windows Server, Microsoft Azure.
• Knowledge of database reporting and monitoring tools, e.g. Microsoft System Center Operations Manager, RedGate, SquaredUp, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services.
• Familiarity with source control tools, e.g Azure DevOps Server, GitHub.
• Knowledge of database backup tooling (NetBackup) and Cloud database (Microsoft Azure) management is also desirable.

Languages:   

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset. 

Source: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/OECD/744000039375914-database-administration-lead?trid=3b3fd07c-0791-4ac8-9ea8-cc2477730cb5