ERP Functional Solution Architect

As an ERP Functional Solution Architect, you will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing functional system processes and solutions that enhance our operational efficiency through our ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics D365) and related administrative applications. Your expertise will ensure that we achieve optimal efficacy, internal control, and compliance via automated application controls and access rights.You will be responsible for ensuring full integration and conducting impact analysis across various operational chapters and departments. This includes establishing comprehensive management reporting tools based on ERP source data and aligning with process owners and stakeholders' information needs.In your role as a Microsoft D365 Functional Specialist, you will coordinate new projects and liaise with the technology staff to address issues and changes reported by business users. You will conduct application fit-gap analyses, oversee design and development in collaboration with the ERP team and external consultants, and guide end-user training and testing throughout the project lifecycle.Your responsibilities will also include testing core functionalities, implementing new enhancements, and resolving production defects. You will assist with project communications, scheduling, and logistics, support business and end-user correspondence, and lead the preparation and updating of training materials.Moreover, you will be involved in change management related to technical requirements and assist key users in testing new functionalities while documenting and retaining ERP knowledge. You will ensure alignment between user IT strategies and the overarching departmental strategies, securing the necessary delegation to represent departmental IT requirements and priorities.Additionally, you will translate business needs into actionable technical requirements for the ERP team, facilitate workshops and meetings to capture stakeholder input, and collaborate with other Business Analysts on cross-departmental applications to harmonize requirements and resolve interdependencies.

As a leading non-profit organization, CIMMYT is committed to addressing global agricultural challenges through innovative solutions. We focus on enhancing the production of essential cereals such as maize, wheat, and sorghum, particularly in developing regions. Our partnerships empower millions of resource-poor farmers, aiming for a sustainable and resilient agrifood system. CIMMYT is a prominent CGIAR Research Center, dedicated to improving food security and natural resource management.The Senior ERP Functional Business Analyst plays a crucial role in aligning technology with business objectives, specifically focusing on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Fabric data analytics platform. This position is responsible for managing the full ERP lifecycle, ensuring quality delivery from initial requirements gathering to deployment and support, adhering to ITIL service management and CIMMYT's compliance standards.Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Engagement & RequirementsServe as the primary point of contact between the ERP team and business stakeholders, primarily Business Analysts.Collaborate with Functional Business Analysts and process owners to gather, refine, and prioritize business requirements.Validate Business Requirement Documents (BRD) and Functional Requirement Documents (FRD) for completeness and alignment with CIMMYT’s IT architecture.Identify and plan all prerequisites and dependencies before initiating solution development.Solution Strategy & Design GovernanceDetermine the delivery strategy, whether through internal development or outsourcing.Review Functional Design Documents (FDD) and technical design artifacts to ensure adherence to best practices.Prioritize the use of standard D365 features to minimize customizations.Maintain up-to-date system documentation for IT and user guidance.Vendor & Cost ManagementAssess and negotiate quotations from vendors for projects and change requests.Lead technical discussions and support commercial negotiations with partners.Delivery Oversight & Quality AssuranceEstablish and enforce structured Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) procedures.Ensure timely testing and adherence to defined acceptance criteria and test coverage.Conduct workshops and gather feedback to refine solutions.

CIMMYT is an innovative, non-profit international organization committed to addressing the challenges of tomorrow. Our mission focuses on enhancing the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and other related crops through the application of agricultural science. We emphasize building robust partnerships, particularly across the Global South, to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. Our work aims to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system that operates within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is at the forefront of a global research partnership dedicated to achieving a food-secure future, reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resource management.The ERP Development Manager will display the following competencies and observable behaviors to ensure the successful execution of CIMMYT’s ERP initiatives:A profound hands-on expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Finance & Operations/Customer Engagement), including data modeling, extensions, and application lifecycle management (ALM).Exceptional proficiency in Microsoft Power BI/Fabric for enterprise analytics, data modeling, DAX, and data governance.Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services (App Service, Logic Apps, Functions, Service Bus, Key Vault, Azure AD/Entra ID) along with DevOps pipelines (CI/CD).Solid understanding of databases and integration concepts: SQL Server, data warehousing, REST/JSON, OData, SOAP, and secure API designs.Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript, and contemporary front-end frameworks for ERP-related customizations and portals.Ideally, possess working knowledge of SAP Concur (expense, travel, invoice) integrations and Sapience platform configuration and data flows.Responsibilities:Build and lead a high-performing development team; set clear objectives, provide mentorship, and deliver constructive performance feedback.Create an inclusive, learning-oriented culture that encourages peer reviews, coding standards, and knowledge sharing.Balance workloads and prioritize tasks to ensure sustainable delivery pace and staff wellbeing.Promote a DevOps culture focusing on collaboration, continuous feedback, automation, and learning across internal teams and external partners, thereby reducing handoffs and enhancing value delivery.Define and manage Scope of Work (SoW) for outsourced partners, ensuring that all deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and budget constraints.Challenge estimates and quotations using effort baselines and negotiate fair rates.Enforce service level agreements (SLAs) and acceptance criteria; drive issue resolution and continuous improvement with vendors.Collaborate closely with the Solution Architect and the Project Management Office (PMO) on plans, dependencies, and milestones, maintaining transparency.

CIMMYT is an innovative, non-profit international organization committed to addressing the challenges of tomorrow, today. With a focus on enhancing the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple grains such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and other related crops, we leverage applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. By fostering robust partnerships, we aim to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while advancing a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary limits. As a core CGIAR Research Center, we are part of a global research partnership dedicated to reducing poverty, improving food and nutrition security, and enhancing natural resource management.The Business Analyst (BA) serves as a vital representative for specific functional areas, including Finance, HR, Procurement, Legal, and Programmatic Chapters, playing a crucial role throughout the corporate IT applications lifecycle. The BA is responsible for gathering and analyzing business needs, translating them into IT requirements, and ensuring alignment with functional strategies and objectives. Acting as a bridge between business stakeholders and CIMMYT IT teams, the BA facilitates clear communication and mutual understanding of goals, timelines, and constraints.The BA prioritizes requirements, balancing business value with IT feasibility and costs while managing interdependencies across various business processes and IT systems. They define project scopes, manage scope changes, and adapt to evolving needs. Furthermore, the BA leads testing of new applications and change requests to ensure that solutions meet business expectations and effectively address emerging issues.Throughout the process, the BA maintains comprehensive documentation, manages stakeholder relationships, and ensures the successful delivery of IT solutions that align with business objectives. The BA is essential for guaranteeing that IT projects deliver value and align with business priorities.To excel in this role, the BA should be an experienced professional with a deep understanding of corporate and departmental strategies, a trusted advisor to their principal, and a respected figure among colleagues and consulting partners, possessing the required seniority and expertise.

CIMMYT is an innovative, non-profit international organization committed to addressing the agricultural challenges of the future. Our mission is to enhance the quality, quantity, and sustainability of production systems for staple crops like maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. By forging strong partnerships, we aim to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, striving for a more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a central CGIAR Research Center, we are dedicated to reducing poverty, improving food and nutrition security, and enhancing natural resource management.For further details, please visit cimmyt.org.CIMMYT is currently constructing a Roster of qualified professionals for consideration for future roles across various locations and fields of expertise.What is a Roster?A roster is a curated pool of pre-assessed, qualified candidates who may be contacted as relevant positions arise. This strategic approach allows us to efficiently meet hiring needs and significantly reduce recruitment timelines.We invite applications for IT-related positions, including:Business AnalysisERP AnalysisData & AnalyticsDevelopment and Project ManagementFull-Stack DevelopmentThese roles will work collaboratively with business stakeholders and IT teams to provide scalable, secure, and value-driven solutions across the organization. We seek candidates who can act as strategic partners between business and technology, contributing to the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of enterprise solutions, primarily within the Microsoft ecosystem (Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Data & Analytics).The positions will be located in various countries where CIMMYT operates.