Financial Technology (FinTech) Solutions Architect Job Vacancy in Soma, Gambia – Financial Technology & Digital Banking

Job Description

Position:Financial Technology (FinTech) Solutions Architect

Company:Visa Inc. Gambia Operations

Location:Soma, Gambia

Experience:Minimum 7 years in FinTech solution architecture, digital payments, or financial systems integration

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree or relevant certifications (AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, TOGAF) preferred

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Financial Technology & Digital Banking

Department:Technology Solutions & Architecture

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Visa Inc. is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable, and secure payment network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. Visa Inc. Gambia Operations represents our strategic commitment to advancing financial inclusion and digital transformation within The Gambia’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. We partner with local banks, fintech startups, merchants, and government agencies to develop and deploy cutting-edge payment solutions that drive economic growth and improve financial access for all Gambians. Our presence in Soma focuses on developing tailored technological infrastructure to support rural and urban digital finance initiatives, aligning with national strategies for a cash-lite economy.

As part of our expansion in West Africa, we are investing in local talent and technology hubs to create sustainable, scalable financial technology solutions. Working at Visa Gambia means joining a culture of innovation, integrity, and collaboration, where your contributions directly impact how people and businesses exchange value. We offer a dynamic, inclusive workplace that champions professional growth and technological excellence, making us a premier destination for those seeking Career Opportunities in Gambia in the high-growth fintech sector.

Job Overview

We are seeking a visionary and technically adept Financial Technology (FinTech) Solutions Architect to design, develop, and oversee the implementation of complex digital payment and banking solutions for our Gambian operations and partners. This senior role sits at the intersection of business strategy, software engineering, and system integration, requiring a deep understanding of payment processing, API ecosystems, cloud infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks specific to The Gambia’s financial sector. You will be the primary technical authority, translating business requirements from banks, mobile money operators, and merchants into robust, scalable, and secure architectural blueprints.

The successful candidate will lead the architectural design for projects such as real-time payment switches, digital wallet platforms, merchant acquiring systems, and fraud management solutions tailored for the Gambian market. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including product managers, software developers, security specialists, and partner institutions to ensure solutions are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This position is critical for driving Visa’s innovation agenda in Gambia, enabling new digital financial services that promote inclusion and economic resilience. For more Jobs in Gambia and to explore this role further, visit our partner portal at https://gambiajobsearch.com.

This role is based in our Soma technology hub, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of finance in a key regional center. We provide a competitive package, continuous learning opportunities, and the chance to work on transformative projects with global impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end architectural design and documentation for FinTech solutions, including digital payment platforms, core banking integrations, and omnichannel commerce systems.
• Develop and maintain architectural principles, standards, and roadmaps aligned with Visa’s global technology strategy and Gambia’s local regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders and product teams to analyze requirements and translate them into technical specifications and system designs.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies, frameworks, and tools (cloud services, APIs, databases) to build scalable, secure, and high-performance financial systems.
• Design robust API strategies and microservices architectures to enable seamless integration with partner banks, mobile network operators, and third-party service providers.
• Ensure all architectural solutions incorporate stringent security controls, data privacy measures (aligned with Gambian data protection laws), and disaster recovery protocols.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to development teams, conducting design reviews and ensuring adherence to architectural guidelines.
• Assess the technical feasibility of new product initiatives and innovation projects, providing effort estimates and risk assessments.
• Liaise with Visa’s global architecture teams to leverage best practices, reusable components, and ensure compliance with corporate technology policies.
• Monitor emerging FinTech trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape in The Gambia and West Africa to inform architectural evolution.

Required Skills

• Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman) and design patterns for high-volume, low-latency transaction systems.
• Deep knowledge of payment industry standards (ISO 8583, PCI DSS, EMV), protocols, and network architectures (VisaNet, local switches).
• Proficiency in cloud-native architecture (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong experience with API design and management (REST, GraphQL) and API gateway solutions (Apigee, MuleSoft).
• Advanced understanding of cybersecurity principles, encryption, tokenization, and fraud prevention mechanisms in financial contexts.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to balance strategic vision with practical implementation.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams in an Agile/Scrum development environment.
• Familiarity with The Gambia’s financial regulatory environment, including Central Bank of The Gambia guidelines for digital financial services.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly advantageous. Professional certifications are strongly preferred and may include: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Professional Cloud Architect, The Open Group TOGAF 9 Certification, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Continuous learning in emerging areas like blockchain for finance, AI/ML in payments, and quantum-safe cryptography is encouraged and supported.

Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in solution architecture, systems design, or technical leadership roles, with at least 4 years specifically within the FinTech, digital payments, or financial services technology sector. Demonstrable experience must include designing and implementing large-scale, mission-critical payment processing systems, core banking platforms, or digital wallet solutions. Prior experience working in or for financial institutions in The Gambia or the West African region is a significant advantage. Experience with vendor management, cross-cultural team collaboration, and navigating the regulatory landscape for financial technology is essential.

Benefits

• Highly competitive, tax-efficient salary package with performance-linked bonuses.
• Comprehensive private health, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents.
• Generous pension contribution scheme and life assurance coverage.
• Significant annual budget for professional development, conferences, and certification programs.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid remote work options.
• Paid time off including annual leave, public holidays, and volunteer days.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable) and housing allowance for candidates moving to Soma.
• Access to Visa’s global employee stock purchase plan.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness facilities (or subsidies), and mental health support.

Training

• Structured onboarding program introducing Visa’s global technology stack and Gambia-specific operations.
• Access to Visa’s world-class internal learning platform with thousands of courses on technology, leadership, and finance.
• Sponsorship for advanced industry certifications and attendance at international FinTech conferences.
• Regular hands-on workshops on emerging technologies like blockchain, AI in fraud detection, and cloud security.
• Leadership and management training programs for career progression into senior technology leadership roles.
• Mentorship from senior architects within Visa’s global technology organization.

Working Environment

You will be based in our modern, technology-enabled office in Soma, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The environment is professional, fast-paced, and results-oriented, yet supportive and inclusive. You will work alongside some of the brightest minds in payments technology, both locally and as part of Visa’s global network. We champion a culture of open communication, where ideas are valued, and calculated risk-taking is encouraged to drive innovation. The role involves occasional travel to partner sites within The Gambia and potentially to regional technology hubs.

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications are invited to submit their application. The process typically involves an initial review of credentials, followed by a series of interviews which may include technical assessments, case study presentations, and meetings with senior leadership from both the Gambia office and regional technology teams. We are committed to a transparent and efficient hiring process and will keep all candidates informed of their status. Please ensure your application highlights your specific experience with financial systems architecture and any relevant projects in The Gambia or similar markets. Discover more Job Vacancy in Gambia listings on our regional partner sites: https://lesothojobsearch.com/job-vacancy-lesotho/ and https://egyptjobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Visa Inc. Gambia Operations is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for Employment in Gambia without regard to ethnicity, tribe, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status under Gambian law. We particularly encourage applications from Gambian nationals and residents who are passionate about leveraging technology to advance their nation’s financial landscape. Join us in building the future of payments and creating meaningful Hiring in Gambia success stories.