CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Database Specialist to work in the Knowledge Management and Information Technology Department.

The Database Specialist (DB) with expertise in advanced data architectures will design, implement, and manage advanced database architectures to support efficient data processing, storage, and retrieval across CIMMYT. This role will ensure robust, scalable, and efficient database solutions tailored to the organization’s data storage, processing, and analytical needs.

The positions will be based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.

Specific duties:

• Oversee and optimize SQL Server databases, implementing indexing, performance tuning, and monitoring for efficiency and availability.
• Continuously improve database infrastructure, recommending tools, technologies, and best practices for scalability, high availability, and data quality.
• Manage the full Data Warehouse (DWH) lifecycle, including ETL processes, and develop automated data integration workflows using tools like SSIS.
• Design and maintain ETL processes to ensure fast, consistent, and high-quality data integration from various sources, using data cleansing practices for accuracy.
• Integrate and optimize systems with SQL Server, analytics tools, and cloud platforms, developing data pipelines for efficient processing and transformation.
• Implement data security policies and governance measures for compliance, data quality, accessibility, and continuous security monitoring.
• Act as an internal consultant, providing technical solutions for data access and usability, defining data domains, and creating access solutions for efficient interaction across departments.
• Provide training and guidance on data governance and access practices to enhance team efficiency.
• Deliverables include documentation on data models, ETL pipelines, regular performance reports, compliance records, and support for data teams with troubleshooting and performance tuning.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, or a related field.
• The selected candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in in database management, with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and drive.
• Proven ability to collaborate with business intelligence and IT teams to support data integration, processing, and analytics initiatives
• The selected candidate must have an advanced expertise in SQL Server and T-SQL, including the ability to develop and optimize stored procedures, views, indexes, and complex queries for high performance.
• The selected candidate must have a strong knowledge of data warehousing concepts, data modeling, and schema design (e.g., star and snowflake schemas), with hands-on experience in developing and optimizing robust data architectures.
• Proven skills in ETL processes and data integration, with experience using tools such as SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) or similar platforms to automate and streamline data workflows.
• Solid understanding of data governance practices and security protocols, including data protection, encryption, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• The selected candidate must have familiarity with data analytics and visualization tools, including Power BI, Azure Machine Learning, R, or Python, for developing analytical models and visualizing complex data.
• The selected candidate must have experience with cloud-based data management and processing on platforms such as Azure or AWS, with the ability to integrate cloud services into existing data infrastructure.
• Strong analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills to address complex database and data pipeline challenges effectively.
• Certifications in database management, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, or other relevant data certifications, are highly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, business intelligence, and IT, providing technical support and collaborating on data-driven projects.
• A collaborative mindset, comfortable working effectively with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, data engineers, and business analysts.
• Upper-intermediate proficiency in English, both written and conversational, with an expected minimum CEFR level of B2 (evaluation required).
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Organization, Critical thinking, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Client Orientation, and Communication.

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).