German Speaking IT Security Architect

Ignite; Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 63,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual special payment

31 days paid annual leave

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Ignite in Berlin seeks an IT Security Architect to shape and protect our global IT security architecture and services. You will translate resilience requirements into scalable architecture concepts, lead complex infrastructure initiatives, and safeguard critical data across our global network.

This role blends high-level strategic influence with hands-on operational support within a modern, cloud-focused environment (Microsoft 365, MS Office).

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on IT security architecture or senior security engineering experience.
• University degree in IT, CS, cybersecurity, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of cloud infrastructures (Microsoft 365) and cloud security.
• Proficient German and English (B2) in writing and speaking.
• Willingness for occasional international travel (≈10%).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement organization-wide IT security and service architectures.
• Establish security standards, policies, and controls for global services.
• Lead cyber resilience, threat management, and incident response programs.
• Manage complex enterprise IT infrastructure projects.
• Provide hands-on operational support and security awareness initiatives.
• Collaborate with international teams and external providers.

Skills

IT security architecture

Cloud security

Vulnerability management

Security engineering

Change management

Education

University degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity

Tools

Microsoft 365

MS Office

Job description

• Job Title: IT Security Architect
• Location: Berlin, Germany (Hybrid – up to 60% remote per month / flexible on-site days)
• Industry: Global Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) / International Development
• Compensation: €63,300 – €69,300 gross p.a. (AVR-DD Tariff) + Annual Special Payment & Allowances
• Language Requirements: German (B2 minimum) & English (B2 minimum)
• Travel Requirements: Approx. 10% international travel (e.g., East Africa / Kenya)
• Employment Type: Permanent / Full-time

About the Organization

We are an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities in the world's most underserved communities. Rooted in values of inclusion, integrity, and international cooperation, we partner with local organizations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to drive sustainable change and break the cycle of poverty and disability.

With a global footprint and over 500 dedicated team members, our IT and digital operations serve as the critical backbone for hundreds of life-changing projects worldwide.

Role Overview

As an IT Security Architect, you will occupy a strategic key role responsible for shaping, evolving, and protecting the entire IT security and service architecture of our global organization. You will translate resilience requirements into scalable architecture concepts, lead complex infrastructure initiatives, and safeguard critical data across our global network.

This position balances high-level strategic influence with pragmatic, hands-on operational support within a modern, cloud-focused environment (Microsoft 365, MS Office, Cloud Security).

Key Responsibilities

• Architectural Leadership: Develop, continuously refine, and implement organization-wide IT security and service architectures aligned with our digital transformation strategy.
• Governance & Standards: Establish comprehensive security standards, guidelines, policies, and control mechanisms to safeguard systems, cloud infrastructure, data, and global services.
• Cyber Resilience & Threat Management: Direct and optimize information security, risk management, vulnerability assessments, and incident response programs. Monitor security infrastructure and proactively respond to threats (e.g., malware, phishing).
• Project Management: Lead complex, enterprise-level IT infrastructure and security projects from concept to execution.
• Operations & Administration: Provide hands-on operational support, assist in administering central IT systems, and drive security awareness initiatives across the organization.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate closely with internal international teams, regional offices, and external service providers to ensure seamless, secure operations.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Professional Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in IT security architecture, security engineering, or a comparable senior technical role.
• Education: University degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or an equivalent professional background.
• Technical Depth: Deep understanding of cloud infrastructures (Microsoft 365 / Cloud Security), network resilience, vulnerability management, and change-management principles.
• Language Skills: Professional working proficiency in both German (at least B2) and English (at least B2), written and spoken.
• Alignment with Mission: Strong alignment with values-driven, humanitarian work and a commitment to global inclusion.
• Flexibility: Willingness to undertake occasional international business trips (approx. 10%, including locations outside the EU such as Kenya).

Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized industry security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer).
• Prior experience working within international NGOs, multi-cultural organizations, or non-profit sectors.

Personal Attributes

• Solution-Oriented: Pragmatic, flexible, and possesses a strong hands-on mentality.
• Service-Minded: Excellent collaborative skills with a service-oriented mindset toward internal stakeholders and international project teams.
• Independent: Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities in a dynamic global environment.

What We Offer

• Meaningful Work: A high-impact role where your technical expertise directly supports international development and inclusion initiatives worldwide.
• Strategic Influence: High degree of creative freedom and direct influence over organizational technology decisions and architecture.
• Attractive Compensation: Secure tariff arrangement (AVR-DD EG 9) offering €63,300 – €69,300 gross/year, an annual special payment (13th month bonus), and a monthly child allowance (€100 per eligible child).
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid working model based in Berlin with up to 60% remote work per month, flexible presence days, and 31 days of paid annual leave.
• Modern Environment: Accessible, barrier-free offices with modern equipment and technology stacks.
• Professional Growth: Strong commitment to continuous professional development, training, and clear internal growth pathways.