Senior Software Developer at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

This is a middle level position for this opening with higher levels of Autonomy, Influence and Complexity. Following SFIA 6 framework, this position is rated at Level 4.  The candidate would advise on the design, creation, testing and documenting of new and amended programs from supplied specifications to meet programme’s business objectives in accordance with agreed standards.

Description: 

REPORTS TO: Software Development Manager

BUDGET AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Ensure and advise on software systems specifications required to meet budgetary constraints.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze and propose solutions to user and technical requirements for both backend and frontend to ensure enhanced user experience.
• Review with the Software Development Manager the Software development framework and processes.
• Designs, codes, tests, corrects, and documents large and/or complex programs which span across the enterprise using agreed standards and tools, to achieve a well-engineered result.
• Conducts reviews of supplied specifications, with others as appropriate.
• Takes part in reviews of own work and leads reviews of colleagues’ work.
• Working with Database Administrators and System Administrators to ensure optimal systems performance in the programme.
• Expected to conduct system analysis of systems as directed by SDM.
• Responding promptly and professionally to bug reports.
• To participate in the execution and support for all IT Projects        
• Expected to conduct system analysis and development, with limited support from professional staff, to keep our systems current with changing technologies.
• Responsible for development of new programs, analyzes current programs and processes, and making recommendations that yield a more cost-effective product.
• Document code consistently throughout the development process by listing a description of the program, special instructions, and any changes made in database tables on procedural.
• Observe Change Control, Event, Configuration, and Incident management as minimum business processes when executing Service Design and Transition
• Adhere to IT development standards on naming conventions, code testing, release management, source code control, and collaboration.
• Carry out research and development on enterprise applications as directed by IT management to meet various programme needs.
• Respond to business-as-usual system requests for complex systems.
• Mentoring Software developers and other technical staff.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Degree in Computer Science or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of Software development work experience.
• Proficient in PHP or Microsoft .Net programming languages and frameworks and related Open-Source Technologies.
• Strong understanding of the software development life cycle.
• Have a good mastery of software engineering best practices.
• Experience and working knowledge of database management systems and SQL.
• Experience in web Services protocols such as REST, SOAP and API design for extensibility and portability.

DESIRABLE:

• Programmer Certification (e.g. MCSD, ZEND PHP, Mobile Apps Dev) with evidence of the exam certificate done by an authorised testing body, i.e. Pearson VUE, Prometric etc.)
• Ability to develop Enterprise solutions using Microsoft power-platform.
• Experience with Scrum/Agile development methodologies
• Experience of working in a research establishment
• Mobile Applications Development.
• Database Sever administration.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to multi-task and stay organized in a dynamic work environment.
• Expert knowledge of data structures and algorithms.
• Expert knowledge of computer program design methods and techniques.
• Excellent skills in problem solving, debugging, troubleshooting and maintenance of software applications.
• Ability to learn new programming languages quickly.
• Expert knowledge of writing program documentation.
• Strong communications skills, both in writing and speaking.
• Ability to work with technical and non-technical business owners to get things done.
• Proficient in source code and version control.
• Have a creative mind.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya.