Software Development Consultant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

AKADEMIYA2063 is an Africa-based non-profit research organization with headquarters in Kigali, Rwanda and a regional office in Dakar, Senegal. Inspired by the ambitions of Agenda 2063 and grounded in the recognition of the central importance of strong knowledge and evidence systems, the vision of AKADEMIYA2063 is an Africa with the expertise we need for the Africa we want. This expertise must be responsive to the continent’s needs for data and analysis to ensure high-quality policy design and execution. Inclusive, evidence-informed policymaking is key to meeting the continent’s development aspirations, creating wealth, and changing livelihoods for the better. AKADEMIYA2063’s overall mission is to create, across Africa and led from its headquarters in Rwanda, state-of-the-art technical capacities to support the efforts by the Member States of the African Union to achieve the key goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 of transforming national economies to boost growth and prosperity. Following from its vision and mission, the main goal of AKADEMIYA2063 is to help meet Africa’s needs at the continental, regional and national levels in terms of data, analytics, and mutual learning for the effective implementation of Agenda 2063 and the realization of its outcomes by a critical mass of countries. AKADEMIYA2063 strives to meet its goals through programs organized under five strategic areas—policy innovation, knowledge systems, capacity creation and deployment, operational support and data management, digital products, and technology—as well as partnerships and outreach activities. For more information, visit www.akademiya2063.org.

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Number: SN24006/RW24006

Position Title: Consultant, Software Development

Department: Data Management, Digital Products and Technology

Location: Hybrid

Duration: 5 months

Position Summary

This role is dedicated to the creation, enhancement, and maintenance of websites, digital platforms, and data portals supporting the DERPIn (Digitally Enabled Resilience and Nutrition Policy Innovations) project. The consultant will contribute to the development and implementation of key digital deliverables for DERPIn, which targets five African countries: Benin, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, and Uganda. The project aims to foster resilience and enhance nutrition policy through innovative tools and infrastructure. The software development work will directly support the project’s goal of providing customizable and user-friendly digital platforms for key beneficiaries, including senior government planners, policy analysts, smallholder farmers, and their organizations, private sector operators, and research institutions across these countries, contributing to sustainable food system transformation and enhanced resilience to future shocks.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design and implement scalable web and mobile applications in line with the DERPIn project’s objectives to create responsive and intuitive digital platforms, data portals, and tools. These platforms will facilitate the dissemination of geobiophysical, vulnerability, and nutrition data to support policy innovation and resilience-building efforts.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including those working on DERPIn deliverables, to ensure the integration of AI and remote sensing technologies into web-based applications.
3. Contribute to the operationalization and launch of digital infrastructure, including the customization of the Africa Agriculture Watch (AAgWa) platform, to address the specific needs of the project.
4. Craft and maintain responsive websites using industry best practices, embodying the organization’s brand identity while prioritizing user experience.
5. Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to gather, refine, and implement specifications and requirements, translating them into functional and visually appealing web and mobile solutions.
6. Maintain high-performance and availability of AKADEMIYA2063 websites and digital platforms, delivering seamless user experience.
7. Architect and implement scalable and efficient solutions using cutting-edge technologies and frameworks.
8. Support the development and integration of new technological tools and features into AKADEMIYA2063’s platforms, expanding the digital capabilities of the organization.
9. Stay updated with the latest research and trends in web and mobile applications and programming practices, ensuring AKADEMIYA2063 remains at the forefront of digital innovation.
10. Employ user-centered design principles to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that enhance user engagement and interaction.
11. Safeguard websites and digital platforms by ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and robust security measures.
12. Continuously optimize website and platform performance to provide an excellent user experience, enhancing usability and satisfaction.

Selection Criteria

1. Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Proven track record of 7+ years of experience in web and mobile development with a portfolio demonstrating expertise in delivering large-scale projects.
2. Strong knowledge and experience with frontend technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and modern frameworks/libraries (e.g., React.js, Angular, Vue.js, Flutter).
3. Proficiency in backend development using server-side languages (e.g., PHP, Node.js, Python, Java) and frameworks (e.g., Symfony, Express.js, Django).
4. Strong understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle (planning, designing, developing, testing, and deploying).
5. Hands-on experience with relational and non-relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), ORM libraries, data modeling, and optimization techniques.
6. Experience in designing, developing, and implementing RESTful Services and APIs.
7. Strong understanding of software security principles and best practices.
8. Experience in cloud-based development and deployment on platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
9. Familiarity with DevOps tools and practices for CI/CD, version control, and project management.
10. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a passion for delivering high-quality software solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working on international development projects or initiatives in Africa.
2. Knowledge of user-centered design principles and their application in web interfaces.
3. Experience working in short-term consultancy with tight deadlines.
4. Experience with agile development methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) and tools (e.g., JIRA, Rally).
5. Active participation in developer communities, contributions to open-source projects, or relevant certification.

Submission of Applications

If you are interested in this position, please click this link to send your detailed application including your CV, and cover letter in English, by November 7, 2024.

Additional Considerations

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• This Job Description only serves as a guide for the available position. AKADEMIYA2063 reserves the right to change, revise, omit, and add in part / in whole to this document.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• AKADEMIYA2063 is an equal-opportunity employer and offers an attractive and challenging working environment with opportunities for skill enhancement.
• By sending an application, candidates give consent for their personal data to be processed solely for applicable recruitment procedures.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for AKADEMIYA2063, due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted