Software Engineer

This role was posted on October 18, 2023. Please note that we will review applications on a rolling basis and prioritize those received within the first two weeks of posting.

As of March 1, 2022, Last Mile Health requires staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 wherever legally allowable and adhere to COVID-19 vaccination requirements to perform core work activities in all locations. To learn more, review ourpolicy.

The Role

At Last Mile Health, we make bold commitments that inspire innovation. Do you have progressive experience in software system architecture, android mobile applications development, user-centred design and learning management systems?  If so, you may be our next Software Engineer.

As a Software Engineer, you play a pivotal role in the development and deployment of cutting-edge digital health applications tailored for Health Extension Workers (HEWs) in rural Ethiopia. Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health's digital health team, LMH's local and global digital health experts, and various stakeholders, your primary responsibility is to design, develop, and test digital learning tools.

Your tasks extend to the establishment, testing, and maintenance of server infrastructure for the Learning Management System. Ensuring its deployment at the Ministry of Health (MOH’s) data centre, you'll provide vital technical support for the development and implementation of digital health applications and services by the Ministry of Health. Your expertise is central to delivering high-quality, innovative, and fully functional mobile applications that enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency in Ethiopia's rural communities.

This role is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and is open to candidates who are located in and have work authorization in Ethiopia. 

Project Details

• Commitment – November 2023 to June 2024 at 40 hours per week 
• Location – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Remuneration range- $1,800 -$2,000 USD per month

What you’ll do

Design & Develop

• Gain a deep understanding of OppiaMobile architecture, including Android app, server, server dashboard, Moodle, and Oppia-Moodle Export Block. This involves understanding technical specifications, component interaction, and architectural principles.
• Collaborate with the Ethiopia Programs team and MoH to identify and document software development needs. This includes meetings, discussions, and user stories to capture requirements. Gather information for the development roadmap to estimate time, prioritize tasks, and plan app releases.
• Participate in agile software development sprints. This involves facilitating communication, updating tasks on Jira, writing technical specifications, estimating engineering time, and delivering high-quality code within the sprint deadlines.
• Regularly update and manage the Oppia Jira Board. This includes reviewing and responding to comments and feedback, updating ticket statuses, and handling issues and requests.
• Perform automated tests for code updates before releases. This involves writing test cases, setting up and running automated testing tools, and analyzing results to fix issues.
• Perform Quality Assurance (QA) on app releases, including code reviews, unit testing, regression testing on eLearning apps and servers, and ensuring releases meet technical requirements.
• Collaborate with Ethiopia Programs and global HSS teams to identify and fix software bugs. This includes debugging, problem-solving, and implementing fixes to ensure OppiaMobile's functionality.
• Work with the Global MERL & Ethiopia MERL team to gather data dashboard requirements and manage dashboards for EE and COVID applications. This includes understanding data needs, designing dashboards, and integrating systems as required.

Perform DevOps tasks

• Create Android Application Packages (APKs) at the end of each development sprint. This includes compiling the code, adding resources, and signing the package.
• Keep detailed release notes for each development sprint of Extension Essentials and COVID-19 apps. Include a summary of changes, bug fixes, and new features to provide clear and concise information for users and stakeholders.
• Work with LMH's Senior Software Engineer and MoH Digital Health Lead Executive Office (LEO) to create a detailed system transition plan. This includes identifying resources, outlining steps, and setting timelines for the transition.
• Migrate, deploy, and maintain Oppia Mobile and Moodle servers on MoH's on-premise data centre. This includes transferring data, setting up the server environment, and ensuring smooth operation.
• Manage Oppia and Moodle user accounts, including creation, updates, and deletions. Troubleshoot account and access issues to ensure effective server usage.
• Monitor the performance of the deployed digital health applications and services, identify and troubleshoot issues using monitoring tools, performance data analysis, and technical expertise.
• Update eLearning servers and Android mobile applications with the latest software versions. Download and install updates, test the software, and resolve any issues.

Deploy & Support

• Provide technical support for Digital Health Training activities, including deploying the Extension Essentials app and other MoH digital health tools for frontline health workers. This includes troubleshooting technical issues, guiding tool usage, and integrating tools into health workers' workflows.
• Engage in the deployment of digital health hardware, applications, and services led by the FMoH. Provide technical assistance and troubleshoot issues at training sites to ensure effective use of tools.
• Develop and deliver technical training for MoH to support handover and system transition. This includes creating materials, conducting sessions, and providing ongoing support for staff development.

What You'll Bring

• Comprehensive knowledge of software systems architecture and development life cycles, including requirements gathering, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation. Familiarity with software development methodologies and tools.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in full-stack software development. Proficient in backend development using Python, Java, Django, PHP, and SQL, and frontend development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, ReactJS, Angular, Vue, etc.
• Experience in developing Android apps using agile methodology. Proficiency in Java and Kotlin is required.
• Experience with cloud/on-premise hosting and administering server resources. 
• Extensive knowledge of User-Centered Design principles and practices, with a focus on designing software applications to meet end users' needs and preferences.
• Understanding and experience in customising open-source software.
• Experience with LMS, preferably Moodle LMS. Knowledge of Moodle Modules, libraries, plugins, third-party developers, and the Moodle community.
• Extensive unit test and debugging skills with a proficient understanding of code versioning tools, particularly Git.
• Demonstrated expertise in providing Training of Trainers (TOTs) and support for stakeholders and users. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

You’ll Impress Us If

• Knowledge of OppiaMobile or other similar learning Android applications
• Knowledge of digital health applications used in the Ethiopia HEW Program such as eCHIS, Commcare, and DHIS2
• Experience using Jira for issue and project tracking for software development management
• Experience working with the Ethiopian Government, preferably on a technology, health, or rural-focused project.
• Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Compensation Information

At Last Mile Health, we strive to reward our employees equitably and transparently. This means that we pay our employees based on a clear and consistent methodology and without regard to their identity or personal relationships. We have made this model fully transparent so that everyone has access to all information related to compensation. We hope this helps you better understand Last Mile Health’s values and commitments to our employees. We look forward to answering any questions you may have during the hiring process.

Before applying to this role, please take a moment to learn more about our approach to compensation and how compensation works in each of the countries where we operate. Please find the link to our compensation model and benefits overview below:

OVERVIEW OF LAST MILE HEALTH’S COMPENSATION MODEL

About Last Mile Health

Last Mile Health partners with governments to design, scale, strengthen, and sustain high-quality community health systems, which empower teams of community and frontline health workers to bring life-saving primary healthcare to the world’s most remote communities. LMH is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, visitwww.lastmilehealth.org.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at LMH. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status