Back End Development Senior Specialist

JOB PURPOSE

This role plays a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining robust back-end systems to support the organization’s innovation projects. This role focuses on building scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions that align with the organization’s goals. The specialist will work closely with front-end developers, product teams, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and functionality across all platforms.

Under the supervision of the Innovation & Solutions Head, the following are among the Job Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain back-end applications, APIs, and microservices.
• Write clean, well-documented, and scalable code following best practices.
• Ensure seamless integration with databases, front-end components, and third-party services.
• Optimize code and database queries to improve system performance and scalability.
• Implement security protocols to safeguard applications and data from vulnerabilities.
• Conduct regular code reviews, testing, and debugging to ensure system reliability.
• Work closely with front-end developers to ensure smooth system integration.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and innovation teams to align back-end solutions with project requirements.
• Coordinate with DevOps teams to streamline deployment processes and automation.
• Identify opportunities to leverage new technologies, frameworks, and tools for back-end development.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions, prototypes, and proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system architecture, APIs, and workflows.
• Provide regular reports on project progress and system performance to the Head of Innovation & Solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior developers in best practices and coding standards.
• Any other responsibilities or tasks as maybe assigned by management.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL CONTACT

• External: Vendors

• Internal: All internal Business Units

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade 12 Certificate with Credit or above mandatory in Mathematics and English and any other three subjects
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field
• Zambia Qualifications Authority (Zaqa) Verification Certificate for Tertiary Qualifications
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience with at least 5 years’ experience in back-end development, including building APIs, databases, and microservices
• Proven track record of delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance applications.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js, Go, or .NET).
• Expertise in working with relational and non-relational databases (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and integration tools.

JOB CORE COMPETENCIES

• Proactive & Innovative mindset
• Problem solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Drive for results
• Adaptability
• Communication and presentation skills