Job Title: Junior Software Developer
Reports To: Systems and Cybersecurity Team Leader
Department: ICT Division: Finance, Legal And ICT
Location: Absa Towers

JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT

The job holder is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions, including:

  • Ensuring code quality and optimizing performance.
  • Enhancing user satisfaction by adhering to best practices and collaborating with the team.
  • Improving system reliability and supporting the ICT department in achieving its objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • System Development – Build and maintain software solutions that meet standards, ensuring reliability and performance.
  • System Maintenance  – Apply best practices, conduct code reviews, and write tests to keep code efficient and maintainable.
  • User Support: Facilitate user satisfaction through collaboration with relevant stakeholders and adhering to best practices and
  • Innovation and Continuous improvement: Innovate new ideas to improve developed processes.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Create systems and projects documentation processes.
  • Any other responsibilities assigned

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Efficient and high-quality code.
  • Efficiency system in scalability
  • Stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Timely completion of projects.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Systems Development (40%)

  • Engage in the complete software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements and designing system architecture to coding, testing, and deploying software solutions.
  • Follow industry-standard coding practices.
  • Build systems that are reliable and performant, ensuring they can handle the expected workload efficiently.
  • Write unit tests, integration tests, and conduct thorough testing to ensure the code functions as expected and is free of bugs before deployment.
  • Work closely with UI/UX designers to develop intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that meet user needs and expectations.
  • Design and implement scalable solutions that can grow with the business, ensuring systems remain efficient as user load increases.
  • Facilitate iterative testing and feedback before full-scale development.

System Maintenance and projects support (20%)

  • Regularly update existing systems to ensure they remain functional, secure, and aligned with evolving organizational needs Maintain consistent code style and writing.
  • Fix bugs and patches, perform upgrades, and troubleshoot issues as they arise Optimize database performance and queries to enhance application efficiency.
  • Analyze and improve database performance by optimizing queries, indexing strategies and schema designs.
  • Monitor database performance and make adjustments as needed to enhance overall application efficiency and responsiveness.
  • Monitor system performance metrics to identify bottlenecks or areas that require optimization.
  • Proactively address potential issues that could lead to system downtime, ensuring high availability and reliability.

User Support (10%)

  • Implement features that enhance usability, making the software more user friendly.
  • Train employees on systems use.
  • Engage with other teams such as design, product management, quality assurance, and operations to align on project goals and ensure cohesive execution.
  • Maintain open and clear communication with stakeholders to keep everyone informed about project progress, potential issues, and timelines.
  • Work together with team members to brainstorm and resolve challenges that arise during development, testing, or deployment phases.
  • Collect and analyze user feedback to continuously refine and improve the user experience, ensuring the software evolves with user needs.

Innovation and Continuous improvement (10%)

  • Stay updated with the latest technologies, frameworks, and tools that could enhance the development process or improve product offerings.
  • Conduct feasibility studies and present findings to stakeholders.
  • Develop prototypes for new features or products.
  • Provide constructive feedback during retrospectives or team meetings to help refine development practices, tool usage, and team workflows.
  • Actively participate in initiatives that aim to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance the overall development process.
  • Participate in regular code reviews with peers to identify and rectify issues early in the development process, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Engage the Senior Developer for coaching and mentorship.

Reporting and Documentation (10%)

  • Create documentation for system architecture, design decisions, and development for future developers
  • Write user manuals and guides that help end-users navigate and make the most of the software features.
  • Maintain and update documentation as systems evolve,
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing within the team and supporting long-term system maintenance.

Learning & Development (5%)

  • Participate in training sessions and workshops to enhance skills.
  • Stay updated with industry trends and technologies relevant to the company’s needs.

Other duties assigned from time to time (5%)


KEY FOCUS AREAS

Relationships

  • ICT Team
  • Digital Content Officer

Processes

  • Software Development & Management
  • Systems Onboarding
  • Change Management
  • IT Security Management

Decision Making & Communication

  • Ensuring code quality and consistency
  • Map Automation
  • Mitigating user requirements and expectations
  •  Improving system performance

Revenue

  • Revenue generation and cost management responsibility

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

  • Proficiency in Programming Languages and Frameworks
  • Proper Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-Solving skills
  • Proper communication and collaboration skills

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or any related field.
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in software development or related field
  • Training in Javascript, node.js, react, and related languages and database management.
  • Diploma in a Program Development is an added advantage

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

  • Programming Languages: JavaScript
  • Frameworks: NodeJS, NextJS
  • Libraries: React
  • Version Control: Git, GitHub
  • Database: MySQL
  • Other tools: VS Code, Postman

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

  • How to Apply: Submit your application to the email recruitment@optiven.co.ke
  • Deadline: Applications close on 31st January 2025.
  • Shortlisting Process: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Recruitment Fee: Optiven Group does not charge any fee for job applications, interviews, or placements.
  • Communication: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to high application volumes.
  • Disqualification: Any form of canvassing leads to automatic disqualification.
  • Consent: By applying, candidates agree to allow background checks as necessary.
  • Equal Opportunity: Optiven Group is an equal opportunity employer.•