Lead Programmer

WelTel International mHealth Society Kenya Branch Job Posting in Technology

WelTel Kenya is a nascent Non Profit Organization / NGO that originated in Kenya, but has headquarters in both Nairobi and British Columbia, Canada.

WelTel is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centred, health solutions, through the use of innovative, mobile technology, including low cost means such as SMS ‘texting’, in the management of HIV/AIDS and other health issues.

WeTel is currently initiating a scale up of its service in Kenya, and will be testing the launch of its mHealth service delivery model and SMS software platform at several clinical sites, and looking for new business opportunities to further advance this innovative method of health care delivery through mobile phones.

WelTel’s service delivery model was developed and proven in a clinical (research) trial (Lancet, Nov 2010), which proved that mHealth (mobile health) can improve health outcomes. It was also able to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and save lives.

Position Information: Lead Programmer

WelTel is looking to hire a skilled programmer (ICT Solutions Expert), to help lead the development and implementation of our SMS software platform.

Reporting to the Executive Director and Program Manager, the “Lead Programmer” is a key member of WelTel’s team, and will be responsible for further developing WelTel’s SMS software platform, and implementing its use at various sites.

Please note that availability to travel throughout Kenya is a requirement.

This individual should be self-motivated, pragmatic, able to communicate difficult concepts easily, be passionate and hard-working, be solutions-oriented and able to trouble shoot and solve problems quickly and efficiently.

Having good organisational and self-scheduling skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills is also critical for a position of this scope.

Due to the sensitive nature of this work, a Non-Disclosure Agreement statement will need to be signed before the project details can be discussed.

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

Product/Solution Innovation and Development

• Work with the project team and partners, to develop, package and document WelTel’s SMS software solutions and packages for roll out at various sites. Follow best of class programming practices including detailed documentation of the solutions code and functionality
• Understand the technical requirements of WelTel’s partners/clients and work closely with the business development manager and project manager to guide the direction of WelTel’s product offerings
• Implement WelTel’s text message software platform at various sites, and problem solve with clinics in order to fully implement WelTel’s service delivery model
• Perform needs assessments at various sites and troubleshoot needs related to implementation of the software platform in a time efficient and professional manner

Knowledge transfer and training

• Provide training to ensure that the clinics where solutions are installed are able to participate in basic maintenance and trouble shooting activities. Develop and provide training on maintenance programs to build local capacity; a critical aspect of this job

Project Management

• Working with minimal supervision, develop and follow project implementation plans
• Provide regular feedback to the management team

Project Champion

• Be passionate about the role ICT technologies can play in improving people’s lives. Be integral in designing and taking ownership for the ICT strategy for the project

Any other assignments as given by the Executive Director

Qualifications and Competencies:

Required Qualifications

• a degree in computer science is an asset as well as 5 years of programming experience in a real world setting
• Minimum of 3 years experience in mHealth, web to text, or mobile applications
• Experience contributing to open source projects
• Experience developing and launching new products

Additional Desired Qualifications (or willingness to learn)

• Languages: Ruby (1.9), JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3
• Frameworks: Ruby on Rails (3.0), jQuery
• Databases: MySQL
• Proven experience developing and maintaining a Ruby on Rails applications with database backend
• Experience with deployment, maintenance and operation of Linux based web servers (specifically Ubuntu)
• Familiarity with distributed application development and REST API design.
• Knowledge of other web development languages and frameworks (C#/.NET, Java/Spring, ExtJS etc)
• Familiarity with SMS application development, SMS aggregation, SMPP etc

An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.

Due to the highly confidential nature of this work, the right person will be diplomatic, discreet, politically correct and sensitive.

The position will report to the Executive Director and to the Canadian, WelTel Programming team, as well as keep relevant Kenyan staff totally current and informed on what is happening at all times.

The individual will receive feedback from the Project Manager, and will manage issues that arise from the health care workers using the system, as well as patient complaints should they arise.

Again, the successful candidate will not take issue with where the feedback comes from, but will make a plan to get things working efficiently.

Terms and Conditions

WelTel is an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary and a collegial working environment.

The appointment will be for an initial period of twelve (12) months, with a three (3) month probation period, with potential for extension and a renewal of contract subject to assessment of performance and availability of funds.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit their application, clearly indicating how they meet the requirements of the position, plus a detailed CV, stating their current position, remuneration, email and telephone contacts plus 3 references.

Salary will be conservatively open to negotiation for applicants with exceptional skills and extraordinary experience.

Your application should be sent via email to gmserafini@gmail.com and rlester.id@gmail.com by 12 March, 2012, with the title of the job being applied for in the subject line.

Interviews for the position will be held during the week of 20 March, 2012 in Nairobi.

Recruitment is done on merit and with no regard to one’s nationality, religion, race or creed.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.