Grameen Foundation (GF) helps the world’s poorest people reach their full potential, by connecting their determination and skills with the resources they need.  In Ghana, Grameen Foundation develops mobile phone based solutions to strengthen health care delivery and improve health behaviors, particularly for the rural poor, and is starting up a new program that will use mobile phones to help smallholder farmers improve their efficiency and productivity.

JOB SUMMARY & KEY PRIORITIES:

This position will be responsible for software development for the ICT Challenge project.  The Software Developer, will work closely with the Technology Innovations Manager and Group Manager, Software Development and collaborate with key stakeholders to implement the ICT Challenge project, a USAID initiative focused on providing ICT support to accelerate the adoption of new technologies that will yield food security and nutrition crops.  This individual will use deep knowledge in software design and programming and proven skills in working with software development teams to develop a suite of mobile tools for a project focused on developing a scalable suite of ICT-based services that will enable extension networks, input suppliers, and other value chain players to reach Ghanaian farmers with critical information on new agriculture technologies and promote their adoption and correct use in specific value chains such as maize, rice, sorghum, cassava, yam, and cowpea .

KEY RESULTS:

Work involves partnering closely with the Technology Innovations Manager and Group Manager, Software Development, to configure, design, refine and build suite of mobile tools and deliver against deadlines and internal/external partner requirements.  The Software Developer will be accountable for:

•   Working with program team to develop/interpret technical specifications and designs
•   Translating such specifications into appropriate, high quality and documented programs/applications, on time, for Grameen Foundation
•   Adopting Grameen Foundation development processes, best practice methods, tools and coding guidelines
•   Successfully communicating with the rest of the development team throughout the development process, participate in brain storming sessions on design and implementation specifications, aid in code reviews, and incorporate feedback from code reviews into their own code
•   Attending trainings and participating in knowledge transfer exercises. Where the candidate has superior knowledge, they will be expected to guide and train fellow team members
•   Offering input in planning, brainstorming, specification and resource estimation processes prior to development
•   Assisting in deployment and technical support of developed systems and applications
•   Being aware of current trends and techniques in the chosen tools, platforms and technologies

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•   Deep understanding of challenges facing poor, smallholder farmers and corresponding product/solution needs; combined with deep commitment to eradicating poverty
•   Understanding of the local context, target audience needs, and regulatory environment
•   Familiarity with system specification and design as well as various development processes and paradigms (required)
•   Knowledge of Java and multi-tier design (required)
•   Knowledge of salesforce.com development environment and knowledge of apex programming is a plus
•   Knowledge of data models, database design and object oriented programming is a plus
•   Familiarity with Test Driven Development (+)
•   Familiarity with J-unit (+)
•   Mobile application development (+)
•   Source/code control (+)
•   Web-services and cloud computing experience (+)
•   Familiarity with deploying and managing services on a UNIX/Linux operating system (+)
•   Programming in a team environment
•   English proficiency is needed

Database Skills

•   SQL Knowledge (Required)
•   Familiarity with Mysql and MSSQL (+)

Tools

•   Eclipse, Sublime Text or similar IDE tools
•   Git, Mercurial or similar source control tools/technologies  (+)
•   Familiarity with project management tools

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field
•   2+ years’ or equivalent experience as part of a software development team
•   Experience in developing web applications. Development for mobile phones, J2ME and Android experience are a plus.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should submit the following documents in addition to a cover letter:

•   Detailed Curriculum Vitae stating current and latest posts  (WITH DATES) as well as summary of job responsibilities
•   Certifies photocopies of relevant certificates of highest academic qualification
•   Names, e-mail addresses and  telephone numbers of three (3) Referees (work-related)
•   Applications should reach the following address not later than November 30,2014

Ana Herrera:  aherrera@grameenfoundation.org

Closing Date: 15 December, 2015

INDICATE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR IN THE SUBJECT LINE.