Software Developer (Contract - full-time position)
We are seeking a skilled software developer to join our team focused on advancing digital health solutions in Malawi. The ideal candidate will contribute to the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the MaHIS, ensuring seamless integration with DHIS2 (District Health Information Software 2). This role involves applying practical knowledge of the MaHIS and DHIS2 technology stacks to build robust, scalable applications that support public health data management, reporting, and analytics. The incumbent will build tests to ensure specification completeness, document code, and also provide support for running projects.
Location: Lilongwe
Essential duties and responsibilities include:
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Work with the business analyst team to create the overall design for the software applications
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Design, develop, and deploy new features and modules for the MaHIS platform using its core technology stack, including backend services, APIs, and user interfaces.
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Integrate MaHIS with DHIS2 for real-time data synchronization, reporting, and interoperability, ensuring compliance with health data standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, where applicable).
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Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize existing MaHIS and DHIS2-integrated applications to enhance performance, security, and usability.
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Conduct code reviews, unit testing, and documentation to maintain code quality and facilitate team collaboration.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, prototype solutions, and support user training on developed features.
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Monitor system performance, implement updates, and contribute to disaster recovery and backup strategies for health data systems.
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Stay updated on emerging technologies in health informatics and propose innovations to improve MaHIS and DHIS2 workflows.
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Adhere to and contribute towards the improvement of the set standard operating procedures
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Document and maintain system documentation
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Participate in meetings as required
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Guide clients and users based on their specific needs.
Required Qualifications and Key Competencies:
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Bachelor's with a major in Computer Science
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At least 3 years of progressive work experience in software design and development
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Documented experience in developing FHIR-compliant software solutions development
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Knowledge of health information standards and interoperability frameworks (HL7, FHIR, OpenHIE) is a plus.
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Strong understanding of DHIS2 system configuration, data management, and analysis.
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Proficient in Ruby on Rails for backend and frontend development, with experience in React.js, Vue.js, or AngularJS, along with familiarity with JavaScript testing libraries (Mocha, Chai) and databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, CouchDB, Elasticsearch, and MongoDB.
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Experience with DevOps technologies such as Docker (Deployment), Jenkins/Circle CI (Continuous Integration), RabbitMQ (Messaging), and Nginx (Load Balancing) will be an added advantage
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Skilled in building and automating ETL data pipelines using Airbyte and Data Build Tool (dbt) for efficient transformation of FHIR resources.
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Experienced in integrating the HAPI FHIR Server with DHIS2 to enable seamless health data exchange and interoperability.
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Proficient in working within Linux/Unix environments
Soft Skills:
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Ability to multitask, work independently, be mature, and work under time pressure
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Ability to collaborate within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
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Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and dependable
Application process:
Applications indicating the position applied for, including a detailed CV, copies of certificates, and names of three traceable referees, should be submitted not later than 1st December 2025 to the address below:
The Registrar
University of Malawi
P.O. Box 280
Zomba
Malawi
Or
E-mail: vacancies@unima.ac.mw