Senior Software Engineer Job in Kenya

Bridge International Academies is a startup revolutionizing education across Africa with a truly unique business model. The company has launched a large-scale franchise-like network of ultra low-cost for-profit private primary schools across Africa.

Our schools profitably deliver high-quality education for less than $4 per child per month, enabling local school managers to operate their school businesses profitably, while creating a highly successful business at the central level. We now have 22 schools in Kenya, and plan to rapidly scale the company to serve more than 1 million students.

We have and are continuing to develop one of the most sophisticated operational approaches to providing affordable education to MILLIONS of children in one of the most challenging environments in the world!

Our success relies on our “School in a Box”, a sophisticated set of custom developed systems, tools and processes (think McDonalds or Starbucks) that are used by all School Managers, as well as by support teams at Headquarters to audit, monitor and support all of our schools.

While the end-user (School Manager) technology at the school is limited to paper and a mobile phone, all of our systems and processes are underpinned by a sophisticated set of supporting and enabling technologies that allows schools to operate cost effectively and efficiently, with oversight by headquarters.

We are looking for a full time Senior Software Engineer with responsibilities of:

• Leading the development of custom enterprise software to power and improve the efficiency of our rigorous processes at both our schools and headquarters
• Architecture, designing, implementation and debugging
• Integration of our custom systems with off the shelf software
• Database design and optimization
• Requirements analysis and user interface design
• Supporting in-house users of our custom software and problem solving

About You

• You have BA/BS in Computer Science or related technical field
• You are an exceptionally talented coder with knowledge of multiple programming languages and frameworks
• You have a minimum of 5 years experience developing custom-built software to enable internal business processes.
• You have experience integrating off-the-shelf and custom-built technologies
• You have developed and supported systems that are critical to the day to day operations of medium and large organizations (ERP, financial systems, CRM…)
• You have designed and supported large databases and are skilled at writing SQL
• You have experience taking software projects through the entire software lifecycle (requirements analysis, design, implementation, deployment, post deployment support)
• You work well as part of a team and like to both teach and learn from others
• You are familiar with professional software development practices such as source code control, defect tracking, unit testing and code reviews
• You love to write code and solve challenging problems
• You function well in a fast-paced, informal environment where constant change is the norm and the bar for quality is set high
• You are in expert in two or more of the following technologies: C#/.NET development, MS SQL Server, PHP/MySQL web development, SugarCRM, Android development, Microsoft Dynamics Navision

Location: The job is based in our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Examples of our Software Needs

The following are examples some of the software projects that are currently under development or consideration:

• Automated Student Payment Information System - manages billing, automatically updates database with data from banks and mobile payment systems, provides tools for operator to correct and assign payments, and uses SMS interface to send coded updates to Schools, and receive interactive SMS queries and remote error correction.
• Customized integrated financial system - taking customizable financial package and integrating with payment information system, reporting tools, and developing additional tools for automated budget tracking, and SMS-based payment requests and school payroll.
• Data Management and Dashboard/Reporting Tools for HQ staff to support schools - we are developing tools that collect key performance data and provide dashboards/reports to allow support teams to monitor progress of our schools.
• Android Mobile Phone App - We are porting of many of our paper-based processes at our schools to a mobile phone app on the Android platform to streamline school operations.

Apply for this position: http://hire.jobvite.com/j/?cj=owssVfw5&s=jobsinkenya

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Android Software Engineer Job in Kenya

Bridge International Academies is a startup revolutionizing education across Africa with a truly unique business model. The company has launched a large-scale franchise-like network of ultra low-cost for-profit private primary schools across Africa.

Our schools profitably deliver high-quality education for less than $4 per child per month, enabling local school managers to operate their school businesses profitably, while creating a highly successful business at the central level. We now have 22 schools in Kenya, and plan to rapidly scale the company to serve more than 1 million students.

We have and are continuing to develop one of the most sophisticated operational approaches to providing affordable education to MILLIONS of children in one of the most challenging environments in the world!

Our success relies on our “School in a Box”, a sophisticated set of custom developed systems, tools and processes (think McDonalds or Starbucks) that are used by all School Managers, as well as by support teams at Headquarters to audit, monitor and support all of our schools.

While the end-user (School Manager) technology at the school is limited to paper and a mobile phone, all of our systems and processes are underpinned by a sophisticated set of supporting and enabling technologies that allows schools to operate cost effectively and efficiently, with oversight by headquarters.

We are looking for a full time Software Engineer - Android to design and develop Android applications for tablets/smartphones to allow remote users to access our databases and back-end systems.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Software design, implementation and debugging
• Testing and user support
• Working with end users to fine tune software to best take advantage of hardware features
• Evaluation and recommendations of appropriate hardware platforms

About You

• You have BA/BS in Computer Science or related technical field
• You have a minimum of 1 year of experience developing software for Android and can demonstrate applications that you have built
• You have a minimum of 2 years of experience with Java programming
• You have experience writing mobile applications that interact with remote databases over the internet
• You work well as part of a team and like to both teach and learn from others
• You are familiar with professional software development practices such as source code control, defect tracking, unit testing and code reviews
• You love to write code and solve challenging problems
• You function well in a fast-paced, informal environment where constant change is the norm and the bar for quality is set high
• Experience with C#, MS SQL Server, PHP, MySQL or SugarCRM is a plus.

Location: The job is based in our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Examples of our Software Needs

The following are examples some of the software projects that are currently under development or consideration:

• Automated Student Payment Information System - manages billing, automatically updates database with data from banks and mobile payment systems, provides tools for operator to correct and assign payments, and uses SMS interface to send coded updates to Schools, and receive interactive SMS queries and remote error correction.
• Customized integrated financial system - taking customizable financial package and integrating with payment information system, reporting tools, and developing additional tools for automated budget tracking, and SMS-based payment requests and school payroll.
• Data Management and Dashboard/Reporting Tools for HQ staff to support schools - we are developing tools that collect key performance data and provide dashboards/reports to allow support teams to monitor progress of our schools.
• Android Mobile Phone App - We are porting of many of our paper-based processes at our schools to a mobile phone app on the Android platform to streamline school operations.

Use the following link to apply: http://hire.jobvite.com/j/?cj=olOvVfwj&s=jobsinkenya

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ICT Systems Administrator Job in Kenya - KEMRI / University of Washington

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in collaboration with the University of Washington (UW) is conducting research studies at multiple sites in Kenya including Nairobi, Kilifi, Kisumu and Kisii.

Due to the increased number of research projects with KEMRI/UW, the study seeks to recruit dynamic, innovative and experienced person to fill the following position:

ICT Systems Administrator

The successful candidate will be based in Nairobi and he/she will be reporting to the Data/IT Coordinator.

The incumbent will be responsible for managing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure of KEMRI/UW at their headquarters at KEMRI HQ and at the field sites.

Essential Functions:

The ICT Systems Administration will be responsible for:

• Effective installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure at KEMRI/UW.
• Participates in technical research and development to enable continuing recommendations for enhancements within the existing infrastructure.
• Ensures that system hardware, operating systems, software systems, and related procedures adhere to organizational values, enabling staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Assist staff, volunteers, and partners with technical issues encountered in the execution of their duties. These activities include the definition of needs, benefits, and technical strategy; research & development; technical analysis; and support of operations staff in executing, testing and rolling-out technical solutions.
• Develop and implement an ICT policy for KEMRI/UW and will be accountable for the LAN infrastructure that includes the following core systems: Linux and Windows based systems that support the Electronic Medical Records System, Accounting, electronic messaging, network and data security, internet connectivity, and sharing of network resources.
• Install new / rebuild existing servers and configure hardware, peripherals, services, settings, directories, storage, etc. in accordance with KEMRI/UW ICT Policy
• Develop and maintain installation and configuration procedures.
• Perform daily system monitoring, verifying the security, integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems and key processes, reviewing system and application logs, and verifying completion of scheduled jobs such as backups.
• Perform daily backup operations, ensuring all required file systems and system data are successfully backed up to the appropriate media, recovery tapes or disks are created, and media is recycled and sent off site as necessary.
• Perform regular file archival and purge as necessary.
• Provide training to staff members on implemented systems and applications
• Repair and recover from hardware or software failures. Coordinate and communicate with impacted staff
• Maintain data center environmental and monitoring equipment.

Qualities Expected:

• Complexity/problem solving:
• Dealing with a variety of problems and as the technical lead deciding which solution is best or providing possible options to senior management.

Responsibility/oversight – financial & supervisory:

Functions as the lead for Information and Communication Technology with responsibilities for of group training, individual instructions and possibly evaluating performance of field ICT or data clerk staff in line with ICT policy. Will supervise ICT interns.

Communications/interpersonal contacts:

Interpret and/or discuss information with staff and visitors ranging from the Director to field staff with little computer experience, which involves terminology or concepts not familiar to many people; regularly provide advice and recommend actions involving rather complex issues.

May resolve problems within established practices.

Minimum Qualification:

• Be a holder of a bachelors degree in IT (Computer Science, IT technology or other related IT degree)
• Solid knowledge of LAN/WAN Configurations with experience in routers, switches, internet firewalls and wireless technology
• Server Configuration and deployment.
• MS Windows Server with SharePoint.
• Hardware and Software troubleshooting skills.
• Minimum 3 years working experience in a busy IT environment with remote locations

Terms of Employment:

One year renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service and a probation period for the first 3 months.

Remuneration:

Compensation is negotiable within a relevant grade, based on educational levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency.

The salary scheme is based on the KEMRI salary scales.

If you meet the above requirements, please fill this form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHZFd0lMdE9BWU12RDZkS2ItNXo4X0E6MQ and then send an application with your current CV that contains details of your qualifications, experience and the full time telephone number and names and addresses of 3 referees to Email address: kemriuwjobs@gmail.com to reach us by 13th May, 2011 at 5.00 p.m.

Note: Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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UN Children's Fund Consultant Job Opportunity

Vacancy Ref No. UNSOM/2011/023

Functional Title: Consultant for Rehabilitation / Reconstruction

Duty Station: Nairobi with frequent travel inside Somalia

Duration: May through December 2011

Closing date: 15 May 2011

Background

UNICEF Somalia plans to begin implementing a variety of construction activities in the second half of 2011.

These activities will be implemented as two separate projects:

a) construction and rehabilitation of health facilities in Somaliland, Puntland and Central South Zone of Somalia; and,

b) support the construction of office blocks and a guest house in Somaliland.

The deliverables of both projects include:

• Development of concept designs, architectural drawings, structural drawings, electrical drawings, water system layout and sewerage system, and boundary wall of selected facilities (to be done in agreement with MNCH Manager and Chief of Operations accordingly)
• Develop bills of quantities with estimated costs suitable for tendering the project to construction firms in Somalia
• Assisting the UNICEF Somalia office to prepare bidding documents
• Providing the UNICEF Somalia Office with a technical assessment of proposals
• Managing a full time onsite site engineer during the entire construction process
• Frequent – monthly – on site inspections of the project requiring travel to rehabilitation / construction sites

The terms of reference for each project are as follows:

Main Duties/Responsibilities for Project A

The consultant will undertake the following key tasks as part of the overall assignment. The consultant will be overall responsible for the management, and completion of the selected health facilities rehabilitation/construction project as defined by available resources.

Major Tasks to be performed:

A. Development of concept design, architectural drawings, structural drawings, electrical drawings, water system layout and sewerage system, and boundary wall based on civil work assessment of selected 15 MCH centers (3-4 rooms each) and maternity units of five hospitals.

B. Develop bills of quantities with estimated costs suitable for tendering the project to local construction firms in Somalia

C. Assisting the UNICEF Somalia office to prepare bidding documents

D. Providing the UNICEF Somalia Office with a technical assessment of proposals

E. Frequent monthly on site inspections of the project requiring travel to rehabilitation / construction sites

F. Managing the physical completion as well as operational and financial closure of the project, which includes overseeing/managing the contractor

G. Advising the office on acceptance of the project at the completion of construction.

H. Follow-up and support MOH (and JPLG team) to ensure that designs and standards for health infrastructure are respected,

I. Design/implement capacity building program for MOH staff.

Deliverables

• Development and agreement of concept design.
• Development of detailed drawing (structural, electrical, etc.) suitable for bidding
• Development of Bills of Quantities suitable for bidding
• Assist in preparation of bidding documents
• Evaluation of proposals
• Development and implementation of a plan of supervision
• Assistance in identification of a full time, onsite engineer
• Periodic supervision reports
• Review and certification of invoices for construction contractor progress payments
• Final report submitted

Main Duties/Responsibilities for Project B

Lead the process of a design and completion construction consultancy.

The consultant is responsible for the concept design, development of detailed designs, cost analysis, development of BOQs, and supervision of the UNICEF guest house construction project.

Develop a plan for the UNICEF guest house consisting of two floors with total of no more than 600m2 (eg 300 m2 each floor) with:

• 12 self-contained “dormitory” rooms (approx. 4m x 4m each);
• kitchen (5m x 4 m) with small storage area;
• dining area and lounge (for 12 + residents)
• administrative office and attached store area (5m x 4 m)
• exercise room ((5m x 4 m)

The assignment includes the following:

• general layout plan;
• architectural design; structural design;
• water and sanitation system;
• electrical layout, assistance with preparation of bidding documentation and project supervision.
• In addition this assignment includes supervision of construction of the entire premises project which include two office blocks, cafeteria area, conference center and related construction (perimeter wall, reception area, vehicle screening area etc).
• Detailed plans and BoQs are completed for this portion of this project.

Major Tasks to be performed:

• Develop concept design
• Development of architectural drawings, structural drawings, electrical drawings, water system layout and sewerage system, and boundary wall
• Develop bills of quantities with estimated costs suitable for tendering the project to construction firms in Somalia
• Assisting the UNICEF Somalia office to prepare bidding documents
• Providing the UNICEF Somalia Office with a technical assessment of proposals
• Managing a full time onsite site engineer during the entire construction process
• Frequent – monthly – on site inspections of the project requiring travel to Hargeisa
• Managing the physical completion as well as operational and financial closure of the project, which includes overseeing/managing the contractor
• Advising the office on acceptance of the project at the completion of construction

Deliverables

1. Development and agreement of concept design with Chief of Field Office Hargeisa and Chief of Operations
2. Development of detailed drawing (structural, electrical, etc.) suitable for bidding
3. Development of Bills of Quantities suitable for bidding
4. Assist in preparation of bidding documents
5. Evaluation of proposals
6. Development and implementation of a plan of supervision
7. Assistance in identification of a full time, onsite engineer
8. Periodic supervision reports
9. Review and certification of invoices for construction contractor progress payments

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary degree in engineering
• Minimum of 15 years relevant work experience, with extensive technical knowledge of structural and construction engineering, and very familiar and experienced with the details of basic infrastructure design, planning, architecture, quantify surveying, etc.
• Practical experience with larger scale construction projects in Somalia/Somaliland an advantage

Management, Organization and timeframe

Project A

The consultant will be supervised and guided by the MNCH Manager, in close consultation with Chief of Health, Global Fund team and the Chiefs of Field Offices

Project B

The consultant will be supervised and guided by the Nairobi-based Chief of Operations and in close consultation with the Chief of Field Office, North West Zone

Time Frame

• May 2011 through December 2011

Budget and Remuneration Fees will be negotiated on the basis of the current UNICEF P-4 negotiating fee range. USD 3,000 per month subsistence allowance (on prorated basis) will be paid (for non-Nairobi based consultants only) irrespective of the consultant being in Nairobi or inside Somalia. During missions in Somalia, the consultant will get DSA at the applicable UN rate.

Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications with updated CV and copies of academic certificates to the address below. UN staff are requested to provide the last two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs). Please quote the vacancy number in your application. Closing date for applications is 15/05/2011.

Email to: somaliahrvacancies@unicef.org

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted

Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply

UNICEF is a non-smoking environment

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