About the Organization
Merq Consultancy PLC is a consultancy firm based in Ethiopia, operating an Information Systems & Digital Health Unit that works on digital health platforms, research and data platforms, web and mobile applications, AI-enabled applications, and digital transformation projects.
Job Summary
The Junior Software Engineer will support the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software solutions within the Information Systems & Digital Health Unit. The role provides hands-on experience in software engineering, digital health applications, artificial intelligence solutions, web platforms, cloud technologies, and modern software development practices. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of senior engineers and collaborate with software developers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and project teams to build secure, scalable, and user-centered technology solutions.
The unit works on initiatives including:
Digital health platforms and health information systems
Research and data platforms
Web and mobile applications
AI-enabled applications and automation solutions
Organizational websites and CMS platforms
Software integrations and digital transformation projects
Key Responsibilities
Software Development
Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications.
Develop frontend and backend features under the guidance of senior engineers.
Build and integrate REST APIs, backend services, and software components.
Support database development, optimization, and data management activities.
Troubleshoot software issues and contribute to system improvements.
Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, documentation, and quality improvement activities.
Apply secure software development practices, including authentication, authorization, data protection, and responsible handling of sensitive information.
Digital Health and Information Systems
Support the development and improvement of digital health applications and information systems.
Translate user and stakeholder requirements into practical software solutions.
Contribute to technology solutions supporting healthcare delivery, research, and organizational activities.
Support data-driven applications and digital transformation initiatives.
Follow principles of privacy, confidentiality, security, and responsible healthcare data management.
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
Support integration of AI services and APIs into software applications.
Assist in developing AI-enabled assistants, chatbots, automation tools, and knowledge-based applications.
Support AI experimentation, testing, and evaluation activities.
Work with concepts including:
Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI applications, Prompt engineering
Embeddings and semantic search, Vector databases
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI assistants and automation workflows
Web Development and CMS Support
Develop and maintain web applications and organizational websites.
Support WordPress CMS administration, customization, updates, backups, and security maintenance.
Develop web features using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and related technologies.
Support PHP/Laravel-based applications when required.
Assist with website performance, accessibility, responsiveness, and third-party integrations.
Deployment, Testing, and Collaboration
Support application deployment and development environments.
Use Git-based workflows and collaborative development practices.
Work with Docker environments and modern development tools.
Support CI/CD processes and cloud deployment activities.
Participate in testing, debugging, documentation, and continuous improvement activities.
Collaborate with engineers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and project teams.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or related fields.
0–2 years of software development experience. Fresh graduates with strong academic projects, internships, GitHub repositories, freelance work, or personal applications are encouraged to apply.
Software Development Skills
Frontend and backend development concepts
REST APIs and system integrations, Application architecture concepts
Software testing and debugging, Secure software development practices
Object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts
Data structures and algorithms fundamentals
Git-based development workflows
Technology Stack
Frontend
React.js, React Native, Next.js, JavaScript (ES6+), TypeScript, HTML5, CSS3, Tailwind CSS
Responsive web development principles
Backend
Node.js / Express.js
Python, FastAPI, Django, PHP, Laravel
Java / Spring Boot (advantage)
RESTful API development, API authentication and integration concepts
Databases
PostgreSQL, MySQL / MariaDB and SQL queries and database design concepts
MongoDB
Redis (basic exposure)
Web and CMS Technologies
WordPress CMS
PHP-based web applications
Website administration and maintenance
Website security, backups, and performance optimization
Basic SEO and website analytics concepts
Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI applications
AI APIs, Prompt engineering
Embeddings, Semantic search
Vector databases: Pinecone, Weaviate, ChromaDB, FAISS
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
AI assistants, chatbots, and automation workflows
AI agent concepts
DevOps, Cloud, and Engineering Tools
Git, GitHub / GitLab and CI/CD concepts, Docker, Docker Compose
Cloud platforms: AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure and Linux environments
API testing tools such as Postman
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing software projects through academic work, internships, freelance or personal projects.
GitHub portfolio demonstrating software projects or technical experimentation.
Experience with React, React Native, Node.js, Python frameworks, PHP, Laravel, or WordPress.
Exposure to Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, or AI application development.
Experience with Docker, cloud deployment, or DevOps practices.
Familiarity with Agile/Scrum software development practices.
Required Skills and Competencies
Strong problem-solving, attention to detail and analytical thinking.
Ability to write clean, maintainable code.
Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies.
Effective teamwork and communication skills.
Ownership and accountability for assigned tasks.