Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Software Development
- Closing Date: 2026-09-03
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Software Engineering Economics and Architecture Practice
- Work closely with business digital teams, Programme and Portfolio Managers, and other IT teams.
- Advise on technical feasibility and engineering solution options.
- Lead software engineering economics and architecture practices.
- Lead Software Engineering Delivery Process Practice
- Lead and practically demonstrate the established Old Mutual Software Engineering process practice.
- Support the process from inception, prototyping, build, testing, deployment and launch.
- Focus on agile development, DevOps and software engineering process automation.
- Lead Software Construction Practice
- Lead and directly participate in the detailed design of integrated digital systems.
- Work across web and mobile front ends, USSD, SMS, mobile payment gateways, microservices, workflow systems, and financial and insurance information systems.
- Engineering Thought Leadership
- Leverage engineering expertise to challenge and shape the group’s engineering strategy.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
- 5+ years of experience as a Full-Stack Software Engineer, with a track record of delivering complex projects.
- Expertise in front-end technologies including HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
- Experience with modern front-end frameworks such as React, Angular or Vue.js.
- Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages such as JavaScript, Python or Ruby.
- Expertise in web application frameworks.
- In-depth knowledge of database systems, including design, optimisation and complex query writing.
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
- Experience with cloud services such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.
- Experience with microservices architecture.
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience in software systems testing and quality assurance.
- Demonstrated experience in software engineering process automation and DevOps.
- Previous leadership or mentorship experience within a development team.
- Exceptional communication, teamwork and leadership abilities.
- Commitment to staying updated with emerging industry trends and technologies.
How to Apply
Job Code: JR-83380
About the Company
Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited is a leading integrated financial services group operating prominently within the Zimbabwean economy. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including life assurance, wealth management, short-term insurance, and banking services through its well-known subsidiary, CABS. Dedicated to empowering individuals, businesses, and corporates, Old Mutual Zimbabwe plays a critical role in helping clients achieve their financial aspirations across the country. As a key part of the Old Mutual Limited pan-African group, it combines local insight with global best practices. The organisation is committed to fostering financial well-being and contributing to sustainable economic development throughout Zimbabwe.
Empowering Zimbabweans with integrated financial solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Principal Software Engineer role in Zimbabwe?
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field is standard; many employers also value postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate. In Zimbabwe, recognition of local degrees from institutions such as UZ, NUST, or MSU is common, and international certifications carry weight—especially when aligned with the tech stack used by financial services firms.
What does a typical day look like for a Principal Software Engineer working with a company like Old Mutual in Zimbabwe?
You’ll likely spend time reviewing architecture designs, mentoring senior developers, and collaborating with product and risk teams to align technical solutions with regulatory and business needs in the Zimbabwean financial sector. Daily tasks often include code reviews, leading sprint planning, and ensuring compliance with RBZ guidelines and internal security standards—especially around data residency and customer information handling.
How does the local work culture in Zimbabwe influence expectations for leadership and communication in this role?
Respect for hierarchy and experience is valued, so clear, respectful communication with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders—including senior management—is essential. Team collaboration is strong, but decision-making often flows through formal channels; demonstrating reliability, integrity, and contextual awareness of Zimbabwe’s economic and regulatory environment builds credibility quickly.
What realistic career progression paths exist after becoming a Principal Software Engineer in Zimbabwe’s financial services sector?
Common next steps include moving into enterprise architecture leadership, CTO-track roles within regional financial institutions, or transitioning into fintech advisory or regulatory technology consulting. Some professionals also pursue board-level IT governance roles—particularly with growing demand for digital transformation expertise aligned with RBZ’s fintech strategy and national ICT policy goals.
What benefits (e.g., leave, medical aid, pension) are typically offered to Principal Software Engineers in Zimbabwean financial institutions?
Standard benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, comprehensive medical aid (often with dependants’ coverage via providers like MDS or Zimnat), and mandatory pension contributions under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) plus an employer-sponsored retirement scheme. Many firms also offer study support, wellness programmes, and occasional remote work flexibility—though office-based presence remains common for leadership roles.
How should I apply for a Principal Software Engineer role in Zimbabwe, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?
Apply via official company portals or reputable local job boards like PNet Zimbabwe or LinkedIn—with a tailored CV highlighting architecture ownership, team leadership, and Zimbabwe-relevant domain experience (e.g., banking systems, USSD integrations, or RBZ-compliant reporting). Employers prioritise demonstrable impact—such as scalable system delivery, mentorship outcomes, and familiarity with local infrastructure constraints (e.g., bandwidth limitations, mobile-first user bases)—over generic technical buzzwords.