The Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID) PVO 31/16 develops and implements innovative approaches and strategies to strengthen HIV care and treatment services in Zimbabwe by providing enhanced access for communities to comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment. OPHID works with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) in implementing these interventions. OPHID is looking for a suitably qualified and motivated individual to fill the above-mentioned post.
Position Summary
The Software Developer will work alongside senior developers on features, bug fixes and infrastructure tasks across Node APIs, front-end web tools, React Native mobile applications, data engineering, machine learning workflows and servers. This is a learning-focused role, with the opportunity to contribute production code from the first week while receiving continuous mentorship, code reviews and pair-programming support.
Job Summary
- Employer: OPHID
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Software Development
- Closing Date: 2026-09-23
Key Responsibilities
- Backend development: Develop and refactor REST or GraphQL APIs using Node.js or Java; optimise PostgreSQL queries and data structures;
- Front-end development: Build user-interface components using React, Next.js, TypeScript and the design system; resolve layout, usability and accessibility issues;
- Mobile development: Implement features and resolve bugs in React Native applications; contribute to cross-platform performance improvements;
- Data engineering and analytics: Add or enhance ETL pipelines using Python, Pandas and Kedro; monitor scheduled jobs and troubleshoot failures. The analytics stack includes Metabase and Apache Superset;
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Prepare datasets, run experiments and track model performance using Python, Jupyter and MLflow; package models for API deployment;
- DevOps and infrastructure: Maintain Ubuntu/Linux cloud and on-premise servers, including MOHCC servers; respond to system alerts and help ensure uptime;
- Quality assurance and testing: Execute manual and automated test plans, investigate user-reported bugs and prepare clear issue reports;
- User-centred product co-development: Implement improvements informed by clinical users and real-world use; collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders and adapt code and configuration for deployment, maintenance and clinical relevance in low-resource settings;
- Teamwork and technical support: Participate in agile stand-ups and retrospectives, write concise documentation and changelogs, support remote sites with troubleshooting, and undertake other duties delegated by senior developers.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent portfolio of work or open-source contributions.
- Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and at least one of Python or Java.
- Familiarity with Git workflows and basic SQL.
- Ability to read technical documentation and ask thoughtful questions.
- Preferred Skills: Familiarity with Node.js, Express or Next.js, and basic knowledge of React or React Native.
- Understanding of RESTful APIs and GraphQL concepts; exposure to SQL databases, preferably PostgreSQL.
- Basic knowledge of Linux/Ubuntu operations and experience with Git, GitHub or version-control practices.
- Interest in data science or machine learning workflows, and curiosity about health technology or working in low-resource settings.
How to Apply
About the Company
Ophidiophobia or ophiophobia is fear of snakes. It is sometimes called by the more general term herpetophobia, fear of reptiles. The word comes from the Ancient Greek: ὄφις, romanized: óphis, lit. 'snake', and φοβία, phobía, 'fear'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to apply for a Software Developer role at a Zimbabwean health tech organization?
Most employers require a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Information Technology from a recognized Zimbabwean university like UZ or NUST. Practical coding skills in languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java often matter more than formal credentials, so a strong GitHub portfolio helps. Some roles accept relevant certifications and demonstrable experience in lieu of a degree.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Software Developer in Zimbabwe's health tech sector?
You will write, test, and debug code for applications used in clinical or public health settings, often collaborating with local and international teams. Daily tasks include attending stand-up meetings, reviewing pull requests, and troubleshooting issues reported by end-users in hospitals or clinics. Documentation and adapting solutions for low-resource environments are also common expectations.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for software developers in Zimbabwe compared to international tech companies?
Zimbabwean tech workplaces tend to be hierarchical with formal communication channels, though startups and NGOs may adopt flatter, agile structures. Punctuality and respect for seniority are valued, and developers often wear multiple hats due to smaller team sizes. Remote work is increasingly accepted, but reliable internet and power backup remain practical concerns you must navigate independently.
What career progression opportunities exist for software developers working on health tech projects in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Developer, Technical Lead, or Solutions Architect roles within local organizations or regional African health tech networks. Some developers transition into product management, data science, or consulting for NGOs and government digital health initiatives. Building expertise in health informatics opens doors to specialized roles with international donors and multilateral organizations operating in Zimbabwe.
What benefits should I realistically expect from a software developer position with a Zimbabwean employer or NGO?
Formal benefits vary widely; established NGOs and international organizations typically offer medical aid, pension contributions, and annual leave exceeding the statutory minimum. Local private companies may provide limited benefits, sometimes substituting with flexible hours or professional development allowances. Always clarify benefit details during negotiation, as informal sector practices differ significantly from structured corporate packages.
How should I prepare my application and what do Zimbabwean tech employers prioritize when hiring developers?
Tailor your CV to highlight relevant projects, especially any health tech, mobile, or offline-first applications given Zimbabwe's connectivity challenges. Employers prioritize demonstrable problem-solving skills, clean code samples, and adaptability to resource-constrained environments. Include references from previous supervisors or clients, and prepare for technical assessments that may include live coding or system design discussions.
