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 Technical Lead and Product Owner drives the technical integration and continuous software refinement of the merged Neotree
system within Zimbabwe’s national Electronic Health Record (EHR) architecture. Acting as the primary bridge between clinical
operations, Neotree software developers, and MOHCC IT teams, this role ensures system robustness, data security, interoperability,
and scalability.
Job Summary
- Employer: OPHID
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Information Technology
- Closing Date: 2026-10-11
Key Responsibilities
- Integration & Systems Architecture: Lead the integration of Neotree tools into the national EHR, ensuring compliance with data security, interoperability (HL7/FHIR), and backend pipeline standards;
- Product Roadmap & Backlog Ownership: Own, prioritize, and maintain a single version-controlled product roadmap and product backlog (user stories, acceptance criteria, developer resourcing);
- Agile Leadership & Delivery: Co-lead sprint planning, standups, code reviews, retrospectives, velocity tracking, and risk escalation alongside senior developers;
- Testing & System Optimization: Design and execute UAT, load testing, security audits, and bug-tracking protocols to optimize system performance and uptime;
- Technical Documentation & Capacity Building: Develop system architecture diagrams, API docs, and troubleshooting manuals; mentor facility-level IT personnel for Tier 1 support;
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner directly with MOHCC digital health/ICT teams to ensure long-term local ownership and technical sustainability.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s In Computer Science, Software Engineering, Health Informatics, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Digital Health Expertise: Hands-on experience implementing or integrating health information systems (e.g., OpenMRS, DHIS2, national EHRs) in low-resource settings.
- Technical SDLC Skills: Strong command of Agile methodologies, API integration, database management, and healthcare data standards (HL7, FHIR).
- Problem Solving & Connectivity: Ability to diagnose complex system errors and deploy solutions in environments with fluctuating power and internet connectivity.
- Communication & Languages: Excellent ability to translate clinical needs into technical specs; fluent in English (Shona or Ndebele is a plus).
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Technical Lead and Product Owner role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers expect a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, plus 5-8 years of experience in software development. Certifications like Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), or AWS/Azure cloud certifications strengthen your profile. Hands-on coding experience combined with demonstrated leadership on past projects is often valued more than formal credentials alone.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Technical Lead and Product Owner in Zimbabwe?
You will split time between defining product roadmaps, prioritizing backlogs, and guiding technical decisions for development teams. Daily activities include sprint planning, code reviews, stakeholder meetings, and resolving blockers for local and sometimes remote teams. Strong communication skills are essential as you bridge business needs with technical execution in often resource-constrained environments.
How does local work culture in Zimbabwe affect expectations for this hybrid role?
Zimbabwean tech workplaces often blend formal hierarchy with collaborative problem-solving, requiring you to respect senior management while still advocating for agile practices. Punctuality and relationship-building matter greatly—decisions frequently happen through personal networks and trust built over time. Flexibility is expected as infrastructure challenges like power outages may require adaptive working arrangements.
What realistic career progression paths exist from a Technical Lead and Product Owner position in Zimbabwe?
Common paths include advancing to Engineering Manager, Head of Product, or CTO roles at growing local startups and established companies. Some professionals transition into solution architecture or consulting, leveraging Zimbabwe's regional position to serve broader African markets. Contract experience often opens doors to permanent leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures in the expanding local tech ecosystem.
What benefits are typically offered for contract Technical Lead and Product Owner positions in Zimbabwe?
Contract roles usually offer higher daily rates than permanent positions but rarely include traditional benefits like medical aid or pension contributions. Some employers provide project completion bonuses, professional development allowances, or equipment stipends instead. Always negotiate these terms explicitly, as statutory benefits for contractors differ significantly from full-time employment under Zimbabwean labor law.
What do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for when hiring for this role, and how should I apply?
Employers prioritize proven delivery of working products, not just theoretical knowledge—prepare a portfolio demonstrating shipped features and team leadership. Local networks, LinkedIn visibility, and referrals from industry contacts carry substantial weight in the Zimbabwean job market. Tailor applications to highlight adaptability, cost-conscious technical decisions, and experience working with limited resources.
