Software Lead at MSI Reproductive Choices

The Role

• The Software Lead is responsible for the hands-on development, maintenance, documentation, and debugging of software applications and automation scripts that support MSI Nigeria’s operational and programmatic needs.
• The role bridges the gap between business requirements and technical implementation, building and maintaining internal tools, configuring integrations between platforms, and ensuring all code and applications are well-documented, version-controlled, and supported.
• The Software Lead works closely with the Business Solutions Manager, Data Systems Coordinator, and MIS Officer to deliver scalable and reliable technology solutions.

Key Responsibilities
Application Development & Maintenance:

• Design, develop, and maintain internal software applications, automation scripts, and tools to meet organisational requirements.
• Build and maintain integrations between MSI Nigeria’s business systems, data platforms, and APIs, including pipelines between ONA, SharePoint, Power BI, and ERP systems.
• Manage version control for all internally developed code using appropriate tools (e.g. Git), maintaining clean and documented repositories.
• Perform regular maintenance, updates, and performance optimisation of all managed applications and scripts.
• Conduct thorough testing of all new and modified code before deployment, including unit testing and user acceptance testing coordination.

Debugging & Technical Problem Solving:

• Diagnose and resolve software bugs, integration failures, and application errors in a timely and documented manner
• Provide technical triage and root cause analysis for system failures, producing written incident reports with recommended preventive measures.
• Support the MIS Officer and Data Systems Coordinator in resolving technical issues arising from data platform configurations and integrations.
• Proactively monitor the health of managed applications and integrations, identifying and addressing issues before they affect users.

Documentation & Knowledge Management:

• Produce clear, complete, and up-to-date technical documentation for all developed applications, scripts, and integrations.
• Maintain a central software asset register covering all internally developed tools, their purpose, ownership, version history, and current status.
• Write user guides and handover documentation to ensure applications can be supported and maintained by others in the team.
• Document all APIs, data schemas, and integration architectures used by MSI Nigeria’s technology systems.

Requirements Analysis & Delivery:

• Work with the Business Solutions Manager and internal stakeholders to translate business needs into clear technical specifications.
• Estimate development effort accurately and communicate progress, risks, and blockers to the Business Solutions Manager regularly.
• Manage a prioritised development backlog, delivering incremental improvements in line with organisational priorities.
• Evaluate third-party tools, libraries, and platforms to inform build-vs-buy decisions, providing written recommendations.

Security & Best Practice:

• Ensure all developed code and applications adhere to MSI Nigeria’s data security policies and software development best practices.
• Implement appropriate access controls, input validation, and error handling in all developed applications.
• Stay current with relevant programming languages, frameworks, and industry best practices, bringing new knowledge into the team

Experience / Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ hands-on experience in software development, scripting, or application development roles.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining integrations between systems using APIs or automated pipelines.
• Proven track record in debugging, root cause analysis, and resolving software or integration issues.
• Experience producing technical documentation, including code comments, system architecture docs, and user guides.
• Experience using version control tools such as Git in a team or solo development context.

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (Python, JavaScript, or equivalent) with demonstrated project output.
• Hands-on experience building or consuming REST APIs for system integration.
• Strong debugging skills with a methodical approach to root cause identification.
• Ability to write clear, maintainable, and well-commented code.
• Strong documentation discipline and technical writing ability.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and communicate progress to non-technical managers.

Desirable:

• Experience with Power BI data connectors, Power Automate, or Microsoft Power Platform.
• Familiarity with ODK, ONA, CommCare, or other field data collection APIs.
• Knowledge of SQL for data extraction and transformation.
• Experience with SharePoint or Microsoft 365 development and automation.
• Exposure to ERP system customisation or integration in an enterprise context.