Junior Software Engineer - Digital Health & AI Solutions

Job Description

Position Title: Junior Software Engineer - Digital Health & AI Solutions

Item

Details

Organization

MERQ Consultancy PLC

Department

Information Systems & Digital Health Unit

Reports To

Information Systems & Digital Health Unit Manager

No Positions

2

Employment Type

Contract

Location

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date

Immediate (within 2–4 weeks)

Position Purpose

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.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills

The ideal candidate should have a strong foundation in software engineering and the ability to learn and work with modern technologies across software development, digital health, and AI applications.

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.

Core 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.

Work Environment

• Member of the Information Systems & Digital Health Unit.

• Receives mentorship and technical guidance from senior engineers and the Unit Manager.

• Works with software engineers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders.

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement with office presence as required.

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful software, AI, and digital health projects.

Growth Opportunities

The position provides opportunities to:

• Build professional software engineering experience.

• Develop expertise in digital health technology.

• Gain practical experience with AI-enabled applications.

• Learn modern web, cloud, and DevOps practices.

How To Apply

Application Requirements

• Updated CV/Resume

• Cover letter explaining interest in the role

• GitHub profile, portfolio, or examples of software projects (if available)

• Academic or professional certificates (if applicable)

Selected candidates will participate in a technical hands-on assessment as part of the recruitment process.

Applications should be sent to:

Here is the link for the job post Junior Software Engineer – Digital Health & AI Solutions

https://merqconsultancy.org/jobs/10388/junior-software-engineer-digital-health-ai-solutions/

Deadline: September 18, 2026