Lead IT Developer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, contributing to its mission of promoting sustainable human development and improving the quality of life for people around the globe.

Job Overview:
The Lead IT Developer position is a critical role within the UNDP-Rwanda office, specifically aimed at supporting the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) in its transition from a traditional monolithic architecture to a modern microservices-based architecture. This transition is essential for enhancing the performance, scalability, integration capabilities, and maintainability of the core domestic tax systems. The Lead IT Developer will be responsible for overseeing the development process, ensuring that the new architecture meets the operational needs of the RRA while also aligning with broader digital transformation efforts. The role requires a deep understanding of software development, system architecture, and the specific challenges faced by tax administration systems. The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders, including technical teams and management, to ensure that the project is delivered on time and meets all specified requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lead IT Developer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Leading the design and implementation of the microservices architecture for the RRA's tax systems.
• Collaborating with RRA and UNDP teams to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Developing and maintaining high-quality software solutions that meet the needs of the RRA.
• Conducting code reviews and ensuring adherence to best practices in software development.
• Providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior developers and other team members.
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues as they arise during the development process.
• Ensuring that all software solutions are scalable, secure, and maintainable.
• Documenting the development process, including architecture decisions, code changes, and system configurations.
• Participating in project planning and status meetings to provide updates on progress and challenges. 1
• Engaging with external vendors and partners as necessary to support the development process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications to be considered for the Lead IT Developer position. This includes a proven track record in software development, particularly in environments transitioning to microservices architectures. Candidates should have extensive experience with programming languages such as Java, Python, or Node.js, and familiarity with frameworks and tools commonly used in microservices development. Additionally, knowledge of cloud services and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) is highly desirable. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and excellent communication skills are also essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the principles of sustainable development and the mission of UNDP.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field is required for the Lead IT Developer position. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be advantageous in the selection process. Continuous professional development and certifications in relevant technologies or methodologies (such as Agile, DevOps, or cloud computing) will be considered a plus.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development, with a significant portion of that time spent working on projects involving microservices architecture. Experience in the public sector or with tax administration systems is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a demonstrated ability to lead development teams and manage complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda or French would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance collaboration with the RRA.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an Individual Contractor role, with a contract duration of 45 working days spread over a period of 3 calendar months. The role is expected to be full-time during the assignment period. Candidates should be prepared to work closely with both UNDP and RRA teams, and may be required to engage with various stakeholders throughout the project. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and benefits may include opportunities for professional development and training.