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.