Assistant: Software Developer at University of Western Cape

• The university has continued to see significant strides in relation to the maintenance and sustainability of a robust institutional Learning Management System to ensure the successful adoption of online teaching, learning and assessment practices. An opportunity currently exists for internal candidates only to apply for the position Assistant Software Developer, which focuses on the maintenance and support of the institutional Learning Management System (LMS), and other 3rd party integrated eTools and platforms.

The Assistant Software Developer will undertake a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Assist with the overall daily responsibilities in relation to ongoing support and maintenance of the iKamva LMS platform and other integrated 3rd party integrated platforms and eTools.
• Assist with verification of access to data-base servers and load balancing of the institutional LMS and all Sakai instances (AspirePillar7, CEU and Elections) to ensure reliability and performance.
• Assist the Coordinator with the continuous monitoring of the LMS performance, reliability, and availability (day and night; and during emergencies).
• Assist in analysing and diagnosing back-end technical system issues within the LMS platforms (iKamva and AspirePillar7), identifying root causes.
• Trouble shoot the LMS in relation to technical investigations logged by the Instructional Designers (user access, participation and assessment queries within iKamva and AspirePillar7 platforms),
• Check the internal helpdesk for system bugs and queries logged in relation to all Sakai instances.
• Assist the Coordinator with technical write-ups regarding logged queries and communicate via the internal Jira helpdesk system with Instructional Design team.
• Assist the Senior Developer with upgrade processes of the LMS, related version controls; and change management processes.
• Implement, test and maintain the LTI integrations within iKamva to connect external learning tools to ensure seamless integration.
• Keep abreast regarding latest trends and advancements in LMS technologies and software development practices (open-source, proprietary, online, mobile and other off-line solutions); and contribute to effective usage accordingly.
• Participate in internal capacity building and review sessions, providing constructive feedback on peers' work and learning from senior developers.
• Assist the Coordinator with the awareness around the security and POPIA landscape, especially concerning various roles, permissions, data sharing, and content storage.
• Assist with additional responsibilities during the academic examination and institutional emergency periods; and specific departmental projects to ensure business continuity. 
• Assist the main developers and Instructional Designers with pilot projects in relation to the development of software applications and systems for specific disciplines and stakeholders (Faculties, other Directorates and Units).

Minimum Requirements

Minimum education and experience required:

• National Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) OR National Certificate or Higher Certificate at (NQF 5) , with four (4) years relevant experience within a Learning Management System, specifically the back-end, super-administrative role within a Higher Education Setting.

Skills and Experiences:  

Strong knowledge or understanding in these key areas would be advantageous:

• Proven experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) is highly desirable (Sakai experience is a plus).
• Experience with a variety of programming languages and technologies, including but not limited to:
• Programming languages (e.g., Java, HTML/CSS, PHP, familiarity with JavaScript)
• Databasing (e.g., MySQL)
• Integration Technologies (e.g., Application Programming Interfaces [APIs], Learning Tools Interoperability [LTI]
• Web Frameworks: (e.g., Spring [Java], Django [Python], Laravel [PHP])
• Development and Technical Expertise: Strong ability to troubleshoot technical issues and support software development.
• Ability to work closely with team members across CIECT.
• Analytical skills with a focus on learning and following required procedures.
• Ability to simplify and explain technical terms in layman's terms when reporting to Instructional Design team (front-end support).
• Staying updated with the latest technologies and a willingness to learn new skills.

Minimum Competencies Required:

• Ability to analyse and solve problems effectively.
• Experience collaborating across diverse teams.
• Ability to explore and adapt to new software applications and best practices.
• Understanding of security and privacy concerns, especially concerning various roles, permissions, data sharing, and content storage.
• Keeping updated with emerging technologies and third-party tools integrated within LMS environments.

Deadline:16th September,2026