Programmer II at Afro Ant Consulting

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of this role is to competently write, modify, refactor, debug, troubleshoot and test new or existing systems of medium to high complexity and scale, ensuring that the code functions reliably and optimally according to the company's programming standards. The role works alongside the Programming team and requires specialised knowledge of programming concepts and languages to use patterns, libraries, frameworks, and processes for critical activities throughout the entire lifecycle of a solution. The role requires a solid understanding of programming concepts, frameworks, and languages to enable optimal delivery of code.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential:

• Diploma / Degree in Information Systems / BSc Computer Science (or similar)

EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• 4+ years’ experience as a Programmer

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Essential:

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the following:

• Coding and building solutions / software using relevant languages and technologies
• Front and back-end coding
• Software testing (unit, system, performance, integration, and volume)
• Highly complex systems Integration and analysis
• Database design and development using relevant technology
• Internals and architecture of server environment
• Restful APIs and API integration
• Working knowledge in distributed source control systems, like GIT or TFS
• Application-level architecture
• Web services (SOAP and Rest)
• UI design and basic user experience principles
• UML exposure including sequence and class diagrams
• OO principles
• General networking and security principles and requirements

Beneficial:

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the following:

• Cloud Services, preferably Azure or AWS (S3, CloudFormation scripts, Lambda’s, SES, SQS and step functions)
• Experience with Single Page and Application and Front-end development using relevant languages and frameworks, (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular, Typescript

Desirable:

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the following:

• Agile Development, SCRUM, or Extreme Programming methodologies
• Working on projects in both Agile and DevOps
• Automation (Unit and deployment)
• Designing user interactions on websites, and databases for website functionality
• Micro services
• Experience in a Retail environment

KEY COMPETENCIES & WORK ETHIC

Detailed competencies and capabilities outlined in framework.

• Collaborative Partner – Builds strong relationships with stakeholders while driving cross functional work teams and projects. Open, honest and direct, comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback. Thinks and acts independently as well as collaboratively
• Technology expert, bringing top-quality expertise to drive priorities while introducing new tools and practices. Is curious and adaptable, finds agile and rapid ways of implementing solutions fast
• Analytical and Detailed – Readily grasps new concepts and information, investigates various courses of action and integrates multiple sources of data to guide decision-making and identify optimal solutions
• Innovative and Solution-orientated – Thinks outside of the box. Sound judgment, quick decision-making, and the ability to generate solutions that serve the flow of work and meeting deadlines
• Results-driven – Proactively drives results, setting stretch goals for self and others, while remaining focused and working tenaciously to meeting and exceeding expectations within quality standards
• Planning and Organising – Able to timeously and efficiently prioritise and execute multiple and competing demands in a fast-paced environment. Identifies urgent and important tasks / priorities to ensure delivery
• Business Acumen – Understands how business operates and the issues and risks that drive technological success and impact commercial viability
• Communication Skills – Communicates effectively while being able to convert complex concepts into well-articulated messages. Adopts a range of influencing styles to facilitate and deal with challenges internally and externally
• Team Collaboration Skills – Creates a safe team environment that promotes acceptance of failure; strong understanding when and how to include different parties; actively encourages people to live company values
• Stakeholder Management Skills – Embodies "one team" attitude with key stakeholders; proactively works with stakeholders to support them in resolving roadblocks to ensure results are delivered
• Flexible and Resilient – Able to work in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple and competing priorities while managing ambiguity and adapting as the business evolves
• Digital Centric and Savvy – Passionate about the possibilities of digital technologies and its value for the business. A self-starter who can come up to speed quickly on our applications, technologies, and processes

JOB OBJECTIVES

Configure and create technical components and services required to deliver within required business features and frameworks

• Analyse and understand business requirements on medium to high complexity projects in the context of the current business environment in conjunction with Product Manager, Business Analysts and Solution Architects
• Complete deliverables and develop and maintain documentation according to agreed plan throughout the software development life cycle on medium to high complexity projects and maintain source base. Understand and confirm system requirements with Systems Analyst and document accordingly
• Create conceptual, logical, and physical solutions and write clean, scalable code on medium to high complexity projects using appropriate coding techniques, methodologies, and programming languages
• Provide specialist technical input and identifying suitable coding solution(s) and alternatives according to organisational frameworks, development principles, and quality compliance standards and criteria that address business needs / stakeholders’ requirements, solution delivery and operations areas
• Coordinate requirements with systems designer and other developers
• Work within the frameworks of both Waterfall SDLC and Agile (SCRUM) methodologies
• Work independently to deliver optimal and reliable solutions and functionalities, create, and test software prototypes and develop client displays and user interfaces on medium to high complexity projects, in line with the company’s standards
• Work within and guide junior programmers to work within the frameworks of both Waterfall SDLC and Agile (SCRUM) methodologies

Deliver development projects and changes and manage the release process

• Provide specialist technical knowledge and advice to team, IT, and internal stakeholders
• Partner with stakeholders across multiple projects to ensure clear understanding of programme and project goals and needs and execute on delivery requirements. Actively participate in the success of the deployment and follow through until the production stage is reached
• Ensure successful deployment through the respective quality gates, perform code reviews and QA changes as requested, detect critical deficiencies and recommend improvements
• Identify, prioritise, and proactively mitigate project risks
• Perform and guide unit testing of developed programmes and functions
• Set up and maintain technical infrastructure
• Execute coding according to industry best practice

Provide teams with technical input and advice and deliver continuous improvement by keeping up to date with relevant technology

• Provide specialist technical support to the development team, IT, and the business (external and internal stakeholders)
• Research and actively share insights and information with relevant stakeholders and team to inform collaborative efforts and continuous improvement
• Work within organisational frameworks, processes and best practices
• Stay updated on the latest research and developments in programming and adjacent fields to ensure the latest technology, techniques and methods are always applied