Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is a global health organization that partners locally and globally to create and scale solutions to the world’s deadliest health threats. Millions of people die from preventable health threats. We collaborate to close the gap between proven, life-saving solutions and the people who need them. Since 2017, we’ve worked with governments and other partners in more than 60 countries to save millions of lives. We work toward a future where people live longer, healthier lives, communities flourish, and economies thrive. This is an ambitious vision, and it inspires us and our partners to make progress every day.
The Prevent Epidemics (PE) team at RTSL partners with governments to strengthen key aspects of their health security systems and elevate those lessons globally.
Position Title: Backend Developer Consultant
Length of Engagement: Through December 31, 2026
Level of Effort: Full-time consultancy (approximately 40 hours per week)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Job Structure: Independent Contractor
- Must have a registered business license to operate as a consultant in Ethiopia, or be willing to get one before the contract is signed.
Position Summary
Effective public health emergency management depends on reliable, integrated digital systems that enable real-time data sharing and coordination.
The Backend Developer Consultant will play a key role in strengthening the Ethiopian Public Health Institute’s (EPHI) digital infrastructure by enhancing and maintaining backend systems that support platforms such as the Electronic Public Health Emergency Management (ePHEM) system, built in odoo platform and DHIS2. This role is essential to advancing EPHI’s goal of achieving system interoperability and transitioning toward a paperless, data-driven public health environment.
Core Tasks and Deliverables
System Development and Enhancement
- Design and maintain scalable, secure backend architectures that support EPHI’s digital systems, including ePHEM (Odoo-based) and DHIS2.
- Coordinate with the ePHEM team to upgrade existing modules, adding new functionality, and optimizing performance.
- Assist in building new modules alongside the ePHEM team, contributing to the expansion of ePHEM's capabilities both globally and within the Ethiopia instance.
- Collaborate with the ePHEM team to push ad-hoc system updates based on user requests.
- Develop tailored modules for the EPHI based on specific local needs.
Maintaining local instance and API Integration
- Maintain the cloud-hosted instance of ePHEM, ensuring uptime, performance optimization, and regular monitoring of resources.
- Deploy the latest codebase, ensuring that all patches, new features, and enhancements are pushed seamlessly to the live environment.
- Back up the cloud instance to safeguard data and facilitate disaster recovery.
- Troubleshoot and resolve cloud hosting issues, including performance bottlenecks, outages, or security vulnerabilities.
- Link ePHEM to existing national information systems (e.g., DHIS2) by developing and implementing robust APIs to facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability.
- Maintain and optimize API integrations to ensure efficient performance, data integrity, and compliance with data standards and national regulations.
Testing and Quality Assurance
- Support the testing and debugging of ePHEM modules, identifying and resolving issues to enhance system reliability and user satisfaction.
- Develop and implement unit tests for ePHEM's modules to ensure code quality and facilitate continuous integration and deployment practices.
- Develop and implement unit, integration, and regression tests for backend health modules.
- Resolve issues related to data integrity, API failures, and system performance.
Documentation & Technical Support
- Develop technical documentation for applications, including operating procedures, user guides, and other relevant materials.
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting for ePHEM, DHIS2 and associated applications.
- Generate periodic reports summarizing system performance and data outputs.
Capacity Building and Support
- Provide training and technical support to national and sub-national teams on the effective use of data systems and tools like ePHEM, DHIS2, and EIOS.
- Develop user guides and documentation for data systems.
Contract Management
The Senior Technical Advisor at RTSL will manage this contract, monitor progress towards deliverables, and approve invoices. The contractor will work closely with the Early Warning and Surveillance Directorate, particularly with the Surveillance and Disease Intelligence Division, to support the effective completion of deliverables.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. A postgraduate degree is desirable.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend development, preferably with Python. Experience in the Odoo framework is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in API development and integration with frontend systems or third-party services.
- Experience in Linux/Unix system management (preferably Ubuntu) and cloud hosting environments.
- Demonstrated experience in handling public health or health information system data is a plus (e.g., DHIS2).
Required Skills & Abilities
- Strong proficiency in backend technologies, including Python and database management (PostgreSQL or similar).
- Experience in developing scalable, secure, and efficient backend services.
- Ability to design and implement data models, workflows, and integration mechanisms.
- Advanced problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot technical issues efficiently.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear documentation, reports, and technical guidance.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, taking ownership of tasks and delivering high-quality outputs.
Preferred Qualification
- Knowledge of public health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, ePHEM, LIS) and experience supporting health data workflows.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the role.
RTSL believes its programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by individuals with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We encourage applications from and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, organ donor status, or status as a veteran. Resolve to Save Lives complies with all applicable US EEO laws.
