Junior Software Engineer – Digital Health & AI Solutions

Company: MERQ Consultancy PLC
Department: Information Systems & Digital Health Unit
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Contract
Career Level: Entry Level / Fresh Graduate
Number of Positions: 2
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with office presence as required
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Start Date: Immediate, within 2–4 weeks

Job Overview

MERQ Consultancy PLC is looking for 2 Junior Software Engineers to join its Information Systems & Digital Health Unit in Addis Ababa. The position is suitable for entry-level software engineers and fresh graduates who want to develop practical experience in software engineering, digital health systems, artificial intelligence, web applications, cloud technologies, and modern development practices.

The Junior Software Engineer will contribute to the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of technology solutions while working under the guidance of senior engineers. The role involves collaboration with software developers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and project teams to deliver secure, scalable, and user-focused digital solutions.

About the Role

The Information Systems & Digital Health Unit works on projects involving:

• Digital health platforms and health information systems
• Research and data platforms
• Web and mobile applications
• AI-powered applications and automation solutions
• Organizational websites and CMS platforms
• Software integration and digital transformation initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Software Engineering

• Develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications.
• Build frontend and backend features with support from senior engineers.
• Develop REST APIs, backend services, and integrated software components.
• Assist with database development, data management, and optimization.
• Investigate software problems and help implement technical improvements.
• Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, documentation, and quality improvement activities.
• Apply secure development practices covering authentication, authorization, data protection, and responsible information handling.

Digital Health & Information Systems

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of digital health applications and information systems.
• Help convert user and stakeholder requirements into practical software solutions.
• Support technology initiatives related to healthcare delivery, research, and organizational operations.
• Contribute to data-driven applications and digital transformation projects.
• Apply privacy, confidentiality, security, and responsible healthcare data management principles.

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies

• Assist with integrating AI services and APIs into software applications.
• Contribute to AI-enabled assistants, chatbots, automation tools, and knowledge-based applications.
• Support AI experimentation, testing, and evaluation.
• Develop familiarity with technologies and concepts such as:
  • Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Generative AI
  • Prompt engineering
  • Embeddings and semantic search
  • Vector databases
  • Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
  • AI assistants and automation workflows

Web Development & CMS

• Develop and maintain web applications and organizational websites.
• Support WordPress CMS administration, customization, updates, backups, and security activities.
• Build web features using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and related technologies.
• Provide support for PHP/Laravel applications when required.
• Assist with website performance, accessibility, responsive design, and third-party integrations.

Deployment, Testing & Collaboration

• Support application deployments and development environments.
• Follow Git-based development and collaborative coding practices.
• Work with Docker environments and modern software engineering tools.
• Assist with CI/CD processes and cloud deployment activities.
• Participate in testing, debugging, technical documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with software engineers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and project stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of software development experience.
• Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate relevant academic projects, internships, freelance work, personal applications, or GitHub projects.

Software Development Knowledge

Applicants should have a foundation in:

• Frontend and backend development
• REST APIs and system integrations
• Application architecture
• Software testing and debugging
• Secure software development
• Object-oriented programming (OOP)
• Data structures and algorithms
• Git-based development workflows

Technical Skills

Frontend Technologies

• React.js
• React Native
• Next.js
• JavaScript (ES6+)
• TypeScript
• HTML5
• CSS3
• Tailwind CSS
• Responsive web development

Backend Technologies

• Node.js / Express.js
• Python
• FastAPI
• Django
• PHP
• Laravel
• Java / Spring Boot is an advantage
• RESTful API development
• API authentication and integration

Databases

• PostgreSQL
• MySQL / MariaDB
• SQL queries and database design
• MongoDB
• Redis, with basic exposure

Web & CMS

• WordPress CMS
• PHP-based web applications
• Website administration and maintenance
• Website security and backups
• Website performance optimization
• Basic SEO and website analytics

Artificial Intelligence

• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Generative AI applications
• AI APIs
• Prompt engineering
• Embeddings
• Semantic search
• Vector databases, including Pinecone, Weaviate, ChromaDB, and FAISS
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
• AI assistants and chatbots
• Automation workflows
• AI agent concepts

DevOps, Cloud & Development Tools

• Git
• GitHub / GitLab
• CI/CD concepts
• Docker
• Docker Compose
• AWS
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• Microsoft Azure
• Linux environments
• Postman and other API testing tools

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with any of the following will be advantageous:

• Software projects completed through academic work, internships, freelance assignments, or personal development.
• A GitHub portfolio showing software projects or technical experimentation.
• Experience with React, React Native, Node.js, Python frameworks, PHP, Laravel, or WordPress.
• Exposure to artificial intelligence, Generative AI, or AI application development.
• Experience with Docker, cloud deployment, or DevOps practices.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.

Core Competencies

• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Ability to produce clean and maintainable code
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies
• Teamwork and communication
• Ownership and accountability

Work Environment

The successful candidate will:

• Join the Information Systems & Digital Health Unit.
• Receive technical mentorship and guidance from senior engineers and the Unit Manager.
• Work with software engineers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Follow a flexible hybrid working arrangement with office attendance as required.
• Contribute to software, artificial intelligence, and digital health projects.

Career Development Opportunities

This position offers practical exposure to:

• Professional software engineering
• Digital health technologies
• AI-enabled applications
• Modern web development
• Cloud technologies
• DevOps practices

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

• Updated CV/Resume
• Cover letter explaining their interest in the position
• GitHub profile, portfolio, or examples of software projects, if available
• Academic or professional certificates, if applicable

Note: Shortlisted candidates will take part in a technical hands-on assessment as part of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the official MERQ Consultancy PLC job posting:

Apply for Junior Software Engineer – Digital Health & AI Solutions

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026

Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Contract
Positions Available: 2