Senior Python/Java Backend Developer

About Qena:

Qena is Ethiopia’s first digital financial solutions provider leveraging on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess the creditworthiness of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Small-Holder Farmers (SHFs) & Individuals. Qena was established in 2015 as a subsidiary of Kifiya Financial Technologies to create small-ticket financial products for individuals & enterprises. Since its start, Qena has worked to develop its AI-powered Credit Scoring System and Digital Financing Platform to offer commercial banks a digitized underwriting process for quicker and more accurate credit & finance decisions, without requiring collateral. We collaborate, train, assist and co-create innovative solutions for financial institutions to provide access to finance for unserved and under-served segments. Qena has gained widespread recognition for its innovative digital lending product, Michu, which is provided in partnership with the Cooperative Bank of Oromia. In just 8 months, Michu has already disbursed over 1 billion Birr in loans, making it a popular choice among borrowers in Ethiopia..

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Python/ Java Backend Developer to join our dynamic development team. As a Senior Python Java Backend Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining robust and scalable backend solutions for our software applications. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to understand requirements, architect solutions, and ensure the seamless integration of frontend and backend components. The ideal candidate has a strong background in Python/ Java development, a deep understanding of backend architecture, and a passion for delivering high-quality, efficient, and reliable software.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable and efficient backend solutions using Python/ Java and related technologies, with a focus on Docker and microservice architecture.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and frontend developers to understand requirements and translate them into technical designs and implementation plans.
• Architect and optimize backend systems, ensuring high performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code, following industry best practices and coding standards.
• Conduct thorough testing and debugging of backend components to ensure the delivery of high-quality software.
• Collaborate with the DevOps team to deploy and monitor backend applications in production environments, utilizing Docker for containerization.
• Perform code reviews and provide constructive feedback to junior developers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay up to date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices in backend development.
• Participate in the planning and estimation of development tasks and contribute to project timelines and deliverables.

Required No: 10(Ten)

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of proven experience as a Python/ Java Backend Developer.
• Strong proficiency in Python programming language and related frameworks especially FastAPI.
• Solid understanding of backend architecture and design patterns, including RESTful APIs, databases, caching mechanisms, and message queues.
• Experience with database systems like PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB.
• Familiarity with version control systems, especially Git.
• Knowledge of front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and their integration with backend systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex technical issues.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and tools.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior developers.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
• Understanding of microservices architecture and related technologies (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools for CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with performance optimization and profiling tools.
• Contribution to open-source projects or a strong presence in the developer community.