Junior Software Engineer – Digital Health & AI Solutions
MERQ Consultancy PLC
Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Role description
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.
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.