ChildCount.org

We are seeking an experienced software engineer to join our New York based team to play a key role in the development of mHealth systems including our ChildCount+ platform.   In particular, we are looking for someone with an excellent design sense and demonstrated expertise developing web-based user interfaces.   Strong Python skills are also highly preferred.

• This is initially a six-month, full-time consulting position.
• The position is based at Columbia University in New York City with the potential (not guaranteed) of travel to help with the implementation of programs in the field.
• While you are NYC based you will be expected to work closely with our programming team spread out across East and West Africa.
• Software development will be done primarily in Python using RapidSMS which is based on Django.  The position may also require developing integration components for OpenMRS.
• We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference with code and we are proud to be an FOSS shop.
• We are looking to hire immediately.

A full job description follows.  If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your CV and cover letter to mberg at ei.columbia.edu.

Position: Software Engineer

Department:  Emerging Applications Group, The Earth Institute at Columbia University

Job Location: Columbia University. New York, NY

Salary:  6 month consulting position.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Earth Institute and Millennium Villages Project is seeking to hire a SOFTWARE ENGINEER to work with our Emerging Applications Group in the development of mobile phone and web based applications for data collection and service delivery in resource poor settings to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals for health, namely improve child and maternal health and reduce mortality and address the diseases of poverty, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB.   This position will focus primarily on the development of web and mobile service delivery platforms like ChildCount+, a mhealth tool for empowering communities to improve child and maternal and newborn health (www.childcount.org).  This individual will play a key role in the design and development of mHealth systems for the Earth Institute including the development of web-based dashboard and automated reporting tools.  Candidates with strong UI experience and data visualization are particularly sought for.  Systems will be developed using RapidSMS, a Django based python web programming framework.

While this position is based in New York City, the software engineer may be asked to travel to any of the Millennium Villages Sites to help provide on the ground programming and implementation support.

This is a six-month consulting position that could lead to a full-time hire.

The Software Engineer will be responsible for:

• Software development of the mobile phone based data and service delivery platforms including ChildCount+. This will include web UI, data visualization, SMS workflow, and database programming components.
• Assisting in possible onsite design, implementation and training of the systems at the Millennium Villages sites in Africa
• Interacting with NYC based health team and collaborate closely with a global team of programmers spread out across East and West Africa (including providing a mentoring role to junior programmers on the team)
• Contributing to the development of training materials for the use of web and mobile phone-based tools under development
• Documenting and providing technical support to MVP’s field based teams

Requirements

• BS in computer experience or computer engineering
• Minimum 3 years experience software development experience, preferably in web application development (Python and Django preferred)
• Strong UI and data visualization skills
• Demonstrated ability and desire to learn new programming languages. Willingness to mentor junior programmers on the team.
• Demonstrated comfort working with version control systems like Git
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary, cross cultural team
• Demonstrated expertise with Linux and proponent of open source software
• Proponent of open source software
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Interest in how technology can be used to help improve the lives of people living in resource poor settings around the world

Preferred

• Prior experience developing SMS or mobile phone applications using kannel, RapidSMS, etc.
• Experience working and implementing technology projects in developing countries.
• Ability to speak French.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV to mberg@ei.columbia.edu.  If interested please apply as we hope to fill this position quickly.