Junior Software Engineer – Digital Health & AI Solutions

Company: MERQ Consultancy PLCDepartment: Information Systems & Digital Health UnitLocation: Addis Ababa, EthiopiaEmployment Type: ContractCareer Level: Entry Level / Fresh GraduateNumber of Positions: 2Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with office presence as requiredApplication Deadline: September 18, 2026Start 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 systemsResearch and data platformsWeb and mobile applicationsAI-powered applications and automation solutionsOrganizational websites and CMS platformsSoftware 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 AIPrompt engineeringEmbeddings and semantic searchVector databasesRetrieval-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 developmentREST APIs and system integrationsApplication architectureSoftware testing and debuggingSecure software developmentObject-oriented programming (OOP)Data structures and algorithmsGit-based development workflows Technical Skills Frontend Technologies React.jsReact NativeNext.jsJavaScript (ES6+)TypeScriptHTML5CSS3Tailwind CSSResponsive web development Backend Technologies Node.js / Express.jsPythonFastAPIDjangoPHPLaravelJava / Spring Boot is an advantageRESTful API developmentAPI authentication and integration Databases PostgreSQLMySQL / MariaDBSQL queries and database designMongoDBRedis, with basic exposure Web & CMS WordPress CMSPHP-based web applicationsWebsite administration and maintenanceWebsite security and backupsWebsite performance optimizationBasic SEO and website analytics Artificial Intelligence Large Language Models (LLMs)Generative AI applicationsAI APIsPrompt engineeringEmbeddingsSemantic searchVector databases, including Pinecone, Weaviate, ChromaDB, and FAISSRetrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)AI assistants and chatbotsAutomation workflowsAI agent concepts DevOps, Cloud & Development Tools GitGitHub / GitLabCI/CD conceptsDockerDocker ComposeAWSGoogle Cloud Platform (GCP)Microsoft AzureLinux environmentsPostman 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 thinkingAttention to detailAbility to produce clean and maintainable codeCuriosity and willingness to learn new technologiesTeamwork and communicationOwnership 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 engineeringDigital health technologiesAI-enabled applicationsModern web developmentCloud technologiesDevOps practices Application Requirements Applicants should prepare: Updated CV/ResumeCover letter explaining their interest in the positionGitHub profile, portfolio, or examples of software projects, if availableAcademic 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, EthiopiaEmployment Type: ContractPositions Available: 2