Development Lead (1 Year Contract) (Remote)

IT – Software Development
Cape Town – Western Cape ~ Johannesburg – Gauteng ~ Remote

ENVIRONMENT:
Our client seeks a passionate leader to head a dynamic team dedicated to transforming urban environments through data and technology. Operating in a collaborative setting that values innovation and excellence, the opportunity focuses on driving impactful change in city living. As the Development Lead, the role is pivotal in shaping the client’s Tech ecosystem, optimizing productivity, and ensuring excellence in product design, development, and deployment. Reporting directly to the CTO and working closely with cross-functional teams, the position involves leading developers to align with our client’s aspirational culture and work ethos. The Development Lead will guide the direction of development products, shaping features for use across the continent and globally. This role demands strong analytical skills, a commitment to quality, collaborative work ethic, and proficient coding abilities. Emphasizing data-driven decision-making, the role underscores careful, rigorous, responsible, and empathetic development practices, prioritizing safety, inclusivity, and equity. A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience is required, with certifications in design methodology, project management, or UX considered advantageous.  1-year contract with an option to renew based on performance and funding.
 
DUTIES:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure product relevance and effectiveness.
  • Oversee the design, development and implementation of Civic Tech products, ensuring that they meet high quality standards and the needs of city partners.
  • Manage timelines, budgets and resources to ensure successful product releases and implementations.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the Development Team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence
  • Grow professionally and develop competence in a rapidly scaling organisation.
 
REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
  • Bachelor of Computer Science or relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent practical experience.
  • Certifications in design methodology, project management or UX would be advantageous.
Skills and technical expertise:
  • Python: Advanced Python proficiency for developing scalable and maintainable code, focusing on Web Development Python Frameworks (Flask, Django, FastAPI).
  • Cloud Engineering: Advanced proficiency in public cloud platforms such as AWS. Ability to design, implement, and manage cloud infrastructure and services.
  • Open-Source Development would be beneficial: Strong background in contributing to and managing open-source projects advantageous.
  • Familiarity with open-source licensing, community engagement, and leveraging open-source tools and libraries.
  • Data Automation & Integration: Proficiency in automating data workflows and integrating diverse data sources to streamline processes and enhance data accuracy, Apache airflow experience a bonus.
  • In-depth knowledge of product release processes and technical concepts.
  • Ability to innovate and apply emerging technologies effectively.
  • Strong leadership and management abilities.
  • Excellent communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Competencies in problem-solving, decision-making, organisational skills, and the ability to lead remote teams.
  • Knowledge of and experience working with Notion, Slack, Microsoft, Google Suite, Toggl etc. would be an advantage.
Experience:
  • Proven experience in a technical development environment, ideally within Civic Tech, with a track record of successful product deployments.
  • Experience with city systems is highly beneficial.
  • Experience working with data automation and integration is required.
  • Proven experience leading software development teams and building out complex software solutions.
 
ATTRIBUTES:
  • Personal values aligned with OCL’s aspirational culture.
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and a strong desire for continuous learning
  • and growth.
  • Commitment to ongoing performance improvement and coaching programmes.

+ 27 (0) 21 741 0400