IT Software and Database Specialist

Job Description

Position Title:           IT Software and Database Specialist
Location:                   Kigutu, Burundi
Reports To:               IT Manager or Director of Operations]
Number of Positions: 1
Start Date:                 ASAP
Contract Type:         Full-time

 

Organization Background:

Village Health Works (VHW) is a 501(c) (3) corporation. It is a social justice organization founded on the principle that health equity is not a commodity but a fundamental right. Founded in partnership with the communities we currently serve, VHW’s mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare and education based on critical thinking in a dignified environment to those in need. VHW’s holistic approach integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music, and the arts. In the context of our current work, this is the only way we can sustainably address extreme, multigenerational scarcity in a manner that uplifts and engages communities with dignity and in their context. We believe that the lack of access to quality healthcare and education is the biggest threat to development and world peace.

Currently, VHW operates in a wide array of clinical and community programs within a catchment area of over 200,000 people in the provinces of Rumonge and Bururi. However, its doors are open to every patient, regardless of their origin. Our first clinic handles over 51,000 outpatient consultations annually.  From 2007 to the summer of 2023, our 60-bed inpatient wards have provided basic adult and pediatric non-operative inpatient services, including treatment for malnutrition, mental health issues, chronic and acute diseases, and uncomplicated obstetrical deliveries. Our staff of generalist physicians has administered these services under the supervision of our current Medical Director.

Village Health Works has launched a plan to expand its clinical services, offering comprehensive, high-quality medical care and training. To achieve this goal, VHW has constructed and officially opened an 85,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art teaching hospital offering a range of services, including surgery, obstetric deliveries, intensive care, pediatrics and neonatology, emergency care, a pathology lab, a medical education and research center, and more. To deliver exceptional patient care and training, we must enhance the expertise and capabilities of healthcare providers through ongoing education, instruction, and research. This expansion necessitates the rigorous development and implementation of systems, structures, policies, and procedures informed by high-quality norms and international standards.

Additionally, VHW has established the Kigutu International Academy, a grade 9-12 boarding school, to equip young minds with an education based on critical thinking, preparing them to become the leaders we wish their country and the continent to have for a better future.

Our core values are as follows:

• Every member of VHW’s team must value the dignity inherent in each individual, strive

for excellence in all we do, and approach our work with boldness and perseverance.

• Compassion and justice must be at the heart of our organization.
• To accomplish our organization’s mission, we must all be accountable to one another and our community.

 

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated IT professional to serve as our IT Software and Database Specialist. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, optimization, and maintenance of software systems and databases that are integral to the organization’s operations, with a strong emphasis on reliability, performance, and security.

This position is key to supporting the rollout of OpenClinic and enhancing our billing and clinical data systems.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development and Management

• Design, code, test, and deploy software solutions to address business and clinical needs.
• Develop user interfaces and integrate third-party tools and APIs.
• Utilize programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, and SQL.
• Manage source code and software versions using tools like Git.

Database Design and Administration

• Design and implement efficient, secure database structures aligned with system requirements.
• Write and optimize complex SQL queries for data extraction, manipulation, and reporting.
• Monitor database performance and execute tuning strategies (indexing, partitioning, etc.).
• Manage backup and recovery procedures and ensure business continuity.

Security and Compliance

• Implement robust security measures to safeguard data.
• Ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and internal data governance policies.

Support and Troubleshooting

• Provide technical support and maintenance for existing software applications and databases.
• Diagnose and resolve bugs and performance issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather technical requirements and deliver solutions.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies.
• Propose innovations to enhance workflow, system performance, and user experience.

Qualifications

Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in software development and database management.
• Proven experience with MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Proficient in advanced SQL scripting and database communication protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in software configuration, deployment, and maintenance.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English and French (spoken and written).
• Working knowledge of Kirundi is a plus.

Desirable

• Prior experience with healthcare information systems, particularly OpenClinic.
• Familiarity with Java-based development and healthcare billing systems.
• Experience working in low-resource or multicultural environments.

Languages

• Required: Fluency in English and French (written and spoken).
• Preferred: Working knowledge of Kirundi.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their complete application package, which should include a cover letter, an updated CV, certified copies of diplomas and training certificates, proof of experience (e.g., a Certificate of Service), and contact details for three professional references. Applications should be sent by email to jobs@villagehealthworks.org, with the subject line: “Application – IT Software and Database Specialist. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible.
We reserve the right to close the recruitment process and hire the most qualified candidate at any time before the deadline.

 

Deadline: 15 April 2025

 

 

We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability status, or religion.