Grameen Foundation

SUMMARY Applab is seeking for volunteers with 5 years or more technical experience in software development, specifically in Salesforce and Java programming for its Community Knowledge Worker (CKW) project in Uganda. The position does not require travel and can be done remotely. BACKGROUND The Application Laboratory (Applab) is an initiative of the Grameen Foundation (GF). We work to promote innovation in the provision of services and information using mobile phones and other ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) to alleviate poverty in the developing world. Poor and rural populations often lack access to important information and knowledge that would enable them to improve their lives and livelihoods. By leveraging the power of information and communications technologies, AppLab seeks to overcome the barriers to accessing information that contribute to the poverty cycle. AppLab uses mobile technologies to both disseminate and gather relevant and actionable information. We develop mobile phone applications and services that allow people to access information on important topics like health and agriculture, among others. For example, through a simple text message a farmer can receive tips on treating crop diseases, learn local market prices, or get advice on preventing malaria. Our applications can also be used for collecting information. For example, surveys conducted by mobile phones can be used to collect information on access to health services or the types of crops being grown in a specific region. This information can provide a detailed understanding of the challenges poor communities face and equip service providers with the knowledge they need to better serve the poor. CHALLENGE Applab in Uganda is working with local developers to design and build its mobile application. Developers have basic knowledge of programming and software engineering, but need support and mentorship in following best practices in design and coding. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS - Minimum of 6 years experience as senior developer or architect as part of a project with at least 20 developers; - Expert in Salesforce, Java programming, multi-tier design, data base design, API programming and Web services – A MUST; - Expert in code audit methods and practices with prior experience in auditing the code of other developers; - Knowledge in UML and Usecase design; - Knowledge in mobile application development is a plus. The volunteer will be expected to: - Learn current software development practices at Applab; - Learn to use Applab tools (Jira, Confluence, SVN and other tools used for code review); - Provide detailed design for the new components and features based on application architecture provided; - Perform code review and provide feedback to developers. Code review includes review of name conventions per guidelines provided, review of code logic, review of code efficiency, ensuring code has followed best practices in memory usage, IO interactions and also follows the design; - Coding is not part of the job description however at this role volunteer might need to help junior developers with re-writing parts of the codes if necessary; - Review releases prepared for monthly or quarterly releases to ensure integrity of the code developed by multiple developers; - Perform R&D to address technology questions and find solutions to questions; - Occasional coding to help developers or support the program to meet deadlines. Volunteer will work closely with technology manager and platform architect. The volunteer project does not require any travel and can be done remotely. The only need is to have access to Skype for communication. Volunteer should agree to use open source development environments such as Eclipse and its plug-ins on his/her PC. EXPECTED RESULTS/IMPACT The project will support the release of new version of applications. Developing and releasing software and mobile applications is at the core of the CKW program. This enables information dissemination via mobile phone. TIMELINE AND LOCATION The project timeline is 3 months after the volunteer’s start date. 20 hours each month are required for an effective support. This can be during weekdays or weekends. However, answering emails at least once a day is desired. Volunteer can start the beginning of each month when new releases are scheduled.