Computer Program Design Specialist

Reports to: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager (MELM)

Travel: Up to 60% travel to program sites

Organization Background

Since its establishment in 1997, Willows International (WI) has developed and implemented various versions of a client management system that improves the performance of community-level health care providers and enables women to receive significantly improved, customized, and timely information, services, referrals, and follow-ups in reproductive health care. Willows International has specifically focused on applying its client management system, the Willows Box System, for the betterment of the reproductive choices and services women are offered and receive. Through its programs during the past three decades, Willows empowered over three million women and their partners to develop informed opinions, attitudes, and motivations, and utilize existing family planning and sexual reproductive health (FP/SRH) services that meet their individual needs, situations, and preferences. Our mission is to help women realize their reproductive health goals with the highest quality information and services.

In Ethiopia, Willows International (WI) is collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to implement a project aimed at optimizing the Health Extension Workers (HEWs) program to improve family planning and reproductive health outcomes for women and their partners. The initiative focuses on strengthening client management and follow-up systems and enhancing the effectiveness of HEWs in the three targeted regions: Oromia, Amhara, and Sidama. WI’s support involves standardizing, customizing, and institutionalizing the Willows Box System within the MoH framework to ensure delivery of tailored information, education, and counseling to clients. Elsewhere, this approach has been shown to reinforce positive behavior changes, promote systematic client follow-up, and strengthen referral linkages between the community and health facilities. Similar successful outcomes are expected to be achieved in Ethiopia.

Position Summary

The Computer Program Design Specialist will support the design, development, customization, and maintenance of digital health applications and databases used for the implementation of the Willows Box System and related monitoring systems in Ethiopia. The position will work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager (MELM) and the Ministry of Health digital health team to enhance and integrate digital tools within the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS).

The role includes development and configuration of mobile applications using the CommCare platform, database management, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring system functionality and performance. The Computer Programmer will also provide technical support, conduct system testing, and support capacity building for program staff and health extension workers.

The position is based in Addis Ababa with periodic travel to project sites.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. System Development and Enhancement

• Design, develop, and enhance application features within the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) to support community health service delivery.
• Configure and develop mobile applications on the CommCare platform, including digital forms, modules, workflows, and reporting structures.
• Customize application functionality based on program requirements and feedback from field users.
• Develop and maintain databases and data structures that support the Willows Box System and program monitoring needs.
• Collaborate with the MEL Manager to develop automated reporting systems, dashboards, and data management tools.
• Work closely with the Ministry of Health Digital Health team and partners supporting eCHIS enhancement and interoperability.

2. Database Management and Data Systems Support

• Design and maintain program databases for storing client, service delivery, and follow-up data.
• Ensure proper database performance, backup, security, and user access control.
• Support integration of the Willows Box System database with national digital health platforms.
• Assist in data extraction, transformation, and preparation for analysis and reporting.
• Maintain documentation of database architecture and system configurations.

3. Technical Support and Capacity Building

• Identify and resolve technical issues affecting the functionality of eCHIS and CommCare applications.
• Troubleshoot issues related to application configuration, mobile data synchronization, and form logic.
• Provide technical support to program staff, implementation managers, and field teams.
• Support system users in resolving application and database-related issues.
• Conduct end-user training for Health Extension Workers and supervisors on digital tools and applications.
• Provide technical guidance and support to staff on the use of digital data systems.

4. Testing and Quality Assurance

• Conduct testing of newly developed or modified CommCare applications and system features.
• Test form functionality, workflow logic, and data synchronization processes.
• Support user acceptance testing (UAT) before system deployment.
• Identify system bugs or configuration issues and implement fixes.
• Ensure digital tools meet program requirements and quality standards before rollout.

5. Collaboration and System Improvement

• Work closely with the MEL Manager and program teams to ensure digital systems support monitoring and reporting needs.
• Collaborate with Ministry of Health digital teams to ensure alignment with national digital health systems.
• Support the continuous improvement and enhancement of digital tools used in the program.
• Document system updates, improvements, and technical procedures.

6. Other Duties

• Support preparation of digital tools for training, supervision, and monitoring activities.
• Participate in system development planning and digital innovation initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the MEL Manager or Country Director.

Minimum Requirements Education

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Health Informatics, Information Systems, or related fields.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in systems development, implementation, testing, and user support in the health sector
  • Experience in health information system design and development.
  • Hands-on experience with eCHIS development and implementation.
  • Strong experience configuring CommCare applications, including forms, modules, and workflows.
  • Experience with databases, system networking, and web development.
  • Experience in providing end-user training and technical support.
  • Experience working with Agile software development methodologies is desirable.

Language Proficiency

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English and Amharic.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to translate program requirements into technical solutions.
  • Strong database management and programming skills.
  • Excellent troubleshooting and technical support skills.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with technical and non-technical teams.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to data quality and system reliability.