Senior Manager - Software Innovation for Water Resources (Globally Recruited)

The International Water Management Institute ( IWMI ), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a dynamic and technically skilled Full Stack Software Developer with expertise in Integrated Water Systems. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to global water security from our office in Pretoria, South Africa.

This is an internationally recruited position; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities from diverse locations around the world are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to be based in South Africa, with options for onsite, hybrid, or remote working arrangements.

The Senior Manager - Software Innovation for Water Resources will lead the development of IWMI’s Data Infrastructure and digital tools, including the AI agents platform. The incumbent will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of projects, provide crucial technical guidance to early career researchers, and play a key role in developing project proposals. This role also serves as the primary point of contact for all software development activities within IWMI, guiding the creation of digital products and ensuring best practices are followed from initial Proof of Concept (PoC) to final, impactful solutions.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Software Development Leadership :  Spearhead the design, development, and deployment of software solutions for IWMI's data infrastructure and digital tools, with a specific focus on the AI agent's platform, ensuring these solutions support IWMI’s mission and enhance its data-driven research capabilities.
• Project Management :  Ensure the successful, on-time, and high-quality end-to-end delivery of all software projects, so that delivered solutions meet stakeholder expectations and advance IWMI’s strategic objectives.
• Technical Guidance and Mentorship :  Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and technical staff, fostering a culture of best practices in software development, with the aim of elevating team capabilities and ensuring high-quality outputs that drive IWMI’s innovation.
• Strategic Planning :  Contribute to the development of project proposals, providing technical expertise and strategic direction for future initiatives to ensure upcoming projects are technically feasible and aligned with IWMI’s strategic vision.
• Stakeholder Communication :  Act as the primary point of contact for all software development matters, coordinating effectively with internal teams, researchers, and external partners to ensure transparency, alignment, and stakeholder satisfaction in line with IWMI’s goals.
• Quality Assurance :  Oversee the creation of all digital products, ensuring they adhere to software development best practices, are robust, scalable, and maintainable to guarantee high-quality tools that reliably support IWMI’s ongoing research and operations.
• Collaborative Design :  Work closely with researchers to translate their innovative ideas into tangible digital products, guiding the process from Proof of Concept (POC) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stages to full-scale deployment to ensure cutting-edge research is transformed into practical solutions that advance IWMI’s mission.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE :

Essential :

Desirable :

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :

Essential :

Desirable :

Benefits

This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Internationally recruited staff who are employed at a duty station outside of their home base / country of nationality will also receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of two years.

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