Remote (must be available to meet with East Africa timezone at least 2 hours a few times weekly) Remote (Global)

GiveDirectly is hiring a Senior Software Engineer (Remote)

About the Role

Help design and maintain software that directly supports large-scale humanitarian efforts. This role focuses on developing and scaling backend systems that manage donor interactions, payment distribution, and emergency response logistics. You'll take ownership of full-cycle development—from architecture and implementation to deployment and monitoring—ensuring reliability and performance under real-world conditions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of scalable, maintainable services that support core program operations
  • Own features from concept through production, ensuring robustness and observability
  • Enhance development efficiency by refining CI/CD pipelines, expanding test coverage, and reducing manual processes
  • Work closely with product, operations, and data teams to translate field needs into technical solutions
  • Diagnose and resolve system issues with an emphasis on sustainable, root-cause fixes
  • Promote engineering best practices in testing, documentation, and system monitoring
  • Contribute to long-term technical planning with a focus on scalability, maintainability, and impact

Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate strong alignment with ethical, inclusive, and mission-focused values. Required qualifications include:

  • Four or more years of experience building and deploying production software
  • Proven background in backend systems: cloud infrastructure, databases, and API design
  • Proficiency in strongly-typed, object-oriented languages such as Java, C#, Go, or similar
  • Experience with scripting languages like Python or Ruby
  • Hands-on work with deployment infrastructure and software delivery pipelines
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate technical trade-offs clearly
  • High personal ownership—driven to improve systems proactively and leave code and processes better than found

Preferred Experience

  • Production use of Python and AWS
  • Background in financial systems or payment processing
  • Work with microservices or serverless architectures

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position with flexibility in scheduling. Candidates must be available for collaboration during East Africa time zones a few times per week and able to travel 1–2 times annually for team gatherings or field visits. The role offers substantial autonomy within a supportive, non-hierarchical culture that values candid feedback, continuous learning, and inclusive collaboration.

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation is competitive and varies by country, with a base salary range from $91,500 to $157,500 depending on location. Additional components include a 15% annual bonus, a substantial annual benefits stipend, and a desk allowance. Health benefits are comprehensive and adapted to local standards. Unlimited paid time off is offered, with active encouragement to use it. Professional development is supported, and team retreats provide opportunities for in-person connection.

Required Skills
JavaC#GoPythonRubyAWSCI/CDAPIscloud servicesdatabasesbackend architectureinfrastructure deployment PythonAWSJavaC#GoRubyCI/CD pipelinesmicroservicesserverless architectureAPIsbackend architecturecloud servicesdatabasesinfrastructure deploymentsoftware systems
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About company
GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly aims to reshape international giving by providing cash grants directly to the world’s poorest, with the goal of establishing cash transfers as a benchmark for foreign aid and accelerating the end of extreme poverty.
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Job Details
Category backend
Posted 17 days ago