ASSISTANT:SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

University of the Western Cape; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape invites applications for the Assistant Software Developer role within the Centre for Innovative Education & Communication Technologies (CIECT). The successful candidate will help maintain the iKamva LMS, integrate third-party tools, and support daily LMS operations.

You will work with instructional designers and developers to diagnose issues, implement upgrades, and ensure security and data integrity while keeping up with emerging LMS technologies.

Qualifications

• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) in a Higher Education setting is preferred.
• Proficiency with programming languages and technologies (Java, HTML/CSS, PHP, JavaScript).
• Knowledge of databases (MySQL) and integration technologies (APIs, LTI).
• Ability to troubleshoot and support software development across LMS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the iKamva LMS and integrated platforms; assist with daily support and maintenance.
• Verify data-base access, load balancing, and reliability of LMS instances (Sakai/AspirePillar7).
• Monitor LMS performance and availability day and night, including emergencies.
• Diagnose back-end issues in LMS platforms and identify root causes.
• Troubleshoot user access, participation, and assessment queries in LMS tools.
• Coordinate with the Jira helpdesk and Instructional Design team on issues.
• Assist with LMS upgrade processes and change management.

Skills

LMS experience

Java

APIs

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

National Diploma or Advanced Certificate in relevant field

Tools

iKamva LMS

Sakai

APIs

LTI

Java

Job description

Title of Position

ASSISTANT:SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Post Number

9107

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic -> E - Learning

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Closing Date

16/9/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

At the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Centre for Innovative Education & Communication Technologies (CIECT) is dedicated to advancing technology-driven solutions that support the institution’s teaching, learning, and administrative functions. CIECT is responsible for driving emergent technologies and innovative collaborative projects, to support teaching and learning aligned to the broader digital transformation agenda; and the Institutional Operating Plan (IOP).

The university has continued to see significant strides in relation to the maintenance and sustainability of a robust institutional Learning Management System to ensure the successful adoption of online teaching, learning and assessment practices. An opportunity currently exists for internal candidates only to apply for the position Assistant Software Developer,which focuses on the maintenance and support of the institutional Learning Management System (LMS), and other 3 rd party integrated eTools and platforms.

The Assistant Software Developer will undertake a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Assist with the overall daily responsibilities in relation to ongoing support and maintenance of the iKamva LMS platform and other integrated 3 rd party integrated platforms and eTools.
• Assist with verification of access to data-base servers and load balancing of the institutional LMS and all Sakai instances (AspirePillar7, CEU and Elections) to ensure reliability and performance.
• Assist the Coordinator with the continuous monitoring of the LMS performance, reliability, and availability (day and night; and during emergencies).
• Assist in analysing and diagnosing back-end technical system issues within the LMS platforms (iKamva and AspirePillar7), identifying root causes.
• Trouble shoot the LMS in relation to technical investigations logged by the Instructional Designers (user access, participation and assessment queries within iKamva and AspirePillar7 platforms),
• Check the internal helpdesk for system bugs and queries logged in relation to all Sakai instances.
• Assist the Coordinator with technical write-ups regarding logged queries and communicate via the internal Jira helpdesk system with Instructional Design team.
• Assist the Senior Developer with upgrade processes of the LMS, related version controls; and change management processes.
• Implement, test and maintain the LTI integrations within iKamva to connect external learning tools to ensure seamless integration.
• Keep abreast regarding latest trends and advancements in LMS technologies and software development practices (open-source, proprietary, online, mobile and other off-line solutions); and contribute to effective usage accordingly.
• Participate in internal capacity building and review sessions, providing constructive feedback on peers' work and learning from senior developers.
• Assist the Coordinator with the awareness around the security and POPIA landscape, especially concerning various roles, permissions, data sharing, and content storage.
• Assist with additional responsibilities during the academic examination and institutional emergency periods; and specific departmental projects to ensure business continuity.
• Assist the main developers and Instructional Designers with pilot projects in relation to the development of software applications and systems for specific disciplines and stakeholders (Faculties, other Directorates and Units).

Minimum education and experience required:

• National Diploma or Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) OR National Certificate or Higher Certificate at (NQF 5), with four (4) years relevant experience within a Learning Management System, specifically the back-end, super-administrative role within a Higher Education Setting.

Skills and Experiences:

Strong knowledge or understanding in these key areas would be advantageous:

• Proven experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) is highly desirable (Sakai experience is a plus).
• Experience with a variety of programming languages and technologies, including but not limited to:
  • Programming languages (e.g., Java, HTML/CSS, PHP, familiarity with JavaScript )
  • Databasing (e.g., MySQL)
  • Integration Technologies (e.g., Application Programming Interfaces [APIs], Learning Tools Interoperability [LTI]
  • Web Frameworks: (e.g., Spring [Java], Django [Python], Laravel [PHP])
• Development and Technical Expertise: Strong ability to troubleshoot technical issues and support software development.
• Ability to work closely with team members across CIECT.
• Analytical skills with a focus on learning and following required procedures.
• Ability to simplify and explain technical terms in layman's terms when reporting to Instructional Design team (front-end support).
• Staying updated with the latest technologies and a willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to analyse and solve problems effectively.
• Experience collaborating across diverse teams.
• Ability to explore and adapt to new software applications and best practices.
• Understanding of security and privacy concerns, especially concerning various roles, permissions, data sharing, and content storage.
• Keeping updated with emerging technologies and third-party tools integrated within LMS environments.

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an Assistant Software Developer within the Centre for Innovative Education and Communication Technologies. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of staff in this role. All staff may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone]/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: [e-mail].

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.