Backend Developer

Job Title: Backend Developer
Reports To: Technology Lead
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Direct Reports: N/A

About azakaw
azakaw is an innovative and fast-growing company specializing in regulatory technology solutions. We are dedicated to empowering businesses globally with cutting-edge compliance tools and services, enabling them to navigate complex regulatory landscapes seamlessly. As a RegTech startup, we are on a mission to revolutionize the way businesses achieve compliance excellence.

Mission / Purpose of the Role

The Backend Developer plays a critical role in building the core engine. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining secure, scalable, and high-performance backend services that enable seamless workflows, automation, compliance tracking, and client management. The Backend Developer ensures that all server-side systems, APIs, and integrations function reliably and efficiently to support product growth and user experience. Ultimately, the role enables the delivery of a robust, resilient, and future-ready SaaS platform by translating product requirements into stable backend architectures, ensuring data integrity, system security, and smooth cross-module performance.

12–18 Month Mission Outcomes ("What Success Looks Like")
Mission / Outcome
Success Metrics / Measures
Deliver a stable, scalable, and secure backend foundation for core modules.

· 99.9%+ backend uptime.
· No major production outages attributable to backend issues.
· Performance benchmarks for API response time consistently met.
Develop and enhance backend services, APIs, and microservices powering features.

· Delivery of all assigned backend features within sprint timelines.
· API quality score upheld (linting, documentation, versioning).
· Reduction in API-related bugs by X% within 12 months.
Optimize database performance and improve data integrity across the platform.

· Query performance improved.
· Database error rates reduced.
· Proper indexing, schema updates, and data model improvements delivered on schedule.
Strengthen platform security, access control, and compliance-readiness.
· Zero critical security vulnerabilities
· Successful implementation of secure authentication, authorization, and data protection controls
· Audit logs and compliance requirements fully implemented
Collaborate effectively with Product, QA, and Frontend teams to deliver end-to-end features.

· On-time sprint delivery.
· Reduced QA-reported defects.
· Positive cross-functional feedback.
Maintain accurate CRM records and reporting.
· CRM data 100% up-to-date; forecasts and reports submitted on time and accurately.
Improve system performance, caching, and background processing to support scale.
· Reduced server load & latency.
· Stable performance under increased user volume.
· Deployment of optimized caching & job queues.

Key Accountabilities

Accountability Area
Key Responsibilities
Success Indicators
Backend Development & API Engineering

· Develop and enhance backend modules supporting workflows, compliance tracking, client management, and automation.
· Build secure, scalable APIs and microservices for the azakaw platform.
· Ensure clean, maintainable, and well-documented code.
· Features delivered within sprint timelines.
· Reduced API-related bugs.
· Stable and performant API response times.

Database Management & Data Integrity

· Design and optimize relational and NoSQL schemas.
· Implement indexing, performance tuning, and data integrity controls.
· Maintain logs, backups, and audit trails.
· Improved query performance.
· Reduced database errors.
· Accurate, consistent data across modules.
System Architecture, Performance & Scalability

· Contribute to modular system and microservice architecture.
· Optimize caching, job queues, background processing, and load handling.
· Support multi-tenant and RBAC requirements.

· Lower server load & latency.
· Stable performance under increased user/transaction volume.
· Successful implementation of caching and queue systems.
Security & Compliance

· Implement secure authentication, authorization, and data protection measures.
· Ensure backend is aligned with compliance and security standards.
·Address vulnerabilities and conduct API hardening.
· Zero critical vulnerabilities.
· Compliance-grade audit logs and data protection controls in place.
· Successful internal security assessments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
· Work closely with Product, QA, and Frontend teams to deliver end-to-end features.
· Participate in sprint planning, design reviews, and troubleshooting.
·Provide backend support for integrations and deployments.
· On-time delivery across sprints.
· Reduced handover defects.
· Positive cross-functional feedback.
DevOps, Deployment & Monitoring Support
· Support CI/CD pipelines, deployments, and environment management.
· Collaborate on monitoring, logging, and error detection improvements.
· Automate repetitive tasks where possible.
· Smooth pipeline execution.
· Increase in automated deployment steps.
· Fewer monitoring alerts due to proactive fixes.
Production Support & Incident Resolution

· Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues.
· Conduct RCA for major incidents.
· Improve system resilience by addressing recurring issues.
· Lower MTTR.
· RCA completed for all major issues.
· Significant reduction in repeated backend incidents.

Core Competencies

· Integrity
Develops backend systems with honesty, transparency, and strict adherence to security and data protection principles.
· Accountability
Takes full ownership of backend deliverables, code quality, system performance, and production reliability.
· Collaboration
Works effectively with Product, Frontend, QA, and DevOps teams to deliver seamless, end-to-end product features.
· Drive for Excellence
Maintains high engineering standards, continuously improving performance, scalability, and code quality.
· Problem-Solving Mindset
Approaches challenges analytically and creatively, identifying efficient solutions and resolving issues proactively.

Role-Specific Competencies

· Technical Mastery
Expertise in backend development using , REST APIs, microservices, and modern backend frameworks.
· Systems Thinking
Understands how backend components, databases, queues, and services interact within a SaaS architecture.
· Performance & Optimization
Ability to diagnose bottlenecks, optimize databases, improve system performance, and implement caching/job queues.
· Security & Compliance Awareness
Applies secure coding practices, implements RBAC, and safeguards data integrity in line with compliance expectations.
· Independent Debugging & Troubleshooting
Strong debugging skills with the ability to analyze logs, identify root causes, and resolve backend incidents efficiently.
· DevOps & Deployment Readiness
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and cloud-based deployment environments.

Skills and Knowledge

· Backend Engineering Expertise
Hands-on knowledge of , microservices, API design, and containerized environments (Docker).
· Database Engineering
Strong experience with PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, schema design, indexing, and performance tuning.
· Cloud & Infrastructure
Understanding of AWS/Azure services, monitoring tools, and environment management.
· CI/CD & Version Control
Knowledge of Git workflows, automated testing, and continuous integration pipelines.
· Communication & Team Skills
Clear communication, effective coordination across teams, and strong documentation practices.
· Time Management & Ownership
Ability to manage workload, deliver features within sprint cycles, and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
· Continuous Learning & Adaptability
Willingness to adopt new technologies, improve systems, and adapt to evolving product requirements.

Education & Experience
Requirement
Details
Education
Bachelors Degree
Experience
2-5 years of experience.

Culture & Values Alignment

• Embody a growth mindset and proactive learning approach.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Exhibit professional maturity and integrity in handling sensitive issues.
• Build trust and credibility with both leadership and team members.
• Align with azakaw's core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.

Rewards & Growth

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth in a global, fast-scaling organization.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.

End of Document.

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