GiveDirectly is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and scale systems that power cash transfer programs for people in extreme poverty. This is a fully remote, hands-on engineering role with high ownership, where you will build reliable platforms used by hundreds of thousands globally and collaborate across disciplines to deliver critical tools in the field.
What You'll Do
- Design and build scalable, reliable systems that power core operations, including donor platforms, payment delivery systems, and crisis response tools reaching hundreds of thousands globally.
- Own end-to-end development of new features and services, from architecture through deployment and monitoring.
- Improve developer workflows by strengthening CI/CD pipelines, reducing manual steps, and increasing test coverage.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, ops, data) to understand real-world needs and ship tools that directly support program delivery in the field.
- Debug and resolve production issues across the stack, with a focus on root cause analysis and long-term fixes.
- Advocate for sustainable engineering practices, including testing, documentation, and monitoring.
- Help shape the tech roadmap with an eye toward scale, maintainability, and recipient experience.
What We're Looking For
- Exceptional alignment with GiveDirectly Values and active demonstration of core competencies: emotional intelligence, problem solving, project management, follow-through, and fostering inclusivity.
- Language Requirement: English.
- 4+ years of industry experience creating production-caliber software and systems.
- Experience with backend architecture: databases, cloud services, APIs.
- Experience building infrastructure to deploy software.
- Experience with strongly-typed, object-oriented programming such as Java, C#, Go, etc. and scripting languages such as Python, Ruby, etc.
- High degree of ownership and autonomy — proactively advocate for system improvements and consistently leave the codebase in better condition.
- Strong analytical skills and communication — able to break down complex problems, describe technical trade-offs, and collaborate with cross-functional partners (e.g. technical program managers, product managers).
Nice to Have
- Experience using Python and AWS in a production environment.
- Experience with payments/financial software.
- Experience with microservice/serverless architecture.
Technical Stack
- Java, C#, Go, Python, Ruby, AWS, CI/CD, APIs, cloud services, databases, microservices, serverless architecture
Team & Environment
- ~150 global team members, with ~650 in country operations teams across 21 countries
- Lean, fast-moving, high-autonomy engineering team operating like a startup within GiveDirectly; may join Programs Engineering, Fundraising Engineering, or International Rapid Response team
Benefits & Compensation
- Fully remote work with flexibility
- Unlimited PTO (encouraged to take)
- Desk allowance
- Flexible work location
- Robust health benefits plan (exact details vary by country)
- Annual benefits stipend (amount varies by country)
- Competitive salary with bonus
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
- Supportive and positive team environment
- Travel 1-2 times per year for team retreats or field visits to countries of operation
Base Salary: $157,500 (US), £108,150 (UK), $91,500 (Kenya); estimated salary for other countries provided during hiring. Bonus at target performance: 15% (with potential upside). Annual Benefits Stipend: $21,393 (US), £2,760 (UK), $8,453 (Kenya).
Work Mode
- Remote globally, with requirement to meet with East Africa timezone at least 2 hours a couple of times per week
- Travel 1-2 times per year to one of GiveDirectly's countries of operation
GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Commitment to safeguarding: systematic misconduct checks with previous employers, in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screens. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.
