Job Title: Junior Android Developer
Reports to: Mobile Services
ROLE OVERVIEW
The employed individual will join a mobile development team and contribute to Android application development under the guidance of experienced developers and technical leads. This role is suited to a motivated junior developer who is building strong Android fundamentals, learning Kotlin and modern Android development practices, and developing the ability to implement simple features, UI components, and well-structured code. The individual will be expected to learn quickly, follow established coding standards, ask for help appropriately, and use AI tools responsibly as a learning and productivity aid without replacing technical understanding.
KNOWLEDGE
- Basic Android application development using Kotlin and/or Java
- Core programming concepts including data types such as Boolean, Int, String, and related primitive types
- Entity types such as classes, data classes, interfaces, enums, and basic object-oriented programming concepts
- Access levels and visibility modifiers such as private, public, internal, and protected
- Nullability and safe handling of nullable values in Kotlin
- Basic data structures such as lists, maps, sets, arrays, pairs, and simple collection operations
- Simple algorithms, control flow, and adequate selection of data structures for straightforward tasks
- Basic Android UI development using Jetpack Compose and awareness of XML layouts
- Basic understanding of file and folder structure, naming conventions, and team coding guidelines
- Awareness of RESTful services, JSON parsing, Git, and basic manual testing practices
SKILLS
- Ability to implement simple Android features and UI components with guidance
- Ability to follow existing project structure, coding standards, and established development practices
- Ability to read documentation, follow examples, and apply learning to assigned tasks
- Basic debugging skills using Android Studio, Logcat, and simple troubleshooting techniques
- Ability to communicate blockers clearly and ask for help early when needed
- Willingness and capability to learn new technologies, frameworks, libraries, and development tools
- Awareness of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Codex, and similar tools
- Ability to use AI responsibly as a learning tool and for repetitive or mundane tasks, while validating and understanding the output
ATTITUDES
- Curious, enthusiastic, and committed to continuous learning
- Open to feedback and willing to learn from mistakes
- Able to work in a team environment and learn from peers
- Professional in conduct, communication, and delivery approach
- Motivated to build strong fundamentals before relying heavily on tools or shortcuts
- Shows initiative by reading documentation, exploring examples, and asking thoughtful questions
- Delivery focused while understanding that junior work should be guided, reviewed, and improved through feedback
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, maintain, and debug simple Android application features under guidance
- Implement basic screens, UI components, and straightforward user flows using Kotlin and Android development tools
- Follow established file and folder structures, naming conventions, coding standards, and team guidelines
- Write clean, readable, and understandable code that can be reviewed and maintained by the team
- Perform basic manual testing of assigned features and assist with resolving simple defects
- Use Git or other version control systems to manage code changes according to team practices
- Read user stories, simple technical specifications, and documentation to understand assigned work
- Seek guidance when solving technical challenges and communicate progress, blockers, and questions clearly
- Use AI tools responsibly to support documentation, boilerplate exploration, and repetitive tasks while validating and understanding the generated output
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree, Diploma, or relevant qualification in Informatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Software Development, or a related field
- 0 - 2 years’ experience in mobile software development, Android development, internships, graduate programmes, personal projects, or equivalent practical learning
- Basic understanding of Android development using Kotlin and/or Java
- Exposure to Agile/Scrum environments or willingness to learn agile ways of working
- Evidence of learning ability through coursework, projects, portfolio work, GitHub repositories, bootcamps, or self-study
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL NEED:
- Basic knowledge of Android development using Kotlin, Android Studio, and Android SDK fundamentals
- Understanding of basic Kotlin concepts
- Ability to implement simple UI components and screens using Jetpack Compose, with awareness of XML layouts
- Awareness of frequently used Android libraries such as Hilt, Coil, Timber, Mockk, Navigation, Room, DataStore, etc
- Basic awareness of REST APIs, JSON serialization/deserialization, Retrofit, and OkHttp
- Basic awareness of MVVM, Clean Architecture concepts, repository pattern, and separation of concerns
- Basics of unit testing using JUnit and willingness to learn broader testing practices
- Ability to solve straightforward technical challenges with guidance, ask for help appropriately, and apply feedback
- Responsible awareness of AI tools and the ability to use them for learning, documentation, exploration, and repetitive tasks without blindly copying generated code
