API Specialist (Integration, Middleware & Data Flows) (Onsite – JHB) (Contract)

ENVIRONMENT:

A purpose-driven conservation organisation operating across 13 African countries is building a unified, data-driven platform to support ecological, operational, and financial decision-making. Their environment is highly complex, consisting of interconnected systems operating across remote regions with intermittent connectivity. They are seeking an API Specialist to focus on designing, building, and maintaining integration layers between systems, devices, and their central data warehouse. This role forms a critical part of breaking down the broader Enterprise Architecture function into focused delivery components

DUTIES:

• Design, build and maintain APIs and middleware for system integrations
• Enable secure, reliable data flow between systems and the central data warehouse
• Develop and manage store-and-forward / offline-first integration patterns
• Implement error handling, monitoring, and retry mechanisms across integrations
• Collaborate with BI, IT, and system owners to ensure data consistency and integrity
• Document API structures, data mappings, and integration logic
• Support data ingestion pipelines into downstream platforms
• Work closely with vendors to ensure integration standards are met
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REQUIREMENTS:

• 4+ years’ experience in API development and system integration
• Strong experience with REST APIs, middleware, and distributed systems
• Experience with data pipelines and system-to-system integrations
• Solid understanding of data structures, transformations, and validation
• Experience working in cloud or hybrid environments
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve integration and data flow issues

Advantageous:

• Experience with event-driven architecture (queues, messaging systems)
• Exposure to IoT integrations or device data ingestion
• Knowledge of offline-first or low-connectivity environments

ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation ability
• Ability to work across teams and systems
• Comfortable in complex, evolving environments