Systems Tester – Design and development of enhanced education management information system (EEMIS)

About CGA Technologies

CGA Technologies is a UK-based international development consultancy firm founded in 2011, focused on delivering scalable and sustainable technology systems and technical assistance that support countries toward achieving their development goals. We currently have operations in DRC, Mali, Sierra Leone, Malawi and South Sudan although our team and project footprint extend much further.

In collaboration with governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities, we work to create sustainable change by transforming national systems and services in the countries we work in to be more accountable, inclusive, and accessible. Our goal is also to empower individuals and communities to access essential services and resources, helping break the cycle of poverty.

CGA Technologies is part of Corus International, an ensemble of organizations working together to provide holistic, lasting solutions to complex development challenges. Through this collaboration, along with governments and local partners, we reduce poverty, build education transformation and improve health outcomes in the communities we serve.

Role Summary

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has secured funding to develop an Education Management Information System (EMIS) – a modern, robust, and efficient platform designed to strengthen the management and administration of educational data across the sector. This Enhanced Education Management Information System (EEMIS) will serve as a centralized, reliable, and accessible repository for collecting, storing, processing, and disseminating critical information to support data-driven decision-making.

If CGA Technologies is successful in securing the contract, the Systems Tester would play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of the EMIS project. This position will be responsible for verifying that the system is developed in line with both stakeholder expectations and the agreed functional and technical requirements, safeguarding the overall quality and integrity of the system throughout its development lifecycle.

The Systems Tester would conduct rigorous system testing and system demonstrations for key stakeholders. The role would also involve proactively identifying issues, communicating required changes to the development team, and supporting the wider project team to deliver a reliable, efficient, and user-centered EMIS.

This role is based in Zambia, ideally in Lusaka, or with very regular travel to Lusaka and will report to the Project Manager. Zambian nationals are highly encouraged to apply.

This is a 6-month contract position with the potential for extension based on project needs and performance.

Actual hiring is contingent upon award of the project contract

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive test plans, test cases, and test scripts for the EMIS, covering all phases of the development lifecycle – from initial builds to final system acceptance.
• Perform a range of testing activities, including functional, integration, performance, usability, and security testing, ensuring the system operates effectively, securely, and in alignment with project specifications and stakeholder expectations.
• Identify, log, and track system defects, bugs, and issues systematically, collaborating closely with the development team to prioritise and resolve them in a timely and effective manner.
• Plan and conduct testing activities at key development milestones, ensuring each module or feature is thoroughly validated before progressing to the next stage.
• Work closely with the development team to troubleshoot issues, clarify requirements, and verify fixes, ensuring continuous alignment between technical outputs and business needs.
• Ensure the EMIS meets established quality standards, documenting testing outcomes and contributing to risk assessments and quality assurance reports for project management and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate system functionality to stakeholders during review sessions and user acceptance testing (UAT), collecting feedback and ensuring system performance aligns with end-user expectations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years’ experience in software testing and quality assurance, ideally within multi-stakeholder project environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of testing methodologies, frameworks, tools, and best practices, including experience with both manual and automated testing approaches.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proven capacity to assess complex systems, identify potential issues, and propose clear, actionable solutions.
• Familiarity with Tech4Dev (Technology for Development) principles and methodologies.
• Solid understanding of data management practices, MIS platforms, and information systems development processes.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively within cross-functional, distributed, and multicultural project teams.

Required qualities

• Passionate and people-focused: we value a relational approach to development and leadership.
• Values-driven – impact-led and motivated by a commitment to poverty reduction
• Creative and opportunity-oriented: we are excited by can-do attitudes that look beyond immediate delivery to identify pathways towards greater impact and learning.
• Self-motivated: working remotely with a range of personnel across multiple time zones requires focus and flexibility. We are looking for someone who will maintain positive project momentum.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience within the education sector or/and on projects involving education management information systems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage confidently, build relationships, and work effectively with government officials, development partners, and technical teams.