Senior Backend Engineer at Umba
Senior Backend Engineer
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Back-End Engineer to help
design, build, and scale the core services that power Umba’s digital banking
platform. You’ll work on RESTful APIs built with Python, leveraging frameworks
like Flask and FastAPI to deliver secure,
reliable, and high-performance systems used by tens of thousands of customers
across Africa.
You’ll collaborate closely with our Front-End and Data teams
to define new data models, business logic, and APIs — shaping the foundation
for our mobile and web applications. We value autonomy and ownership: engineers
at Umba ship their own code, monitor performance, and continuously improve
reliability.
This is a highly technical, in-office role based at our
Nairobi headquarters. You’ll join a small, exceptional team operating in a
fast-moving environment, where we deploy new machine learning models regularly
and rely on data-driven decisions. You won’t just be an implementer — you’ll
help define how we build the future of banking.
Responsibilities
- Design,
build, and maintain robust and scalable software using Python (Flask,
FastAPI).
- Architect
new services and contribute to the evolution of our system infrastructure.
- Write
clean, testable code with strong attention to performance and security.
- Improve
code quality through automation, testing, and code reviews.
- Collaborate
with Front-End and Data teams to integrate APIs into customer-facing apps.
- Participate
in technical discussions and product brainstorming sessions.
- Debug
complex issues and deliver reliable solutions on schedule.
Skills and Qualifications
- 6+
years of hands-on software engineering experience in production
environments.
- Degree
in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred — or
equivalent, demonstrable experience.
- Strong
proficiency in Python and familiarity with frameworks such as Flask and FastAPI.
- Experience
with Linux/Unix systems and scripting languages.
- Solid
understanding of OOP and software architecture principles — building
systems that are extensible, reusable, and maintainable.
- Familiarity
with modern development tools and workflows (Git, CI/CD, Docker).
- Bonus: experience
in blockchain or crypto-related development, particularly in
financial applications.
- Bonus: Experience
with Front end development (TypeScript/React/NextJS)
- Proven
track record of shipping production-ready code on time.
- Collaborative,
curious, and fun to work with — the kind of teammate others want to join
on the weekend.
Work Status
- Valid
work authorization for Kenya
Umba is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard
to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national
origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic
protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal
histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or
special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Trade Finance and Export Partnerships Manager at Umba
About Umba
Umba is a pan-African digital bank serving customers in both
Kenya and Nigeria. Our mission entails providing accessible and cost-effective
financial services across Africa, enabling our customers to take charge of
their financial well-being. We are committed to seizing a unique opportunity to
transform the financial landscape in Africa by harnessing the power of machine
learning to develop intelligent, affordable financial products tailored for
emerging markets. Our machine learning models are continuously improving, and
we leverage AI and automation to deliver banking solutions at the lowest
possible cost to our expanding customer base.
Umba is headquartered in Nairobi Kenya. Our primary focus is to offer a
comprehensive range of digital banking products through Android, iOS and Web
Apps, and we take pride in our culture of consistently surpassing customer
expectations, which has fueled our rapid expansion.
Umba acquired a deposit taking microfinance bank in Kenya in 2023, which has
now been named Umba Microfinance Bank. The bank has achieved fast growth since
launch with average monthly growth rate of 19% and 6x revenue growth in 2024.
We are actively seeking outstanding individuals who not only possess
exceptional talent but also share our vision, determination, and sense of
purpose. Join us in our endeavor to establish the best digital bank in Africa.
Responsibilities
- Client
Acquisition: Source, onboard, and manage relationships with Kenyan
exporters in target sectors (floriculture, coffee/tea, apparel,
handicrafts, agriculture). Ideally selling to the US.
- Partnership
Development: Build relationships with export promotion agencies, chambers
of commerce, freight forwarders, and trade associations to generate leads.
- Deal
Structuring: Work with product and credit teams to design invoice
financing, payment acceleration, and FX solutions tailored to exporters’
needs.
- Market
Intelligence: Provide insights into exporter pain points, competitor
offerings, and opportunities for Umba to differentiate.
- Compliance
Liaison: Coordinate with legal/compliance teams to ensure onboarding
aligns with CBK FX rules and export documentation requirements.
- Revenue
Growth: Deliver measurable inflow targets and customer retention rates.
Qualifications and Skills
- 5+
years in trade finance, SME banking, or exporter relations.
- Strong
personal network of exporters, particularly in floriculture, coffee, tea,
apparel, and agriculture.
- Track
record in structuring trade finance products or facilitating cross-border
payments.
- Understanding
of CBK regulations on FX and export documentation.
- Proven
ability to meet or exceed commercial targets.
- Excellent
negotiation and relationship management skills.
Call Centre Intern at Umba
Job Summary
We are seeking proactive and results-driven Call Center Interns to join our
team. This role combines new customer acquisition and customer relationship
management to drive growth and enhance customer satisfaction You will play a
key role in engaging potential and existing customers, ensuring they receive
outstanding service while meeting sales and retention targets.
Key Responsibilities
- Make
outbound calls to potential customers from provided leads.
- Present
and clearly explain the Stock Loan Product and its terms.
- Convert
prospects into active borrowers and guide them through onboarding.
- Maintain
and update a daily sales pipeline report.
- Gather
and share market insights and customer feedback with the product team.
- Make
follow-up calls to existing borrowers to ensure timely repayments.
- Promote
repeat borrowing and upsell products where applicable.
- Address
customer queries or escalate them to relevant departments.
- Conduct
periodic satisfaction checks and record feedback.
- Monitor
customer engagement and flag potential churn risks.
Requirements
- Diploma
or Degree (completed or in progress) in Business, Marketing, Finance, or
related field.
- Excellent
verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong
interpersonal skills and customer-oriented mindset.
- Ability
to work in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
- Basic
computer skills (MS Office, CRM systems an added advantage).
- Prior
sales or customer service experience is an added advantage but not
mandatory.
Deadline for applications: 22nd August 2025.