Support a startup providing accessible mental healthcare solutions across Africa ⭐

CogniX leverages innovative technology to provide accessible, personalized mental healthcare solutions across Africa, empowering individuals and communities to improve their well-being.

CogniX addresses the critical social challenge of limited access to mental healthcare across Africa. With a significant shortage of mental health professionals and widespread stigma surrounding mental health, millions of people in underserved communities lack the support they need. Our platform bridges this gap by providing accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive mental health solutions. By empowering individuals and communities to prioritize mental well-being, we aim to reduce stigma, improve mental health outcomes, and foster healthier, more resilient communities across Africa. Additionally, our approach promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the need for physical infrastructure in delivering mental health services.

CogniX offers a transformative solution to Africa’s mental healthcare crisis through our comprehensive mobile platform, "Beyond Self." The app connects users with licensed mental health professionals via teletherapy, offering accessible and affordable care regardless of geographic location. Our AI-powered recommendation system matches users with the best-fit therapists based on their needs, while features like mental health tracking, community support, and educational content foster ongoing wellness. Additionally, Beyond Self includes e-pharmacy integration, crisis support, and the use of emerging technologies like VR/AR for immersive therapy experiences, ensuring a holistic and scalable approach to mental health in Africa.

Role (Volunteer): Backend Engineer (Java Spring boot).

Role Description: CogniX is seeking a Volunteer Backend Engineer with strong Java and Spring Boot experience to help power scalable, secure, and impactful digital mental health services across Africa. You will work alongside a cross-functional team of ML engineers, frontend developers, and MHPs to deliver core backend systems that support AI-driven therapy tools, user management, and personalized care experiences.

This is a unique opportunity to apply your backend engineering skills to a meaningful, socially-driven project making a real difference.

🔧 Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement backend services and RESTful APIs using Java Spring Boot.
• Implement secure payment processing workflows, including integration with payment gateways (e.g., Paystack) for bookings and subscription features.
• Integrate with frontend and ML services for features such as MHPs matching and messaging systems.
• Build secure, scalable systems for authentication, user/mhp profiles, and data management.
• Collaborate on real-time and batch processing pipelines that support recommendations and analytics.
• Write clean, modular, testable code following best practices in backend architecture.
• Contribute to database design, ORM integration, and performance tuning.
• Assist with deployment and monitoring of backend services on cloud platforms (e.g., AWS) using containerized environments.

🛠️ Tech Domains:

• Languages & Frameworks: Java, Spring Boot
• Payments Integration: Payment gateway integration (e.g., Paystack or similar), secure transaction handling
• API Design: RESTful APIs, JSON, validation layers
• Database: MySQL, PostgreSQL, JPA/Hibernate
• Security: Authentication/Authorization (JWT/OAuth), input sanitization
• Deployment: Docker, cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS EC2, ECS, RDS)
• Testing: JUnit, integration tests, Postman
• Tools: GitHub, Maven/Gradle, Swagger/OpenAPI

🌟 Ideal Candidate:

• Strong experience building scalable backend applications using Java Spring Boot.
• Proficient in REST API development, relational databases, and ORM frameworks.
• Comfortable working with authentication flows and cloud deployment pipelines.
• Familiarity with containerization and cloud-based infrastructure (especially AWS).
• Collaborative mindset, able to work closely with frontend, ML, and product teams.
• Bonus: Experience in digital healthcare products, real-time systems, or integrating with ML services.

🚀 Benefits:

• Make a real impact: Help build one of Africa’s most innovative mental health platforms.
• Mentorship & peer support: Collaborate with engineers, designers, and founders, and receive professional references and recognition.
• Career growth: Potential for future full-time placement after funding rounds. Eligible for ChangeMakers Award nominations.
• Flexible remote work: ~10+ hours/week with asynchronous coordination.
• Build your portfolio: Lead agile execution on a real-world healthtech product used across the continent.

Time Commitment: Volunteer 10+ hours per week for 3-5 months remotely 💻

If you want to make change, apply to volunteer with CogniX!