July 1, 2025

NOW HIRING 

Web development partner

About us

We are a values-driven design studio seeking a brilliant dedicated full stack web developer or small company to join us as a long-term technical partner. The ideal candidate will excel at translating out-of-the-box Figma designs into pixel-perfect WordPress solutions and mobile applications, combining savant-level technical excellence with strong collaborative skills and modern workflows.

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IMPORTANT

  • We seek a web & app developer maestro (or very small team) whose primary business is web & mobile app (and/or software) development – not digital marketing or web design that offer development as a secondary service.
  • Our work focuses on human rights and environmental justice. We require partners who are aligned with progressive, social-oriented values. 
  • We are a diverse team and require a partner who works well with people of all races, sexes, cultures & sexual orientation.
  • We value innovation, passion and brilliance and require a partner who will go the extra mile and then some to make our digital outputs excellent.

Basic requirements

  • Totally passionate about coding & executing innovative digital experiences.
  • Hard working and available for big and small tasks Monday-Friday, 9-5 SAST. 
  • Very good written & spoken English.
  • Develop and maintain WordPress solutions, collaborate closely with designers and communication specialists, and provide ongoing technical support. 
  • Full-stack app development capability across all platforms, with proven expertise in scalable backend architecture and deployment. Native & PWA with Wordpress tie-ins.
  • Brilliant problem-solving skills and a collaborative, can-do attitude when it comes to executing complex and completely new visual & functionality ideas.
  • Experience integrating AI tools and workflows.
  • Manage DNS records and hosting infrastructure on platforms such as AWS & Xneelo.
  • Works well with others, communicates and has experience collaborating with designers.

Key responsibilities

WordPress development

  • Translate Figma designs into pixel-perfect, custom WordPress themes.
  • Develop using modern WordPress paradigms including Full Site Editing (FSE).
  • Create custom blocks and block patterns aligned with design systems.
  • Implement AI-powered content generation and management features where appropriate.
  • Integrate AI chatbots and virtual assistants for enhanced user engagement.
  • Ensure responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.
  • Optimise for Core Web Vitals and overall performance.
  • Maintain, tweak and update both newly developed and existing websites.

Plugin development

  • Design, code, and implement custom WordPress plugins.
  • Use modern development tools including Composer and WP-CLI.
  • Debug and resolve plugin conflicts or issues.
  • Maintain security standards and maintain paid-for plugin updates.
  • Experience with WordPress REST API and custom endpoints.
  • Develop AI-enhanced plugins for content optimisation, SEO, and user personalisation.
  • Leverage AI coding assistants to accelerate development whilst maintaining code quality.
  • Integration with AI APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google AI, etc.) for enhanced functionality.

Application development

  • Develop and maintain WordPress-driven PWAs and native mobile applications.
  • Create cross-platform mobile applications using React Native or Flutter.
  • Implement service workers for offline capabilities.
  • Optimise for mobile performance and engagement.
  • Configure server-side requirements for PWAs and mobile apps.
  • Monitor and optimise Core Web Vitals.
  • Experience with modern PWA frameworks and mobile development tools.
  • Manage app store submissions and updates for iOS and Android.
  • Implement AI-powered features such as image recognition, natural language processing, and predictive analytics as needed.
  • Integrate voice interfaces and conversational AI where relevant.

Infrastructure management

  • Configure and manage hosting environments across platforms (Xneelo, AWS, DigitalOcean).
  • Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines.
  • Manage SSL certificates and security protocols.
  • Configure DNS and domain settings.
  • Monitor uptime and performance metrics.
  • Experience with containerisation (Docker) and orchestration.
  • Collaborate with us to implement backup and disaster recovery solutions.
  • Implement AI/ML model hosting and deployment infrastructure when required.
  • Manage API integrations for various AI services and tools as needed.
  • Integrate AI-powered monitoring and analytics tools for performance optimisation.

Email HTML development

  • Develop responsive HTML email templates.
  • Create and maintain brand-consistent email signatures.
  • Test across multiple email clients and devices.
  • Integration with popular email marketing platforms.

AI Integration and Consultation

  • Identify opportunities for AI enhancement in client projects and propose innovative solutions.
  • Implement responsible AI practices ensuring ethical use of AI technologies.
  • Provide AI strategy consultation for content creation, user experience enhancement, and automation.
  • Stay current with AI developments and assess their applicability to client needs.
  • Ensure AI implementations comply with data privacy regulations and ethical guidelines.

Collaboration and consultation

  • Work closely with designers throughout the development process.
  • Provide technical advice during design phases on optimisation, interactive elements, databases, structuring for SEO, etc.
  • Conduct WordPress backend training for clients and team.
  • Maintain clear documentation for handover.
  • Regular progress updates and milestone reporting.
  • Participate in agile development processes.
  • Recommend and implement AI integrations where appropriate.
  • Provide AI tool training and best practices guidance to clients.

Technical requirements

WordPress expertise

  • Advanced PHP, JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, and CSS3.
  • Deep understanding of WordPress core architecture.
  • Experience with custom post types, taxonomies, and template hierarchy.
  • Proficiency in Gutenberg block development.
  • Knowledge of WordPress security best practices.
  • Experience with WP-CLI and Composer.
  • Experience with AI-powered WordPress plugins and their integration.

AI and Machine Learning

  • Experience with AI API integrations (OpenAI GPT, Claude, Google AI, etc.).
  • Understanding of AI prompt engineering and optimisation techniques.
  • Knowledge of AI content generation tools and their appropriate application.
  • Experience with AI-powered development tools (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, etc.).
  • Understanding of AI ethics and responsible implementation practices.
  • Familiarity with machine learning concepts and when to apply them.

Modern development tools

  • Version control with Git.
  • Experience with CI/CD workflows.
  • Docker containerisation.
  • Package managers (npm, Composer).
  • Build tools (webpack, gulp).
  • Testing frameworks.
  • AI-assisted code review and quality assurance tools, testing and debugging tools.

Frontend development

  • React.js/Next.js for modern web applications.
  • Modern CSS (Flexbox, Grid, SASS).
  • JavaScript frameworks and build tools.
  • Performance optimisation techniques.
  • Cross-browser testing methodologies.
  • AI-enhanced user interface components and interactions.
  • Implementation of AI chatbots and conversational interfaces.

Infrastructure

  • Cloud platform experience (AWS, DigitalOcean).
  • Server configuration and maintenance.
  • DNS management.
  • SSL/TLS configuration.
  • Security implementation and monitoring.
  • Caching strategies.
  • CDN configuration.
  • Experience with AI service deployment and API management.
  • AI model hosting and scaling capabilities.

Further requirements

  • Innovative, passionate and forward thinking. 
  • Minimum 5 years of business operations.
  • Individual or small team that does website & app development all day every day.
  • Ability to meet in Cape Town for occasional in-person meetings would be a plus.
  • Proven track record in advanced WordPress development, AI integration & all-round technical excellence.
  • Portfolio of similar-scale projects.
  • Strong project management capabilities.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Yes-we-can attitude. We are looking for a partner who can execute (and enhance) our wildest ideas to standards beyond our highest expectations.

Qualities we value

  • Reliable and responsive communication.
  • Collaborative approach to problem-solving.
  • Innovation and creative technical solutions.
  • Forward-thinking approach to AI adoption and implementation.
  • Commitment to ethical data practices and responsible technology use.
  • Attention to detail in design implementation.
  • Proactive project management.
  • Commitment to ongoing learning.
  • Understanding of human rights principles.

Interested persons or teams should submit

  1. Your professional profile.
  2. Relevant portfolio pieces.
  3. A brief statement about your alignment with our mission to create positive change through technology, including your position on ethics in technology.

Email: jobs@theearthisround.co.za

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