Terms of Reference (TOR): Web Platform Developer – LigiOpen

Contract Duration: 3 Months
Type: Contractor

Jabulani Youths for Transformation (JAY4T) is a youth-led organization creating pathways from potential to livelihood. We work with young people to build skills, unlock opportunities, and co-create solutions through programs and employment-focused social enterprises like LigiOpen.

About the Role

We are looking for a strong React developer to join the LigiOpen platform and take ownership of improving, integrating, and stabilising the web experience.

This role builds on an existing codebase and goes beyond frontend development. You will help ensure the platform works as a connected product across web and mobile, with a strong focus on UI/UX, backend integration, and system reliability.

What You’ll Do

You will work within the existing system to:

  • Improve and maintain the current React-based web platform
  • Optimise UI/UX to create a smooth and engaging user experience
  • Integrate and stabilise backend services and APIs
  • Work closely with the mobile app developer to ensure system alignment
  • Support the rollout of key platform features
  • Identify and fix bugs, performance issues, and inconsistencies

Expect to engage in:

  • Feature development
  • Code reviews and refactoring
  • Integration work
  • Debugging and optimisation

Key Responsibilities

1. Frontend Development (Core)

  • Work within the existing React codebase
  • Build and refine reusable components
  • Ensure responsive and cross-browser compatibility
  • Maintain clean, scalable, and maintainable code

2. UI/UX Optimisation

  • Improve user flows, layouts, and interactions
  • Identify and fix poor UX patterns
  • Ensure consistency across pages and features

3. API & Backend Integration

  • Integrate REST APIs and manage async data flows
  • Ensure reliable data syncing between frontend and backend
  • Handle edge cases and data inconsistencies

4. Mobile App Synchronisation

  • Collaborate closely with the mobile app developer
  • Align APIs, data structures, and feature logic
  • Ensure a consistent experience across web and mobile

5. Feature Integration & System Expansion

Support integration and optimisation of:

  • User authentication and roles
  • Live scores and match data
  • Content feeds
  • Ticketing systems
  • Shop/e-commerce features

6. Performance & Stability

  • Debug and resolve production issues
  • Improve load times and performance
  • Ensure overall system reliability

Deliverables

By the end of the contract:

  • Improved UI/UX across key pages
  • Stable and functional API integrations
  • Seamless sync between web and mobile platforms
  • Reduced bugs and improved performance
  • Updated, maintainable codebase
  • Core features working end-to-end:
    • Live scores & match center
    • Competitions & league structure
    • Teams & player profiles
    • Content feed and unified feed
    • User accounts & personalisation
    • Authentication & Roles
    • Notifications
    • Admin / CMS Dashboard
    • Web ↔ mobile sync
    • Ticketing/shop

Core Requirements

  • Strong React.js experience (hooks, component architecture, state management)
  • Solid JavaScript (ES6+) skills
  • Strong HTML & CSS (responsive design, layouts)
  • Experience working within existing codebases
  • Experience with REST API integration
  • Familiarity with Git workflows (PRs, branching, collaboration)
  • Understanding of performance and cross-browser compatibility
  • Clear communication and ability to explain technical decisions

Nice to Have

  • Experience with Node.js / backend systems
  • Familiarity with frameworks like Next.js
  • Experience with TypeScript
  • Testing experience (Jest, React Testing Library)
  • CI/CD and DevOps exposure
  • Strong UI/UX intuition

Working Model

  • Deliverables-based engagement
  • Flexible working schedule
  • Weekly check-ins with the team
  • High level of ownership expected

Who This Role Is For

Someone who:

  • Can jump into an existing system and make it better fast
  • Thinks beyond code — understands product and user experience
  • Is comfortable working in a lean, fast-moving environment
  • Can collaborate across frontend, backend, and mobile

How to Apply

Please share:

  • Portfolio or links to past work (live products preferred)
  • GitHub profile (if available)
  • A short note on how you would approach improving an existing platform like LigiOpen
  • Your CV

Application Deadline: April 27, 2026

To apply for this job email your details to info@jay4t.org