Senior Backend Developer

1. Purpose  The University of Canberra’s (University) Future Students Digital Handbook (FSDH) is a strategic digital transformation initiative that has been established in response to the planned decommissioning of the University's existing Digital Handbook in January 2027. The FSDH is intended to support the provision of a modern, accessible and future-focused course discovery experience for prospective students.   The University requires specialist resources to supplement internal capability and provide the expertise necessary to design, architect, develop, integrate and test the FSDH within the required implementation timeframe. The proposed procurement seeks a suitably qualified Backend Developer, who will play a critical role in implementing the technical integrations, Application Programming Interface (API)s and dynamic content capabilities required to support a single source of truth for course information and enable seamless delivery of course content across the University’s digital ecosystem.   The contract is anticipated to commence in October 2026 and conclude in December 2026, for an initial term of approximately three (3) months. The term may be extended, subject to Project delivery requirements and the University’s ongoing need for specialist support.  2. Services  The Contractor shall provide a suitably qualified Backend Developer to support implementation of the FSDH project. The Backend Developer will work collaboratively with the University’s Student Recruitment and Marketing, Digital, Information and Technology Management, the Solution Architect, Content Management System (CMS) implementation partner and other Project stakeholders to support delivery of scalable, secure and maintainable technical solutions.  It is noted that the Backend Developer may provide the required services either on-site at the University or remotely, as agreed with the University.  3. Specifications Mandatory  The Backend Developer must demonstrate the below attributes:  minimum three (3) years' experience in backend software development;  demonstrated experience developing APIs, integrations and enterprise application services;  experience integrating multiple systems and data sources;  experience developing and consuming RESTful APIs and web services;  experience working with content management systems, digital platforms or enterprise web applications;  experience troubleshooting and resolving integration and application issues;  experience producing technical documentation and implementation artefacts;  experience working within Agile delivery environments; and  strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.  Desirable  The Backend Developer should demonstrate the below attributes:  experience within Higher Education, Government or similarly complex organisations;  experience working with Squiz DXP or similar digital experience platforms;  experience integrating enterprise systems including CRM, CMS, student management or curriculum management systems;  experience supporting search, taxonomy and content discoverability solutions;  experience with cloud-based integration platforms and modern development frameworks; and  experience supporting digital transformation initiatives. Key duties and responsibilities 1. Key Duties and Responsibilities The Backend Developer will:  develop, configure and support APIs, integrations and backend services required to support the FSDH;  support integration between the FSDH and the University’s existing systems, including Squiz Digital Experience Platform (DXP), Curriculum Lifecycle and Management Solution (CLaMS), Online Course Catalogue (OCC) and Callista;  develop and support API-based content services that enable the automated retrieval and display of course information from authoritative source systems.  support development of search and discoverability functionality;  develop integration logic, data transformation and data aggregation services where required;  support implementation of information architecture, content templates and component-based content delivery models;  configure and optimise data exchange processes to ensure information remains accurate, reliable and current;  participate in technical design reviews and implementation planning activities;  develop and maintain required technical documentation, API specifications and implementation artefacts;  support testing, defect remediation and deployment activities;  investigate and resolve technical issues affecting system performance, integrations or data quality; and  support knowledge transfer and technical handover activities.  2. Out of Scope  The following activities are out of scope for this engagement:  User Experience (UX)/User Interface (UI) design and user research activities;  solution architecture ownership and enterprise architecture governance;  content creation, content approvals and business process ownership;  infrastructure support and platform administration;  ongoing operational support following project completion; and  Project and vendor management activities.  The Backend Developer will focus on delivering integrations, APIs, data services, dynamic content capabilities, configuration and deployment activities required to support implementation of the FSDH.  The University will retain responsibility for Project governance, business approvals, stakeholder management and implementation oversight.  3. Anticipated Deliverables The Contractor shall provide the following Deliverables:  Deliverable  Inclusions  Due Date  Technical documentation, API specifications and implementation artefacts    API specifications and interface definitions  Integration design documentation  Data mapping and transformation specifications  Solution architecture and technical design artefacts  API and integration configuration documentation  Source code, deployment scripts and configuration items developed during the engagement  Technical decision records and implementation guidance  Maintain throughout the Contract term  Status Update   completed and planned activities;  key decisions;  risks;  issues;  dependencies; and support required  Weekly  Handover documentation  Technical handover documentation  API catalogue and interface inventory  Integration support and operational procedures  Knowledge transfer sessions and supporting materials  Outstanding issues, risks and recommendations  Repository, environment and deployment documentation  Prior to Contract completion  Maintenance of technical documentation and implementation artefacts  Maintain technical documentation to reflect the current solution design and implementation  Update API specifications, interface definitions and integration documentation as solution changes are introduced  Maintain data mapping, transformation and configuration artefacts  Ensure technical documentation is version controlled, current and accessible to project stakeholders  Record and maintain technical decisions, assumptions and design changes throughout the engagement  Support technical reviews, governance activities and audit requirements through the provision of current documentation and artefacts  Maintain throughout the Contract term  4. Meetings The Backend Developer will:  participate in Project governance, technical working groups, sprint ceremonies and Project meetings, as reasonably required by the University;  participate in solution design workshops, integration reviews and implementation planning activities;  work collaboratively with University stakeholders, implementation partners and Project resources to support successful delivery of the FSDH;  escalate emerging technical risks, issues, constraints and dependencies that may impact Project outcomes, scope, schedule or quality;  participate in Project reporting, testing activities and deployment readiness activities as required;  support technical knowledge transfer activities to University staff and Project team members; and  participate in transition activities prior to completion of the engagement.  Criteria The buyer has specified that each candidate must provide a response to each criterion. Each response is limited to 3000 characters. Essential criteria Weighting 1. TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE   - The extent to which the Quotation is assessed as meeting the technical requirements set out in the Statement of Requirement. - The Supplier’s understanding of the task, potential Project specific risks and details of how the risks will be managed during the Project.  - The Supplier’s proposed methods of managing interactions with the University. Weighting: 50% 2. CAPABILITY, CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE - The Supplier’s demonstrated experience in delivering comparable user-centred digital experiences within the last five (5) years. Suppliers are requested to provide a minimum of two (2) relevant examples;   - Any assumptions, exclusions or constraints associated with the proposed engagement; and  - The Supplier’s availability, including the earliest possible commencement date; and proposed personnel’s availability for the indicative engagement period. Weighting: 20% 3. PROPOSED PERSONNEL RESOUCES The Supplier’s proposed key personnel including - concise current Curriculum Vitae (CV); - relevant qualifications, certifications and professional accreditations; and - a summary of the proposed personnel’s experience delivering comparable digital transformation, web platform, user experience or higher education initiative. Weighting: 20% 4. INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Evaluation of Quotations will consider the Supplier’s indigenous programs and certifications, including whether the:  - Company is a registered or certified Indigenous owned enterprise by Supply Nation; - Company is noted on a State or Territory Register as being an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned enterprise; and/or  - Company has provided details of their company’s Indigenous program. Weighting: 10% Opportunity summary Sellers can submit Up to 2 candidates Number of sellers invited Fewer than 5 Number of candidates submitted Fewer than 10 Send us feedback About Accessibility Privacy Terms of use Disclaimer and copyright An initiative of the Digital Transformation Agency The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia