Senior Software Engineer

Engineering & Technology · Technology / Financial Services

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Weighted

Senior Software Engineer

Engineering & Technology · Expected Grade: C–D (Professional / Manager)

Designs, develops, and maintains complex software systems. Leads technical projects, mentors junior developers, and makes architectural decisions. Works with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions. Operates with moderate autonomy within technical frameworks.

Purpose: To build and maintain high-quality software systems that drive business value through technical excellence.

Capability Factors

Input · 25% · 4 factors

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group pts
A Education & Professional Qualifications
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Secondary education
Basic literacy, numeracy and operational understanding required for simple task execution and following instructions. Suitable for entry-level support roles.
Lvl 2 20
Certificate / Vocational training
Requires foundational technical training or occupational certification for structured operational work. May involve basic tools or systems use.
Lvl 3 32
Diploma / Advanced technical qualification
Requires specialized technical knowledge in a defined discipline, with moderate independent application.
Lvl 4 45
Higher diploma / Partial professional qualification
Requires advanced applied knowledge with growing specialization, often with regulated standards or professional pathways.
Lvl 5 60
Bachelor's degree (Professional field)
Requires broad professional knowledge in areas like HR, Finance, IT, Procurement, Marketing, Operations.
Lvl 6 75
Bachelor's degree (Technical/Specialist field)
Requires technical and analytical specialization in fields such as engineering, medicine, actuarial science, architecture, etc.
Lvl 7 92
Degree + Full professional certification
Combines academic foundation with recognized industry/professional accreditation (e.g., CPA, CHRP, ACCA, PMP).
Lvl 8 110
Master's degree
Advanced theoretical and practical specialization, often needed for strategic, advisory or senior management roles.
Lvl 9 128
Master's + specialist accreditation
Deep expertise with additional strategic or regulatory specialization. Often found in executive and specialist leadership roles.
Lvl 10 150
Doctorate / rare expertise
Highest level of technical or academic mastery requiring original thought leadership or institutional expertise.
B Experience & Applied Knowledge
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Less than 1 year
Requires basic exposure and ability to learn structured processes quickly.
Lvl 2 20
1–2 years
Practical working knowledge with growing independence.
Lvl 3 32
3–4 years
Strong operational competence and ability to manage routine challenges independently.
Lvl 4 45
5–6 years
Established professional experience with good judgment and cross-functional understanding.
Lvl 5 60
7–8 years
Deep technical competence with ability to mentor others or supervise functions.
Lvl 6 75
9–10 years
Significant functional leadership and broad operational exposure.
Lvl 7 92
11–12 years
High-level expertise with strategic application and leadership maturity.
Lvl 8 110
13–15 years
Advanced strategic insight and cross-organizational leadership capability.
Lvl 9 128
16–20 years
Senior leadership depth with multi-functional or industry-wide perspective.
Lvl 10 150
Over 20 years
Exceptional breadth of experience; recognized authority in field or sector.
C Familiarisation (On-the-Job Training Period)
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
No on-the-job training required
The job holder is expected to be fully effective and have considerable impact immediately upon appointment, with no familiarisation period required.
Lvl 2 20
Up to two (2) weeks
Very brief orientation to systems, people and reporting lines is sufficient for the job holder to become effective.
Lvl 3 30
Up to one (1) month
Short familiarisation period to understand immediate work processes, stakeholders and reporting requirements.
Lvl 4 50
Up to three (3) months
Moderate familiarisation period required to understand the broader operating environment, key relationships and stakeholder expectations.
Lvl 5 80
Up to six (6) months
Extended familiarisation required to build working relationships and understand cross-functional dependencies before achieving considerable impact.
Lvl 6 100
Up to nine (9) months
Considerable familiarisation period needed, typically for roles with complex stakeholder networks or specialised institutional knowledge requirements.
Lvl 7 120
Up to one (1) year
Significant familiarisation period required to understand the full scope of institutional relationships, governance structures and strategic context.
Lvl 8 130
Up to fifteen (15) months
Extensive familiarisation required, typically for senior or highly specialised roles with broad institutional reach.
Lvl 9 150
Up to eighteen (18) months
Very extensive familiarisation period required before the job holder can be considered to have considerable impact, typical of the most senior or complex roles.
D Type of Knowledge
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Basic operational knowledge
Knowledge of fundamental administrative, operational, customer service, or support processes acquired through education, experience, or structured on-the-job learning.
Lvl 2 30
Working operational knowledge
Working knowledge of administrative, operational, customer service, or business support processes acquired through education, experience, or structured on-the-job learning.
Lvl 3 45
Advanced operational knowledge
Advanced knowledge of operational, administrative, customer service, or business support processes, enabling the effective coordination and improvement of routine activities.
Lvl 4 60
Technical, specialist or analytical knowledge
Technical, specialist, or analytical knowledge acquired through tertiary education, professional training, or equivalent practical experience.
Lvl 5 75
Professional or discipline-specific knowledge
Professional knowledge of principles, methodologies, and practices within a specialised discipline, or across several related disciplines, gained through formal education and/or substantial experience.
Lvl 6 85
Advanced professional expertise
Extensive professional knowledge and experience within a specialised field, or broad expertise across multiple related disciplines.
Lvl 7 100
Specialist mastery
Recognised mastery of a specialised field, with the capability to provide expert guidance and lead or manage other professionals and subject matter experts.
Lvl 8 110
Cross-specialist expertise
Advanced expertise and comprehensive understanding across multiple specialist disciplines within a functional area.
Lvl 9 120
National authority
Recognised as a leading expert within Kenya in a specialised field, providing authoritative guidance and influencing professional practice.
Lvl 10 130
Enterprise-wide functional expertise
Advanced expertise and comprehensive understanding across multiple functional areas within the organisation.
Lvl 11 140
International authority
Internationally recognised authority in a specialised field, acknowledged for advancing professional practice, thought leadership, innovation, or research across borders.
Lvl 12 150
Enterprise mastery
Comprehensive understanding of the organisation as a whole, enabling effective leadership and coordination across multiple functions, professions, and organisational levels.

Execution Factors

Process · 30% · 8 factors

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group pts
E Work Complexity
Not scored
Lvl 1 15
Repetitive / routine tasks
Tasks follow established procedures with minimal variation.
Lvl 2 30
Varied tasks with clear procedures
Work involves some variety but procedures are defined.
Lvl 3 50
Interpretation and analysis required
Requires analyzing information and interpreting guidelines.
Lvl 4 72
Complex diagnosis and planning
Requires comprehensive analysis and planning across multiple factors.
Lvl 5 95
Intensive analytical or creative work
Requires deep analysis, synthesis and creative problem-solving.
Lvl 6 120
Strategic / novel problems
Involves unprecedented or highly complex strategic challenges.
Lvl 7 150
Multi-dimensional / enterprise complexity
Requires integration across multiple domains, systems and long-term horizons.
F Decision-Making
Not scored
Lvl 1 15
Follows instructions only
No independent decision-making; carries out prescribed actions.
Lvl 2 30
Minor operational choices
Chooses between defined options with limited impact.
Lvl 3 50
Routine operational decisions
Makes operational decisions within established policies.
Lvl 4 72
Tactical decisions with guidance
Makes tactical decisions using guidelines; moderate impact.
Lvl 5 95
Significant independent decisions
Makes significant decisions affecting functions or departments.
Lvl 6 120
Strategic decisions
Decisions shape strategy, policy, and resource allocation.
Lvl 7 150
Enterprise / board-level decisions
Decisions determine organizational direction, governance or survival.
G Mental Concentration / Cognitive Load
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Minimal concentration
Tasks require little sustained attention; can be interrupted freely.
Lvl 2 25
Moderate concentration
Requires occasional periods of focused attention during the day.
Lvl 3 45
Sustained concentration
Requires prolonged focus with occasional breaks or task-switching.
Lvl 4 70
Intense concentration
Demands continuous deep focus with high accuracy requirements.
Lvl 5 100
Extreme cognitive demand
Requires sustained high-level cognitive effort under pressure with multi-tasking.
H Conflict Resolution
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
No conflict resolution required
Work is independent and interpersonal conflict is minimal or absent.
Lvl 2 25
Occasional minor disagreements
Requires basic tact and ability to resolve simple differences.
Lvl 3 45
Moderate conflict resolution
Regularly manages differing viewpoints or stakeholder tensions.
Lvl 4 70
Complex or sensitive conflicts
Handles high-stakes disagreements involving multiple parties or sensitive issues.
Lvl 5 100
Crisis or high-stakes mediation
Resolves major disputes or conflicts with significant organizational or legal impact.
I Contacts / Relationship Management
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Internal contacts only (own team)
Limited to routine communication within immediate work group.
Lvl 2 28
Internal cross-departmental
Regular interaction across departments within the organization.
Lvl 3 48
External operational contacts
Routine external liaison with suppliers, customers or service providers.
Lvl 4 72
External relationship management
Manages key client, partner or regulatory relationships requiring diplomacy.
Lvl 5 100
Strategic stakeholder engagement
Engages with senior external stakeholders influencing organizational outcomes.
Lvl 6 130
Enterprise-level representation
Represents the organization at the highest level (industry boards, government, media).
J Problem Solving
Not scored
Lvl 1 5
Routine tasks
Work follows clear instructions and established procedures. Any issues outside routine activities are referred to a supervisor or manager.
Lvl 2 15
Standard problem solving
Resolves routine issues by applying established procedures and guidelines. Escalates non-routine matters when necessary.
Lvl 3 30
Judgement within guidelines
Applies judgement to resolve recurring issues where procedures exist but require interpretation or minor adaptation.
Lvl 4 45
Operational problem solving
Addresses a variety of operational issues by selecting appropriate solutions from established practices and adapting them to the situation.
Lvl 5 60
Technical or analytical problem solving
Solves non-routine problems using technical expertise, analytical thinking, or professional knowledge to evaluate alternatives.
Lvl 6 80
Complex professional judgement
Resolves diverse and complex issues requiring significant experience, sound judgement, and the integration of technical or functional knowledge.
Lvl 7 100
Cross-functional problem solving
Solves complex problems that span multiple functions or business areas, requiring collaboration, evaluation of competing priorities, and balanced decision-making.
Lvl 8 120
Strategic solution development
Develops solutions for significant organisational challenges involving high levels of complexity, uncertainty, and business risk, often influencing strategic direction.
Lvl 9 135
Enterprise-wide decision making
Resolves critical organisation-wide issues with substantial operational, financial, or strategic impact. Decisions require executive judgement and carry significant accountability.
Lvl 10 150
Visionary and transformational thinking
Solves unprecedented, highly complex challenges that shape the future direction of the organisation or industry. Decisions establish new approaches, frameworks, or standards with long-term organisational or sector-wide impact.
K Communication — Understanding
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Basic workplace communication
Reads and understands simple verbal and written instructions, routine correspondence, emails, messages, and standard workplace documents.
Lvl 2 20
Detailed operational communication
Interprets detailed instructions, procedures, operational documents, and routine business correspondence relevant to the role.
Lvl 3 35
Technical or functional documentation
Interprets technical, functional, or professional documents, guidelines, specifications, and communications relevant to the area of responsibility.
Lvl 4 55
Policies, regulations and governance documents
Interprets organisational policies, regulatory requirements, legislation, standards, or governance documents that influence decisions and work practices.
Lvl 5 75
Analytical reports and business information
Interprets research findings, analytical reports, business cases, technical specifications, project documentation, or performance reports to support decision-making.
Lvl 6 95
Complex technical and business reports
Interprets complex financial, technical, operational, or strategic reports involving multiple business areas and requiring professional judgement.
Lvl 7 120
Advanced research and strategic analysis
Evaluates complex research, industry studies, strategic proposals, or organisation-wide reports that influence major programmes, policy, or business direction.
Lvl 8 150
Enterprise and strategic direction
Interprets enterprise-wide strategies, executive papers, governance reports, or external policy documents that shape the long-term direction of the organisation.
L Communication — Producing
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Routine workplace communication
Exchanges routine information, responds to straightforward requests, and communicates with colleagues, customers, or stakeholders as part of normal work activities.
Lvl 2 20
Service delivery and guidance
Explains services, processes, or procedures, provides guidance, and communicates clear instructions to colleagues, customers, suppliers, or other stakeholders.
Lvl 3 35
Technical or professional communication
Communicates technical, professional, or operational information, resolves more complex enquiries, and provides detailed written or verbal guidance.
Lvl 4 50
Influencing and relationship management
Communicates complex information requiring diplomacy, tact, and interpersonal skills to influence outcomes, manage expectations, or resolve sensitive matters.
Lvl 5 65
Business and technical documentation
Develops reports, presentations, business cases, procedures, policies, project documentation, training materials, or technical specifications.
Lvl 6 85
Negotiation and specialised communication
Negotiates agreements, contracts, pricing, service delivery, or other business matters, and prepares specialised or professional publications and communications.
Lvl 7 105
Cross-functional influence
Leads communication across multiple teams or functions, develops proposals that influence organisational practices, and builds consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Lvl 8 125
Strategic communication and negotiation
Leads high-level negotiations and prepares strategic proposals or presentations that influence organisational priorities, significant investments, or major business decisions.
Lvl 9 140
Executive-level communication
Advises and communicates with executive leadership, governing bodies, regulators, or key external stakeholders on matters of strategic importance.
Lvl 10 150
Enterprise representation and thought leadership
Represents the organisation at the highest levels with government, industry bodies, strategic partners, investors, or the media, shaping organisational reputation, policy, or long-term direction.

Accountability Factors

Output · 30% · 8 factors

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group pts
M Financial Accountability
Not scored
Lvl 1 0
No financial accountability
No responsibility for budgets, revenue, costs or financial resources.
Lvl 2 28
Minor expense management
Responsible for small discretionary expenses or basic cost awareness.
Lvl 3 48
Budget monitoring / cost control
Monitors budgets, controls costs or manages procurement within limits.
Lvl 4 72
Budget holder (departmental)
Holds budget accountability for a department or function.
Lvl 5 100
Significant financial management
Manages large budgets, revenue targets or profit/loss for major units.
Lvl 6 130
Enterprise financial leadership
Ultimate accountability for organizational financial performance, investments and fiscal strategy.
N Information Accountability
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Basic data entry / record keeping
Responsible for accurate data entry and maintaining simple records.
Lvl 2 25
Information processing and reporting
Prepares reports, processes data and ensures routine information accuracy.
Lvl 3 45
Data analysis and interpretation
Analyzes, interprets and advises based on data; ensures information integrity.
Lvl 4 70
Information governance / compliance
Accountable for data governance, regulatory compliance and information security.
Lvl 5 100
Strategic information leadership
Sets information strategy, data policy, and enterprise-wide knowledge management.
O People Accountability
Not scored
Lvl 1 0
No supervision
Individual contributor role.
Lvl 2 30
Guides others
Informal team support or mentoring.
Lvl 3 50
Supervises small teams
Direct supervision of small operational teams.
Lvl 4 72
Manages multiple teams
Full accountability for multiple team outputs.
Lvl 5 95
Leads departments
Controls resources, staff and performance across a department.
Lvl 6 120
Leads divisions/business units
Multi-department leadership and coordination.
Lvl 7 150
Enterprise leadership
Organization-wide people leadership and strategic workforce accountability.
P Organizational Impact / Influence
Not scored
Lvl 1 15
Minimal impact (own tasks only)
Actions affect only the incumbent's immediate output.
Lvl 2 30
Impact on team/section
Decisions affect the performance of a small team or section.
Lvl 3 50
Impact on department/function
Output directly influences departmental or functional outcomes.
Lvl 4 72
Impact across multiple functions
Influence extends beyond own function across the organization.
Lvl 5 95
Impact on organizational performance
Decisions or output materially affect organizational performance.
Lvl 6 120
Impact on strategic direction
Shapes medium to long-term organizational direction and priorities.
Lvl 7 150
Enterprise / industry-level impact
Decisions affect the organization's future, reputation and industry position.
Q Financial Accountability Scope
Not scored
Lvl 1 —
No financial accountability
No responsibility for budgets, expenditure, revenue, assets, or other financial resources.
Lvl 2 —
Financial input and recommendations
Provides financial information, forecasts, costing, business cases, or recommendations that support financial decisions, but has no approval authority.
Lvl 3 —
Expenditure management
Manages expenditure within an approved budget and is accountable for cost control and efficient utilisation of resources.
Lvl 4 —
Revenue or income generation
Directly accountable for generating revenue, sales, fundraising, grants, donor funding, or other income against agreed targets.
Lvl 5 —
Procurement or contract management
Accountable for procurement decisions, supplier contracts, purchasing, or commercial agreements with financial implications.
Lvl 6 —
Budget approval authority
Has delegated authority to approve expenditure, budgets, or financial commitments within approved limits.
Lvl 7 —
Profitability / Financial performance
Accountable for the financial performance, profitability, or cost efficiency of a business unit, programme, or function.
Lvl 8 —
Enterprise financial accountability
Has overall accountability for significant organisational financial resources, including budgets, revenue, assets, investments, financial sustainability, and long-term financial performance.
R Supervisory Scope
Not scored
Lvl 1 0
No people responsibility
No direct or indirect management accountability.
Lvl 2 10
Small team (1–5)
Direct supervision of a small team.
Lvl 3 20
Team (6–15)
Manages a team with moderate headcount.
Lvl 4 35
Department (16–30)
Manages a department or equivalent unit.
Lvl 5 50
Large department (31–60)
Leads a large department with multiple teams.
Lvl 6 75
Business unit (61–100)
Manages a business unit with significant headcount.
Lvl 7 95
Large business unit (101–250)
Leads a large business unit with multiple departments.
Lvl 8 115
Multiple departments (251–500)
Manages multiple departments or equivalent structures.
Lvl 9 130
Division (501–1,000)
Leads a division with substantial workforce.
Lvl 10 150
Enterprise (1,001+)
Enterprise-wide people leadership and workforce accountability.
S Accountability for Assets
Not scored
Lvl 1 5
No asset accountability
No responsibility for organisational assets beyond normal personal use.
Lvl 2 15
Asset user
Responsible for the proper use, care, and security of assigned organisational assets.
Lvl 3 30
Custodian
Responsible for maintaining, safeguarding, and tracking assets within a work area or team.
Lvl 4 50
Operational asset management
Manages the allocation, maintenance, utilisation, and replacement of assets within a function or department.
Lvl 5 70
Asset planning and optimisation
Plans and manages asset utilisation, maintenance programmes, lifecycle management, and operational efficiency across multiple teams or locations.
Lvl 6 90
Significant asset accountability
Accountable for high-value operational assets critical to business continuity, performance, or service delivery.
Lvl 7 115
Strategic asset management
Develops asset management strategies, capital investment priorities, and long-term asset sustainability across multiple business areas.
Lvl 8 150
Enterprise asset stewardship
Has overall accountability for the organisation's major asset portfolio, including strategic investment, governance, utilisation, and preservation.
T Asset Accountability Scope
Not scored
Lvl 1 —
No asset accountability
No organisational assets under responsibility.
Lvl 2 —
Asset User
Uses assigned organisational assets with care and accountability.
Lvl 3 —
Custodian
Maintains and safeguards assets within a work area.
Lvl 4 —
Operational Asset Management
Manages asset allocation and maintenance within a function.
Lvl 5 —
Asset Planning & Optimisation
Plans asset utilisation and lifecycle management across multiple teams.
Lvl 6 —
Significant Asset Accountability
Accountable for high-value assets critical to business continuity.
Lvl 7 —
Strategic Asset Management
Develops asset strategies and capital investment priorities.
Lvl 8 —
Enterprise Asset Stewardship
Overall accountability for the organisation's major asset portfolio.

Work Context Factors

Context · 15% · 3 factors

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group pts
U Physical Effort
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Minimal physical effort
Sedentary work with little physical demand.
Lvl 2 25
Light physical effort
Occasional standing, walking or light manual activity.
Lvl 3 45
Moderate physical effort
Regular physical activity with moderate exertion.
Lvl 4 70
High physical effort
Sustained physical exertion or manual handling.
Lvl 5 100
Very high / strenuous effort
Heavy physical demand throughout the work period.
V Work Environment
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Controlled office environment
Comfortable, climate-controlled setting with minimal disruption.
Lvl 2 25
Moderate environmental demands
Occasional exposure to noise, temperature changes or crowded conditions.
Lvl 3 45
Demanding work environment
Regular exposure to challenging physical conditions (e.g., outdoors, industrial).
Lvl 4 70
Adverse working conditions
Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, dust, or confined spaces.
Lvl 5 100
Extreme / hazardous environment
Continuous exposure to very challenging or hostile conditions.
W Occupational Hazards
Not scored
Lvl 1 10
Very low hazard exposure
Minimal risk; standard office safety protocols apply.
Lvl 2 25
Minor hazard exposure
Low-risk environment with occasional minor hazards (e.g., trips, strains).
Lvl 3 45
Moderate hazard exposure
Some exposure to hazardous conditions; safety protocols required.
Lvl 4 70
Significant hazard exposure
Regular exposure to significant hazards requiring strict safety measures.
Lvl 5 100
High-risk or life-threatening exposure
Frequent exposure to life-threatening conditions or critical safety risks.

Score all 23 factors to calculate your grade

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