Backend Lead

We are a fintech startup in Algeria, and we are looking for a Backend Lead / Architect to design and deliver the secure infrastructure powering our platform.  

Role Overview

As the Backend Lead, you will:

·       Take ownership of the
backend architecture and transaction ledger.

·       Design and implement the ledger system,
payment APIs and wallet systems.

·       Ensure
security, consistency, reliability, and scalability at every stage.

·       Lead a team of backend developers and collaborate with
mobile, frontend, DevOps, and QA teams.

·       Deliver a
reliable foundation that meets both user needs and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

·       Architecture & System Design

o   Define backend architecture and PostgreSQL database schema.

o   Build and maintain a secure, auditable
double-entry ledger for wallets, merchants, and payments.

o   Define and maintain
API contracts for mobile apps, merchant systems, and dashboards.

·      Development & Implementation

o   Develop and maintain secure REST APIs for payments, top-ups, wallet operations, merchant charges, QR transactions, and reporting.

o   Integrate with third-party services for top-up and

validation.

o   Implement transaction limits, monitoring, and fraud

prevention mechanisms.

o   Implement fraud prevention and risk controls (transaction

limits, duplicate prevention, anomaly detection).

·       Security & Compliance

o   Apply best practices for
encryption, key management, and secure coding.

o   Ensure full
audit

trails are in place for

regulatory compliance.

o   Collaborate with the Compliance Officer on
KYC/AML requirements

·       Leadership & Collaboration

o   Lead and mentor backend developers, enforcing clean, maintainable code.

o   Conduct regular code reviews, guide architectural decisions and enforce clean, maintainable code.

o  Work closely with cross-functional teams (mobile, frontend, DevOps, and QA teams) to deliver a cohesive platform.

Required Skills & Experience

· years of backend development experience,
including at least 2 years in a lead/architect role (preferably in fintech, banking, or payments).

·       Expertise in
(TypeScript, NestJS) — required.

·       Strong mastery of
PostgreSQL (transactional schema design, concurrency, audit logging).

·       Proven track record in building and maintaining
financial/transactional systems (double-entry ledgers and e-wallets).

·       Strong knowledge of
secure API design (REST, webhooks, idempotency, JWT/OAuth2, encryption, request signing, e.g. HMAC/ECDSA).

·       Experience with
high-availability systems (scaling, replication, failover).

·       Demonstrated leadership experience (mentoring backend teams and enforcing best practices).

Nice-to-Have

·       Experience in digital payments, e-wallets, or telecom recharge platforms.

·       Experience in Oracle/SQLServer.

·       Knowledge of KYC/AML processes in financial services.

·       Familiarity with North African payment ecosystems.

·       Experience working with or React Native teams.

Soft Skills

·       Strong leadership and mentoring ability.

·       Clear communicator across technical and non-technical teams.

·       Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong time management.

·       Punctual and reliable in meeting commitments.

·       Flexible to work extra hours or step in on weekends for urgent requirements.·       

·       

Strong written and spoken English skills.

· 

Ownership mentality with a proactive problem-solving approach.

Location

·       Based in Algeria (remote/hybrid possible).

·       Must collaborate daily with the local development team.

Why Join Us?

·       Opportunity to build one of Algeria's first next-generation payment platforms.

·       Full ownership of backend architecture and systems design.

·       Work in a dynamic startup environment with strong growth potential.

·       Clear path to senior leadership/CTO role as the company scales.

Hiring process?

Our recruitment process has three stages:

1.    Initial Zoom Call (30minutes) –
Introduction, role overview, and background discussion.

2.    In-Person Interview +Technical Test – Deep
dive into your technical skills, including a practical backend challenge focused on ledger and API design.

3.    Final In-Person Interview – Conversation with leadership to assess
cultural fit and long-term potential.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please send your CV and portfolio of relevant work to:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.