ICT SOFTWARE QUALITY SPECIALIST

Job Purpose

To ensure that all software applications, modules, and integrations meet defined quality, reliability, security, and compliance standards.

The role is responsible for establishing and managing the software testing lifecycle, enforcing quality assurance methodologies, and ensuring alignment with ISO/IEC 25010 (Software Quality Requirements and Evaluation), ISO/IEC 12207 (Software Lifecycle Processes), COBIT-19 BAI07, and the NLC ICT Governance Framework.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Governance & Compliance

Establish and maintain SQA policies, procedures, standards, and templates aligned with ISO 25010 and COBIT BAI07.

Integrate quality checkpoints into development and release management processes.

Validate adherence to PFMA, POPIA, ICT governance requirements, and ISO 27001 controls.

Support internal and external audits with verifiable testing documentation and evidence.

Testing & Quality Assurance Execution

Develop comprehensive test strategies, plans, and scripts for applications and integrations.

Execute functional, non-functional, performance, security, and UAT testing.

Identify, log, track, and verify defect resolution before release.

Implement and maintain automated testing suites within CI/CD pipelines.

Utilize tools (Jira, TestRail, Azure DevOps) to manage testing cycles and reporting.

Streamline regression and performance testing using automated frameworks.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Define and monitor quality metrics (defect density, coverage, pass/fail ratios).

Provide quality dashboards and recommendations to the CIO and project teams.

Drive reduction of post-deployment defects and rework.

Increase automation coverage per release cycle.

Ensure ≥ 95% of software deliverables meet quality acceptance criteria.

Ensure testing cycles are completed within project timelines.

Support resolution of audit findings and ensure compliance with SQA standards.

Train and mentor ICT teams on testing tools, best practices, and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or related field.

ISTQB Foundation or Advanced Certification (Mandatory).

Certification in Agile Testing / Scrum / DevOps Quality Practices (Preferred).

ITIL Foundation and COBIT-19 Certification (Advantageous).

Required Work Experience

Minimum 3 years’ experience in software testing and quality assurance within complex ICT environments.

Experience developing and executing test plans, scripts, and defect management processes.

Exposure to Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD environments.

Knowledge of security and compliance testing aligned with ISO 27001 and POPIA.

Experience with automated testing frameworks and tools such as Jira, TestRail, and Azure DevOps.

Required Competencies & Skills

Comprehensive understanding of Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).

Proficiency in functional, non-functional, performance, security, and UAT testing methodologies.

Strong analytical and root cause analysis skills.

Knowledge of ISO/IEC 25010 and ISO/IEC 14598 software evaluation models.

Familiarity with Agile and Waterfall methodologies.

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Analytical mindset with meticulous attention to detail.

Results-oriented, proactive, and adaptable to fast-paced environments.

High level of professional integrity and quality-focused approach.