Technical Writer Fellow Job Description

Owned by Erica Kigotho
Last updated: Mar 05, 2024 by Grace Potma
3 min read

The OpenMRS Platform is a modular, database-agnostic, Java- and JavaScript-based application providing the key resources and services needed to support an extensible electronic medical record system. Many different organizations and countries have built solutions on top of this platform, making it very important to provide stability, reliability, security, and a clear upgrade path while working with a worldwide community of developers.

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Technical Writer to assist in creating clear and concise documentation for our products and services. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, engineers, and subject matter experts, to gather information and translate technical concepts into user-friendly documentation.

  • Length: 6 months, part to full time depending on Fellow’s availability

  • Location: Remote (Global)

  • About our technology: Java backend, serving a Javascript Single Page Application (primarily React) using micro frontends, via a REST/FHIR API, and stores data in a MySQL/MariaDB/PostgreSQL database. 

Role Overview

  • Develop clear, concise, and comprehensive documentation for a variety of technical materials, including user manuals, technical guides, API documentation, and more.

  • Translate and tailor complex technical health software and integration information into clear, accessible, and easy-to-understand documentation to meet the needs of a variety of different audiences, from end-user healthcare staff to engineers, ensuring a user-friendly and easily understandable experience.

  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather information and ensure accuracy in technical content.

  • Work closely with development and engineering teams to understand product functionalities and updates, and then update associated documentation or generate new documentation where needed.

  • Create tutorials, FAQs, and other support materials to assist users in implementing and troubleshooting our products and services.

  • Organize and update existing technical documentation to reflect changes in products or services, and to make it easier to find for community members, and to archive irrelevant information from community documentation.

  • Maintain version control and ensure that documentation aligns with the latest software releases.

  • Conduct reviews of documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to company standards.

  • Implement feedback from stakeholders to improve the quality of documentation.

  • Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in technical writing.

  • Take initiatives for professional development and acquiring new skills relevant to the role.

  • Integrating organization brand, voice, and messaging into developed content.

Requirements

  • 2+ years of proven experience as a Technical Writer or equivalent technical role, with a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of technical documentation or technical understanding.

  • Ability to grasp complex technical concepts and communicate them in a user-friendly and understandable manner.

  • Experience with working with technical teams to develop content for wikis or websites, user manuals, guides, technical documentation, curriculum, or equivalent products.

  • Demonstrable strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Proficient in using documentation tools and software.

  • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills.

  • Working independently and autonomously, managing multiple competing priorities.

  • Flexibility to accommodate working with collaborators in various international timezones

  • Access to high-speed internet for team and community real-time calls (e.g. via Zoom, Slack Huddle, etc).

  • Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal.

Desired Skills and Attributes

  • Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, or a related field.

  • Familiarity with collaboration and community tools, such as, Discourse, Wordpress, Confluence, Slack, GitHub, Zoom, or similar technologies.

  • Familiarity with electronic medical records or other health information systems used at the clinic or point of service level.

  • Experience with healthcare and/or LMIC settings. Experience outside of the humanitarian or healthcare industry is also highly desirable (fresh ideas).

  • Self-driven work ethic & problem-solver. Self-starter who loves taking initiative and seeing things through to completion.

  • Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and industry trends.

  • Proficiency in additional languages.

Travel Expectations

This role is not expected to travel internationally, but may have opportunities to travel up to 10% of the time with expenses funded/reimbursed by OpenMRS Inc., and supported by the OpenMRS Inc. Operations team.

Compensation

Stipends offered to Fellows are based on the OpenMRS fellowship stipend scale.  OpenMRS Stipend amounts are based on the GSOC Stipend Scale for comparison; in the spirit of in-country purchasing-power, we reserve the right to make exceptions based on Fellow location.

For more information, please see: About OpenMRS Fellows

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume that addresses the responsibilities and skills outlined in the job descriptions to community@openmrs.org and cc Program Officer Erica Kigotho at erica@openmrs.org no later than March 15, 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Ideal starting date: April 1, 2024 or sooner if available.

For more information on OpenMRS, please see our website: openmrs.org