Senior Application Security Specialist

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Application Security Specialist to join our team in Addis Ababa. You will protect our banking applications, APIs and integrations from emerging threats while working closely with development and infrastructure teams.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain security controls for core banking applications and related services.
• Perform secure code reviews, application penetration tests and vulnerability assessments for web, mobile and API‑based solutions.
• Define and enforce secure development practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Contribute to security architecture, threat modeling and secure design reviews.
• Provide guidance, documentation and training to raise security awareness among technical teams.
• Monitor application security posture, produce risk and compliance reports and support audits and regulatory requirements.

Required profile

• Strong background in application security, SSDLC, threat modeling and secure architecture design.
• Hands‑on experience with vulnerability assessment and penetration testing tools for web, mobile and API applications.
• Proficiency in secure coding practices and familiarity with code review tools.
• Knowledge of OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI DSS and financial‑sector security regulations.
• Experience collaborating with development, DevOps and IT operations teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field; certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH or CSSLP are a plus.
• Ability to work on‑site, mentor junior staff and communicate technical findings to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Required skills

• Vulnerability assessment tools
• Penetration testing tools
• Web, mobile and API security
• Secure coding practices
• OWASP framework
• ISO 27001 standard
• PCI DSS compliance
• Threat modeling
• Secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC)
• Secure architecture design

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape security for a growing commercial bank in Ethiopia.
• Collaborative on‑site environment with cross‑functional teams.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.