Digital Explorers | Senior Backend Engineer (PHP)

Digital Explorers connects experienced specialists with full-time jobs in Lithuanian technology companies and supports their relocation. In this call, we are inviting Senior PHP Developers from Kenya to apply to be matched with hiring companies in Lithuania.

If you are interested in gaining professional experience in Europe while continuing to grow as a developer, this opportunity may be a good fit for you!

Participants who successfully complete the selection process will be matched with Lithuanian ICT companies for employment. The programme team supports the relocation process, prepares you for working in a Baltic professional environment, and helps you land softly and integrate quickly.

We plan to relocate up to 15 professionals. Applications close on March 2nd, 2026, and we encourage early submission as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please ensure you carefully complete the application form and upload the required video introduction.

Selection process:

• Submit the online application form and a short introductory video.
• Initial review of eligibility, completeness, and baseline profile fit.
• Technical assessment.
• Interviews with the project team and technical evaluators.
• Depending on company interest, an in-person selection event in Nairobi may be organised (TBC).
• Approximately 30 top candidates will be included in the final talent pool and their profiles shared with Lithuanian companies.
  
  

Important: inclusion in the final pool does not guarantee a job offer. Hiring decisions are made by the companies based on interviews, technical performance, and role fit.

Matching may take time, so applicants are encouraged to continue their current work or studies during the process. Participation should be viewed as a strong opportunity for relocation, not a guaranteed outcome.

We will host an information session on February 24th at 6:00 PM EAT where we will present the programme and answer any questions that you might have. Join here: https://meet.google.com/piv-hvfe-cxy

• IMPORTANT*** Please complete the application carefully - incomplete applications cannot be evaluated
  
  

Please answer open-ended questions in your own words. Copied or AI-generated responses quickly become apparent and may negatively affect the assessment of your application.

Requirements

Core requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years of software development experience.
• Familiar with up to date framework based (Symfony 5/6, Laravel, etc.) application architecture
• Experience in building and maintaining backend services.
• Understanding of OOP principles, SOLID standards, REST APIs and clean coding practices.
• Experience with SQL databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL.
• Experience with version control (Git).
• Comfortable with writing automated tests (unit/integration).
  
  

What will make you stand out:

• Familiarity with Docker, CI/CD, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP).
• Exposure to front-end technologies (JS/Typescript, Vue/React).
• Contributions to architectural decisions, framework migrations.
• Previous work on large, scalable platforms serving high traffic.
• Familiarity or interest in Golang, Node.js, Python or another compiled backend language (especially with PHP + Golang blended roles)
  
  

Programme fit & relocation readiness:

• Motivated to be part of the Digital Explorers programme and grow professionally.
• Have good spoken and written English skills (at least B2 level).
• Communicate clearly about progress, bottlenecks, and uncertainties.
• Are comfortable asking questions and seeking feedback early.
• Can take ownership of tasks and communicate progress without constant supervision.
• Are open to adapting to a different work culture and daily routines.
• Are ready to survive at least one - and hopefully several - Lithuanian winters
  
  

Programme eligibility (relocation requirements):

• You hold a university degree in IT, mathematics, engineering or a related field (migration requirement)
• You are able to dedicate time to participate in the selection process (February-April 2026)
• You are able to relocate to Lithuania around Q2 - Q3 of 2026
• You have (or can quickly obtain) an international passport valid at least until 1 July 2027
  
  

Benefits

• You will gain European work experience in a Lithuanian tech company, strengthening your skills and your profile as an international specialist.
• Your relocation costs are covered by the programme, including flight tickets and visa application and processing.
• The programme will help you navigate migration procedures and support your settling-in after arrival, assisting with administrative steps and everyday practicalities such as housing guidance, opening a bank account and understanding daily life in Lithuania, and you will always have a dedicated point of contact when something is unclear
• You will have access to a growing alumni network of specialists who have already relocated to Lithuania and can help with settling in and everyday questions.
• You will build lasting professional connections within the Baltic tech ecosystem through day-to-day collaboration with your team and partner companies
  
  

Don't just take our word for it - hear it from the people who experienced it first hand.

What The Programme Does Not Cover

To avoid misunderstandings, please note the following costs and responsibilities remain with the participant:

• Participants must have sufficient personal funds to cover their initial living expenses in Lithuania before receiving their first salary (typically the first 1-2 months) (Exact amounts depend on personal lifestyle and housing choices.)
• These expenses usually include accommodation costs (rent and security deposit, often equal to two months' rent in total), food and daily living expenses, local transportation, and other personal settling-in costs.
• Salaries are paid according to the employer's payroll cycle, so there may be a gap between arrival and the first payment. You should plan your finances assuming you will not receive income immediately after arrival.
• If you choose to relocate with a spouse or partner, all travel, visa, insurance, accommodation and living costs for the accompanying person must be covered personally. The programme and participating companies do not cover dependents' relocation expenses.
• Minor migration-related document costs in your home country (for example passport issuance or renewal fees) are not covered by the programme
  
  

If you have any questions, feel free to reach [email protected]