ICT Manager - Software Development (Full Stack Web Developer)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background:

UN Global Pulse (UNGP) is an initiative of the Executive Office of Secretary-General (EOSG) founded in 2009. We work in support of the Secretary-General’s priorities, in advancement of the UN Charter. UNGP serves as a cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation. We have a globally distributed team in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. The teams work with digital innovation, strategic foresight, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. Our vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves to empower people and protect the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital innovation and science to inform, inspire and support the entire UN and those it serves, to anticipate and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The goals of the UNGP Network are: i) to generate knowledge, capabilities and approaches that support the transformation of the United Nations into a more agile and resilient ‘next-generation’ institution; ii) to create and accelerate the development of globally accessible approaches that help communities and partners anticipate and address emerging global challenges; and iii) to advocate for the global transformation of policies, practices and culture required to maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize its risk of harm, and ensure pathways to scale and sustainability.

UNOPS is seeking for the UN Global Pulse Network Global Data Access Initiative a Full Stack web developer.

Global Pulse’s GDAI is an initiative managed by UNOPS and the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) and across Pulse Labs that brings together UN agencies and private, public, and social sector partners for the development of data and AI products as digital public goods (DPGs). GDAI aspires to catalyze the formation of a cohesive and responsibly open ecosystem of data and AI products and services that reduces inefficiencies in the development of digital solutions for sustainable development and humanitarian action—with an initial focus on natural disaster response and recovery—to accelerate attainment of the sustainable development goals.

GDAI is a UNGP initiative that brings together UN agencies and private, public, and social sector partners for the development of data and AI products as digital public goods (DPGs). GDAI aspires to catalyze the formation of a cohesive and responsibly open ecosystem of data and AI products and services that reduces inefficiencies in the development of digital solutions for sustainable development and humanitarian action—with an initial focus on natural disaster response and recovery—to accelerate attainment of the sustainable development goals.

The Full Stack Web Developer will work with UN Global Pulse’s Global Data Access Initiative (GDAI) and be responsible for developing new and maintaining existing internet-based applications, systems and other solutions while ensuring the confidentiality, availability and integrity of the project’s information assets. The candidate must be able to work with a variety of data types, programming languages and platforms, must be comfortable with both hands-on development and research support, and must be adept at both understanding the information content of data and transforming and preparing it for analytical and reporting purposes.

Functional Responsibilities

Functional Areas: 1. Technical product development 2. Implementation guidance 3. Quality assurance 4. Collaboration

1- Technical Product Development:

• Develop, document, test, deploy and debug applications and systems (including back-end architectures and front-end interfaces) that will be used by the GDAI project;
• Work with the team to research, use and develop tools and libraries to create solutions implemented by the GDAI project;

• Implement iterative design and technical improvements for applications once they are launched, including scoping and development of new features

  2- Implementation Guidance:

• Advise on, design, implementation and management of solutions for web applications including system architecture, database models and coding standards.

• Assist with the development and work with APIs for integration with various data services; Provide support to the coordination of testing of solutions and processes by development and humanitarian partners to strengthen, adapt and improve the project’s efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support the operational research team in the planning, design, development and utilization of data processing systems for development and humanitarian response;

• Provide support to the coordination of testing of solutions and processes by development and humanitarian partners to strengthen, adapt and improve the project’s efficiency and effectiveness.

  3- Documentation and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure data security standards implementation;

• Produce technical documentation (software requirement specifications, high-level design and supply detailed design) ensuring high quality standards and sustainability;
• Assist the team to determine system requirements to meet user needs; analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls; prepare operating instructions;
• Support data security standards implementation;

• Support the identification of gaps and opportunities for improvement of existing solutions;

  4- Collaboration:

• Function as active member of wider UN Global Pulse Data and AI Capability team, including, participation in regular knowledge interchange, joint events etc.

• As part of this team, completion of other tasks as assigned across coding projects beyond GDAI.

• Assist with data migrations as needed

  Impact of Results

  The effective and successful achievement of key results by the Full Stack web developer is key to the success of Global Pulse’s Global Data Access Initiative (GDAI) which, in turn, positions the UN Global Pulse as a leading player in safeguarding the access and use of data for sustainable development and humanitarian actions and key contributor of digital public goods (DPGs) in service of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This promotes the image of UNOPS as an effective service provider and leader in innovation and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services at the global, regional, and local level.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• An advanced university degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• A first level degree with additional 2 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated software development experience with back-end and front-end programming languages (such as Python, Node/React, JavaScript, HTML/Sass, Java, PHP, etc.) is required;
• Demonstrated experience in web-based software development experience (with e.g. Apache, Flask, Express.js, etc.) is required;

Desirable experience (the following experience is optional; candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):

• Experience developing with open source software, libraries and frameworks is an asset.
• Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated SQL experience (Postgres and MySQL) is required, other database experience (SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB, etc.) is an asset;
• Experience with coding for geographic information systems (GIS) and satellite imagery is an asset;
• Experience integrating diverse applications using integration frameworks, web services and APIs is desirable;
• Experience working on distributed, international teams, with cross-cultural teams is an asset;

• Experience working in humanitarian context or international development projects is an asset.

  Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required;

• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
2. Contract level: ICS 10/IICA-2
3. Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Disclaimer: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual contractor Agreement will be issued.

The position is based in a family duty station.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.